Halloween Night Football: Preview Brooklyn vs Boston

by FXFLnews

Tonight, on Halloween Night, the 2-0 Brooklyn Bolts visit the 1-2 Boston Brawlers, at Harvard Stadium in Boston. Reigniting the New York/Boston rivalry once again, in what will be the last meeting of the season, for the two teams.

In their previous encounter this season, at MCU Park in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bolts defeated the Boston Brawlers 27-20 in the Bolts first game in franchise history.

Tonight's encounter will be the Bolts first road game in franchise history, after winning both of their home games thus far.

Boston had struggled on the road, going 0-2 in their first two games of the season, falling to the Omaha Mammoths 41-18 in the first game in league history, and the Bolts in Week 2.

However, last week in Boston's only home game thus far, their debut at Harvard Stadium, they defeated the travelling Blacktips 28-10.

Brooklyn is coming off a narrow 15-13 victory over the Omaha Mammoths, who suffered their first loss, on the road, in that game.

In fact, this season, no team possesses a road victory. With the home team winning in every encounter through the first 3 weeks of the season.

Brooklyn looks to become the first, and with a victory would remain the only undefeated team in the FXFL.

Boston hopes to end Brooklyn's winning ways, and with a win would bring their record to an even 2-2 on the season.

Looking to improve on last weeks attendance, in a promotion the Brawlers are calling Brawloween, fans can purchase 1 ticket and get one free, using the promo code: BRAWLOWEEN.

The game starts at 7:30 pm Eastern, and can be seen nationally on ESPN3, in the New York market on SNY, and in the New England market on NESN, which marks the first time a Brawlers game is shown on the Flagship NESN, as opposed to NESNplus. The game can also be seen in other regions on Altitude TV, Cox Sports and Comcast SportsNet.

 

Brawlers Broadcast Change

by FXFLnews

The official Twitter of the Boston Brawlers is reporting that this Friday's Halloween night game between the Brooklyn Bolts and the Boston Brawlers will be broadcast on NESN instead of NESNplus. 

The game will also be broadcast on SNY in the New York market, and nationally on ESPN3, as well as other regional networks. 

FXFL On The Colbert Report

by FXFLnews

During Tuesday's episode of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, Stephen Colbert brings up the FXFL during his "Sport Report" bit. 

Although he seems to mock the league, he has at least raised awareness of the league, which was more than likely what he was trying to accomplish.

You can watch the segment below:

What's your take on Stephen Colbert's segment? Comment below.

Michael Sam To The FXFL?

by FXFLnews

NFL prospect Michael Sam was released from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad Tuesday. Sam spent seven weeks with Dallas after joining their practice squad on September 3rd, just days after being among the final cuts by the St. Louis Rams at the conclusion of the preseason. 

Sam, who is a former SEC defensive player of the year, was drafted by the Rams in the seventh round in May, and recorded three sacks for the Rams this preseason.

Following his release Sam took to Twitter:

The official Twitter account of the FXFL, responded to Sam’s Tweets with the following:

It seems as though there is interest on the FXFL side to bring Sam into the FXFL, on his journey back to an NFL roster.

Sam would be a perfect fit in the FXFL, with its developmental format. Sam would also provide for the FXFL a big name that garnered a lot of press in the preseason for being the first openly Gay athlete to play professional football.

With the media this preseason virtually following Sam’s every move, a move to the FXFL would perhaps garner additional media attention for the FXFL, and get more people behind its experimental developmental concept.


And of course, if Sam is successful in his comeback, the FXFL would stand to garner even more attention, for its successful developmental concept.

Michael Sam Sacks Johnny Manziel during the preseason. 

What's your take on the possibility of Michael Sam in the FXFL? Comment below.

Mike Golic Speaks With Harry Cicma

Below is the interview Harry Cicma conducted with ESPN's Mike Golic, during the Brooklyn Bolts vs. Omaha Mammoths broadcast: 

Brooklyn's John Bock Talks Victory Over Omaha

Brooklyn Head Coach John Bock discusses last night's victory over Omaha:

Game Recap: Brooklyn vs Omaha

by FXFLnews

Brooklyn defeats Omaha 15-13

On Friday night, in the Nationally Televised Game of the Week, The Brooklyn Bolts picked up their second win, and gave the Omaha Mammoths their first loss of the season.

