Just when you thought football was over... Bring on the AAF

Well the Super Bowl is over. Tom Brady has too many rings for one hand and everyone outside of Boston still hates the Patriots. But the worst part about last night, other than the atrocity of a football game we were subjected to, is that we all must now face the sad reality that football has officially come to an end. Or has it? The American Alliance of Football, or the AAF, will be kicking off its inaugural season this Saturday. That's right...not even one football free weekend. And it's not gimmicky XFL football. This has been marketed as a developmental league for the NFL and there are big names involved lending to its credibility. Former NFL general manager Bill Polian and executive J.K. McKay will oversee the league, with Charlie Ebersol as CEO. Other familiar names in the leadership department include Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Justin Tuck and Jared Allen. Steve Spurrier, Mike Singletary, Brad Childress, and Mike Martz, just to name a few, are among the coaches that will be leading their teams out on the field. It is a twelve week, eight team league made up of the following: Arizona Hotshots Atlanta Legends Birmingham Iron Memphis Express Orlando Apollos Salt Lake Stallions San Antonio Commanders San Diego Fleet Seems like it will be more or less a minor league for the NFL...some ex-NFL and undrafted college players that couldn't quite make it at the next level, but still have potential. Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn has even talked about sending scouts to check out the new league. And we all know how well the Lions organization is at evaluating talent, so I thoroughly expect the next Kurt Warner to be running out onto Ford Field very soon. It looks like the Lions have some ties with the San Diego Fleet, including former offensive coordinator Mike Martz who will be in the head coaching position. In addition, when players sign with the AAF they are assigned a team based on where they played in college or the NFL. Former Lions players are assigned to the Fleet, so this may be one of the teams to keep an eye on.   Now, I know it's not the NFL, but it's something to fill that depressing gap of time where the only football we have is Mel Kiper crawling out of his cave to comb his hair and spew his “expertise” about the upcoming draft. And there is only so much I can take of him and Todd McShay arguing about player upsides and gifted physicality or whatever dumb cliches they throw out there. I mean, c’mon Mel, shouldn’t you have to retire after that Jimmy Clausen bet in 2010? Draft speculation is fine for a day or two, but then I just want to see some real action. And the preseason in August is too far away. Even if it’s not the highest quality football, it’s still football. Plus, I’m a Lions fan, so if I can see a team get enough guys on the field and not hold every other play I’ll be satisfied. So bring on the AAF!