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DALLAS (105.3 THE FAN) – A Utah-based franchise in the Indoor Football League that will begin play in 2017 is offering a unique level of involvement for fans — and on Oct. 22, an opportunity to be involved for aspiring professional football players, too.
“Our combines are what minor-league sports are all about,’’ Ray Austin, co-owner of the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, tells 105.3 The Fan. “We’re giving those guys one last shot, guys who maybe were one step slow or one inch short. We’re looking for that diamond in the rough.’’
Austin knows his football; he played in the NFL and was coached by both Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.
His group also understands the idea of integrating technology into sports; The Screaming Eagles — one of four franchises expected to participate in this combine, one of a handful that will be held across the country in sites including Columbus, Ohio and Orlando — are also a “fanchise.’’ … meaning that fans will literally be involved in the operation of the Utah team, from scouting to play-calling.
As the tease on the Fanchise website reads:
“We bought a football team. And we’re letting our fans run it. Seriously.’’
The Utah team’s name is fan-based, “Screaming Eagles” having been chosen by fans to honor the 101st Airborne Division that fought in World War II.
Salt Lake will be the 11th franchise in the IFL, whose most famous product is Kurt Warner, who jumped from the indoor league to NFL superstardom.
“That’s certainly the ultimate goal,’’ Austin says. “And an added component for us is, is might just be a fan who discovers that next prospect, the guy who starts with the Screaming Eagles and eventually lands an NFL training camp spot, or even more.’’
Adds DFW-based sports entrepreneur Andy Alberth, who is involved in the project: “It’s a step way beyond ‘fantasy football’; for the athletes and for the fans, it’s a fantasy come to life.”
The process starts with an assortment of almost-were’s — DFW is a hotbed for those — who are interested, and are talented enough, to made the 25-player roster and earn $250 per game, plus room and board during the season.
Among those expected to at: Former Dallas Cowboys defensive back Dakar Hamilton and former NFL defensive lineman Jerrod Black.
The Oct. 22 tryouts run from noon to 4 p.m. at D1 Dallas, at 8081 Walnut Hill Lane, a facility owned by standout NFL names Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys and LaDainian Tomlinson, formerly of TCU and the San Diego Chargers.
MORE INFO: SaltLakeScreamingEagles.com/tryouts
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