Brooklyn Kicker Nick Marsh, who had missed both extra point attempts in this game, redeemed himself by kicking a 36-yard, go-ahead Field Goal with only 12 seconds left in the game.

The Field Goal put the Bolts up 15-13, and they went on to win by that score.

The Field Goal was set up after Brooklyn got the ball back in the Fourth Quarter, after blocking a 24-yard Field Goal attempt by Omaha’s Trey Barrow, giving Brooklyn the ball back with only 2:51 left in the game.

Brooklyn then got into Field Goal range with a 49-yard pass from Brooklyn QB Corey Robinson to A.C. Leonard, on Third-and-8.

Nick Marsh came through with the game on the line, after missing two extra point attempts; he hit the 36-yard Field Goal for the win.

For the Mammoths, QB Brock Jensen had two rushing Touchdowns. Trey Barrow missed one of two of his extra point tries. 

Brooklyn drew and estimated 3500 fans for the game, which is a significant improvement on the 1500 fans that attended last week's game.

Next week, Brooklyn travels to Boston on Halloween night, in their first road game. 

The Omaha Mammoths do not play again until November 5th, welcoming the Boston Brawlers to Omaha, in what will be Boston’s second game in Omaha.

What did you think of the game? Comment below.

Game Recap: Boston Brawlers vs Blacktips

by FXFLnews

Boston defeats Blacktips 28-10

In the non-televised game of the week, the Boston Brawlers picked up their first win of the season, defeated the Traveling Blacktips, 28-10.

Tajh Boyd was the star of this game; Boyd had 4 Touchdowns, including a 72-yard pass to Emmanuel Moody, and a 54-yard pass to Jasper Collins Jr.

Collins would score again, on a Touchdown pass from Boyd in the Fourth Quarter. Boston Tight End Kyle Auffrey also scored on a 19-yard pass from Boyd, in the Third Quarter.

With 1:59 left in the game, and Boston leading 28-10, they sealed the game with an Interception in the closing minutes of the game by Phillip Steward.

Clancy finished the game 12 of 31 for 114 passing yards, 1 Touchdown, and 1 interception. Clancy’s receivers had 9 drops.

Next week Boston welcomes the Brooklyn Bolts to Harvard Stadium on Halloween night, in what is Brooklyn’s first road game.

The Blacktips don’t play again until November 7th when they travel to Brooklyn, to face the Bolts.

What did you think of the game? Comment below.

FXFL Signs Multiyear Deal With Nivea Men

by FXFLnews

Nivea Men becomes second FXFL corporate sponsor.

Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal is reporting that the FXFL has reached a new sponsorship agreement. 

The FXFL and Nivea Men have agreed to what they are calling a multiyear sponsorship deal for the league. 

Nivea joins Adidas as the initial corporate sponsors of the FXFL. 

Nivea Men will serve as the presenting sponsor for the league.

“Landing a partner like Nivea is a great start for us," said Commissioner Brian Woods.

Nivea Men will have its branding placed on the field of play, the goalposts, jerseys, helmets, and towels. Nivea Men will headline FXFL halftime shows, sample their products during games, and all FXFL players will receive Nivea products.

Nivea Men will also sponsor the league’s MVP award, place advertisements on FXFL broadcasts, and will be part of a planned reality show about the league. 

The sponsorship deal is expected to be effective immediately, and Nivea Men branding could be seen as early as tomorrow’s game between the Omaha Mammoths and the Brooklyn Bolts, which can be seen nationally, on ESPN3, and on various other regional networks, including SNY in New York. 

What's your take on the deal? Comment below.

Omaha's Mister Alexander Signs With The Bucaneers

by FXFLnews

Alexander during his time with the Texans.

Previously here on FXFLnews, we mentioned that a number of Omaha Mammoths were currently receiving NFL Tryouts, one of them, LB Mister Alexander has been called up to the NFL.

From SportsTalkFlorida.com:

Former Florida State linebacker Mister Alexander is getting another shot in the NFL. He’s signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today as a member of the practice squad.

