AAL Offseason Spotlight

The Offseason for the American Arena League has been one of immense growth, and with that growth we as a league decided that it was time we roll out and put focus on all of our member teams one at a time. In this we will launch AAL Spotlight. Twice a month we will roll out a look at individual franchises in detail and spotlight one offensive and one defensive signing. 

On the franchise side this will include a short look at how they plan on functioning, where they play and for some a look into ownership and recent signings. On the player side we will get a look into who they are, what they have accomplished up to this point, and what kind of goals they have for 2027.

Without further introduction, let's look at the first team and players for this 2026-2007 offseason:

Franchise Focus: North Texas Steam

Denton, Texas

Arena: UNT Coliseum

Ownership:

Founder & CEO – Jordan Dunn

Chief Operating Officer – Erica Henderson

Chief Financial Officer – Arthur Harrison

General Partner – Russell Reed

General Partner – Dr. Jared Wilson, DC, CCSP

General Partner – Heidi Wilson

We won't lie and say the Steam have endured their fair share of adversity coming into the 2027 season. After the announcement during championship weekend in Wheeling, things became tight around the situation. Though past issues may have come to light, we are confident those issues have been dealt with and investigated to the point that some have been exaggerated beyond reason.

Ultimately, we are excited to see Dunn push past everything and prepare for the upcoming season without missing a beat. The Steam plan on playing at UNT Coliseum, also known as the “Super Pit”. The Pit is a 9,797-seat venue that will allow fans an up-close and personal seating arrangement and a pre-made fan base on the campus of a major college. The Steam seem to have all the makings of a franchise.

If you check the social media, they have done a great job keeping fans engaged with multiple posts a day, even explaining a few of the rules of the game to new fans. The engagement combined with a recent tryout has kept the hype train going! They have even begun the process of signing players, even nabbing a former FCS Division I athlete.

Overall, we are excited to see what Dunn and his staff can do in an excellent untapped market. In a region known for its football talent. He will have his work cut out for him as a first-time head coach, but what better place to prove yourself?

AAL Player Spotlights

Rome Redcats DB Nehemiah Reddish 

Our first Athlete in our offseason Player Spotlight series will be Nehemiah Reddish! The arena rookie comes into the American Arena League after a little time away from the sport. Though he may have taken a little time off from football between college and now, it makes his resume no less impressive.

Shorter University, also located in Rome, was blessed to have such an athlete for five seasons. In those five seasons, he absolutely shut down opposing offenses playing a nickel-style SS position. In his time with the Hawks, he set multiple records and gained notoriety as an All-GSC selection!

He just likes the team he plays for, and his alma mater is from Rome. Reddish comes in with the rare distinction of being a local player but not a depth piece. His 5’9”, 200-pound frame, leadership qualities, and “seek and destroy” on field Mentality lends itself to what many think could be a special rookie season. Rome wasn't built in a day, but with signings like this, it's hard to tell.

Montgomery Catfish WR Ty Pettaway

Our first Offensive player, Ty, comes in with a playing history and passion for the game that few can match. Though he didn't play college football and took a longer route to the pro ranks, it makes it no less impressive to be signed to play in 2027.

His story starts out in the GIFL, a small regional league meant to send players up and get guys used to the arena style of play and rules. It didn't take coaches long to recognize that the 6’4”, 225-pound wide receiver has talent beyond that of your typical developmental player. After stints with the 29ers and the Peach State Cats of the AAL2, he would be drafted to Mississippi as the second overall pick in the Inaugural AAL draft.

He would show out for Mississippi, and after some time got other pro-opportunities in a league that played a later schedule. His ability to win 50/50 balls, elude defensive backs, and outstretch most defenders is sought after in the game and makes him a valuable part of any team he is a part of. We at the AAL know that just having an opportunity is sometimes all it takes to completely change your football career or life, and celebrated athletes who pushed and clawed for that chance.

See you in two weeks when we look into yet another one of our franchises and spotlight two more athletes!