Alexander worked out for the Bucs earlier today and should help their current situation, given injuries to both Danny Lansanah and Jonathan Casillas.

The team hasn’t announced any corresponding moves although there should be a few with return specialist Trindon Holliday also jumping onboard.

Alexander (6-3, 252) has most recently been with the Omaha Mammoths of the FXFL and spent last year playing in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts.

Prior to that, he spent two years (2011-2012) with the Houston Texans. In 14 games with the Texans, he registered 12 combined tackles.

Congratulations to Mister Alexander, who becomes yet another player to be called up to the NFL from the FXFL, already this season. 

Source: http://www.sportstalkflorida.com/bucs-signing-former-fsu-lb-mister-alexander/

Omaha Dealing With Positive and Negative Roster Issues

Omaha's Adrian Hamilton walks to the locker room during last week's game.

The Positive:

Omaha coach Sandy Buda said before practice Monday night that linebacker Mister Alexander and receivers Eric Thomas and Tramaine Thompson were getting tryouts with NFL teams this week, putting their status in doubt for the Friday night game against the Bolts.

“They’re getting a chance,” Buda said. “That’s what this league is about.”


The Negative:

Omaha has experienced a run of injuries in their first two games, which could create a potential numbers problem for this Friday’s nationally televised game with the Brooklyn Bolts.

Buda said linebacker Adrian Hamilton and tailback John Griffin are both out two weeks with minor knee injuries. The Mammoths already have lost offensive tackle Ryan McGrath (knee), tailback Tim Flanders (broken hand) and defensive back Julian Lewis (broken leg) for the FXFL season.

Omaha has picked up Dominique Whaley from the Blacktips to go with LaDarius Perkins at running back, but Perkins is wearing a brace after tweaking a knee last week. Defensive back Jericho Nelson remains available if the Mammoths need backfield help.

Omaha also has added cornerback Antonio Marshall but will leave Thursday with anywhere between 35 and 38 players depending on the NFL tryouts. No other moves are likely this week.

“We’re probably going to have to live with what we got for Brooklyn,” Buda said.



Source: http://www.omaha.com/sports/omaha-may-miss-players-getting-nfl-tryouts/article_18103ed8-b1a2-5283-a6ca-94889e6005d3.html

New Episode of Inside the FXFL

You can watch episode 2 of the syndicated program, Inside the FXFL below:

Bolts vs Boston Brawlers Highlights & Interviews

Highlights, and additional interviews with Commissioner Woods, Brooklyn QB Corey Robinson, and WR Kevin Elliott can be seen below: 

Maurice Jones-Drew To The FXFL?

Maurice Jones-Drew to the FXFL?'

NO… Says FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods.

Woods explained that this will not model after the UFL, and it will focus on working with young players, and not guys whose shelf life has expired in the NFL.

“I got a call a couple of weeks ago from Maurice Jones-Drew. He wanted to play in this league. I told him you can probably do very well in this league, but I think your career as an NFL running back is probably over at this point.”

When asked why the Commissioner wouldn’t be interested in the addition of a high profile player like Jones-Drew to the FXFL, the Commissioner responded by reiterating that the FXFL is a developmental league, and not a “commercial league under the guise of a developmental league.”

The hope is for the NFL to partner with the FXFL down the road and make it THE developmental league.

Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10/16/brooklyn-bolts-bring-football-back-to-prideful-city/

Game Recap: Mammoths defeat Blacktips

Team	1	2	3	4	F
Blacktips	6	0	7	6	19
Mammoths	3	3	7	7	20

Playing in front of a crowd estimated at 1,500, Omaha wasn’t quite as sharp as in its 41-18 win over Boston in its FXFL debut the week before.

Omaha survived Wednesday night despite falling behind 6-0 early and later immediately giving back a touchdown after it had taken a 13-6 lead in the third quarter.

Jefferson got the Mammoths out of the hole with an 18-yard pass to tight end Ernst Brun. Then the home team required some magic from Thomas, the Sun Belt Conference’s all-time leader with 28 receiving touchdowns.

Out of its 311 total yards, 66 came on the Thomas catch and 70 on a 17-play scoring drive to start the second half.

The Mammoths held the ball for 10:23 on that 17-play, 70-yard drive to go ahead 13-6 on quarterback Brock Jensen’s 1-yard run. Joe Clancy then completed 4 of 6 passes for 76 yards on the Blacktips’ following possession, including the 23-yard touchdown to Isaiah Voegeli that tied the game with 41 seconds left in the third quarter.

Clancy led the Blacktips back again after the Thomas touchdown. They pulled within 20-19 when Dominique Whaley scored on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1, before the failed PAT.

The Blacktips had the football one last time, but Cox intercepted a Clancy desperation heave as time expired.

The Blacktips lose in their debut, as Omaha improves to 2-0. Omaha will visit Brooklyn next Friday, in their first road game.

Source: http://www.omaha.com/sports/missed-extra-point-helps-mammoths-survive/article_a54427f4-55d4-5806-aaaf-726c8b899a62.html

Video Recap: Bolts defeat Brawlers

Reactions to First FXFL Game In Brooklyn

Following Wednesday night's game, Brooklyn Bolts Head Coach John Bock, FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods, and Bolts players RB Kareem Huggins, and WR Kevin Elliott spoke with some members of the media, you can watch the interviews below:

Brooklyn Bolts Head Coach John Bock

RB Kareem Huggins and WR Kevin Elliott

FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods

FXFL Attendance Brooklyn

Rowdy Bolts fans described during the Broadcast as "Brooklyn's version of the Dog Pound." 

Multiple sources are reporting at this time that the announced attendance at MCU Park for the inaugural Brooklyn Bolts game was 1,393.

Despite the small number, the 1,393 on hand, braved the wind and the rain, and were quite boisterous throughout the entire game.

Chants could be heard from the crowd almost the entire night, including chants of "Boston sucks" "Brooklyn" "B-O-L-T-S-B-O-L-T-S" and a booming reaction to the go-ahead safety at the end of the 3rd Quarter.

Brooklyn returns to MCU Park to take on the Omaha Mammoths, next Friday, the game will once again be carried on ESPN3, as well as SNY. 

FXFL Wednesday Night Football

The first full week of play for the FXFL is in the books.

 In Omaha, the Mammoths defeated the Blacktips 20-19 in what was, by all accounts, a very exciting game.

In Brooklyn, on the Nationally televised match up between the Brooklyn Bolts and the Boston Brawlers, Brooklyn defeated Boston 27-20, in what was a very exciting game; that had the fans on hand in Brooklyn riled up. The fans were loud, and the quality of football played, was excellent, despite a brutal rain storm, that caused technical difficulties on both SNY and ESPN3.

We hope to have additional reports and news, including stats, in the coming days.

What did you think of the games this week? Comment below.

Brooklyn Bolts Celebration Ceremony

You can check out video from the Brooklyn Bolts Celebration Ceremony below:

FXFL Tonight: Boston vs. Brooklyn

Tonight live on ESPN3, SNY, and NESNplus at 7:30pm eastern, The Boston Brawlers take on the Brooklyn Bolts, at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY. The first game played in the history of the Bolts franchise.

It is the first professional football game played in the borough of Brooklyn since 1949, when the Brooklyn Dodgers football club last played. It is also the first professional football game played in the city of New York since the New York Jets last played at Shea Stadium in 1983.

The Bolts were named after the Thunderbolt Rollercoaster that can be seen just beyond the Left Field wall. 

Key players for the Bolts include QB Corey Robinson, who finished his career at Troy as the leader in 11 different offensive categories. Robinson also ranks 9th all time in NCAA passing yards, just 140 yards behind the NFL's Phillip Rivers. 

Robinson set an NCAA single-game record for completion percentage when he completed 30 of 32 passes against UAB on August 31st, 2013.

Running Back Kareem Huggins is a local product, born in New Jersey, and served as the back up to Cadillac Williams in the NFL for thr Tampa Bay Buccaneers, until an injury ended his season. He was last a member of the New York Jets practice squad.

Mike Golic Jr. the son of the Mike Golic, is a member of the Bolts Offensive Line, he had previously attended Notre Dame.

Other notable players include former NFL players RB Mario Fannin, and WRs D.J. Foster,Quintin Payton, and Kevin Elliot. 

The Boston Brawlers look to improve on their Week 1 performance, in which they were defeated 41-18. 

The Brawlers boast QB Tahj Boyd, who was selected in the 6th Round of this year's draft by the New York Jets. 

All the action begins tonight at 7:30pm eastern, and can be seen on ESPN3, SNY, and NESNplus, other regional networks will have the game as well, check your local listings.

Commissioner Brian Woods Participates in Reddit AMA

FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods participated in a Reddit AMA session yesterday, here are some of the highlights:

When asked about what the FXFL looks for in potential host cities, Commissioner Woods replied:

"We are looking for cities that have shown strong interest or a history of supporting minor league sports. Specifically we are looking for appropriate venues and ideal ownership groups. The model we have in Brooklyn with the NY Mets/Brooklyn Cyclones is an example of the partnerships the FXFL will forge as we build our membership."


When asked about the Blacktips situation, Woods replied:

"The Blacktips are an all-star format allowing the FXFL to cycle in more players in our inaugural season. That being said, we are committed to providing the fans with an outstanding on-field product and players such as former 3rd round draft pick Myron Lewis are on the Blacktips roster."


When asked about adding additional teams in the future, Woods replied:

"We plan to augment our membership by 2-3 teams in 2015. Wanted to ask the redditors tonight - what cities would you like the FXFL to be in - also love to hear thoughts, ideas and any fan support is always needed - we have a big nationally televised game tomorrow night in Brooklyn. At Coney Island MCU Park - which is breathtaking overlooking the rollercoasters, beach and water. A true one of a kind venue which will look awesome for the fans!"

When asked about about the posibility of partnering with other Minor League teams, Woods replied:

"The partnership with the NY Mets and Brooklyn Cyclones exemplify the business model of the FXFL as we move forward in future years. I hope you guys can come out tomorrow night as you will have a ton of fun and see some great football at MCU Park."


You can check out the entire AMA here.

Bolts Reveal Jerseys

The official Twitter account of the Brooklyn Bolts @BrooklynBolts revealed their Home Jerseys yesterday, ahead of tonight's game, here is a look:

Source: https://twitter.com/BrooklynBolts/status/522128082543853568

Brooklyn Welcomes Their Bolts

In anticipation of the first professional football game played in Brooklyn since 1944, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams (pictured below), Councilmember Mark Treyger and Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carlo Scissura welcomed the Brooklyn Bolts in a special ceremony at Borough Hall.


The Bolts, who play in the Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL) and are co-owned by the league and Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, will play their first game on Wednesday night at MCU Park in Coney Island, the summer home of the Brooklyn Cyclones.


You can catch the game tonight at 7:30 on SNY, ESPN3 and NESNplus.

Source: http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2014/10/14/photo-eric-adams-welcomes-brooklyn-bolts-borough-hall

FXFL Attendance

The FXFL kicked off Wednesday night at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, home of the Creighton Bluejays baseball team and the College World Series. The home team, the Omaha Mammoths, dominated the game and defeated the Boston Brawlers 41-18 in the first game in league history.


According to Rich Kaipust of the Omaha World-Herald, FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods was pleased with the turnout. Kaipust estimated the crowd to be about 3,000 in the 24,505-seat stadium. Omaha previously supported the United Football League's Omaha Nighthawks well with crowds in excess of 20,000 every game in 2010.


Source: http://sportsfranchises.sportsblog.com/posts/1133849/fxfl_opener_draws_estimated_3_000_attendance.html

FXFL Opening Night

In the FXFL's opening night game, the Omaha Mammoths defeated the Boston Brawlers, 41-18. In a game that saw great quality football, and a great start for the FXFL.

FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods Appears on Mike & Mike in the Morning

Brian Woods the Commissioner of the FXFL appears on Mike & Mike in the Morning to discuss the FXFL.

FXFL Announces its Four Initial Teams

In this, the inaugural FXFL season, the league will field four teams:

The Brooklyn Bolts, which will play their home games at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY

The Boston Brawlers, which will play their home games at Harvard Stadium

The Omaha Mammoths, which will play their home games at TD Ameritrade Park, in Omaha, Nebraska.

And, finally the Blacktips, originally slated to play in Florida, will now serve as a road only team, with a revolving roster of players, in an effort to provide opportunities for more players.

The season will begin Wednesday October 8th, as Boston visits Omaha at TD Ameritrade Park.

FXFL Announces Deal With ESPN

Press Release: FXFL To Be Carried on ESPN 

FXFL To Be Carried on ESPN 

PR Newswire 

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2014 

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL) and ESPN today announced an agreement to deliver the FXFL’s inaugural season through ESPN3, ESPN’s live multi-screen sports network. The agreement will provide national coverage of the League on ESPN3 across screens through an affiliated video or internet provider. 

“ESPN is the gold standard when it comes to delivering high-quality sports broadcasting, and we are thrilled to be able to participate with ESPN3,” said FXFL Commissioner Brian Woods. “The ability to stream the League’s games via the Internet will provide FXFL fans with an opportunity to see out-of-market games, and ultimately showcase our players, coaches and referees as the next generation of professional talent.” 

In a recent segment on ESPN’s television and radio simulcast “Mike & Mike” show, co-host Mike Golic said “There needs to be a minor league in football. Not a competing league, not one that plays a different kind of football, one that essentially is a feeder league to the NFL.”

The FXFL debuts this fall!

A new developmental football league, the FXFL is set to begin this fall, the following is an excerpt from an ESPN.com article, of which you can view the entire article here 

Its time has come: The next great innovation in the NFL? How about a developmental football league?
A league for undrafted rookies to fall back on after final NFL roster cuts and to keep in football shape, physically and mentally. A league to develop out-of-work coaches and young referees. A league to experiment with rules changes and technological advancements.
This is one of those ideas that is so obvious that you wonder why it hasn’t been done.

Brian Woods, a sports attorney, believes he has created it.
Coming this fall: Woods, 40, is the founder and creator of the FXFL – the Fall Experimental Football League. So far, there is no affiliation with or cooperation from the NFL. But Woods predicts that will change when the NFL sees the FXFL operate this fall.
“There’s no mystery there needs to be a developmental league,” Woods said. “I think the challenging part is coming up with a business model and design it properly. I’ve spent a lot of time researching this. I’ve looked closely at the NBA Developmental League and at Minor League Baseball. We’ve come a long way in a very short period of time. We’re financially backed and ready to launch this fall.”

Based in New York, Woods said the FXFL will debut in September with teams in six markets – New York, Orlando, Omaha, Portland, Boston and Memphis or San Antonio.
The league itself will own and operate two of the teams, but Woods said the others have financial backing from some “high-profile investors.” Franchise fees were set at $500,000. Team names and owners will be announced within two weeks, Woods said.
“A lot of people are questioning our ability to launch in a short timeframe. Some of our partners are going to be minor league baseball teams. They have an infra-structure in place, good marketing teams, built-in customer base. We’re able to mobilize much quicker than most people think,” Woods said.

“The league is not predicated on TV revenue. But I will tell you I am in very good discussions with some major networks about televising the season. If the NFL were involved, it would be slam dunk. We’re going to have a TV partner wrapped up within two weeks.”

Woods said the FXFL will have six teams playing a six-game schedule from September to November. Games will be Wednesday nights.

Woods believes NFL Europe, while well-intentioned, failed for obvious reasons.
“That was not very cost-effective,” he said. “They played in big venues, and shipped the players out (overseas). I think the best structure is a developmental league that plays in the fall, not in the spring. This again is the benefit – play on weeknights, use a cost-containment model, play in minor league baseball venues.”

Woods said FXFL teams will have rosters of 40 players and coaching staffs will consist of a head coach and six assistants. Players would receive between $1,000 and $1,250 a game, which is more than the Arena Football League rate of about $850.
The league would develop players, coaches and officials and also experiment with innovations the NFL has discussed. “Our long-term goal, obviously, is to have an official recognition from the NFL,” Woods said. “I think everyone sees a need for this.”

I believe this is an excellent idea, and one that is long overdue, I cannot wait for this league to begin play.