AFL Famous Figures

Famous names associated with the Arena Football League

The AFL has expanded in recent years and some well-known people have brought exposure to the league.

Jon Bon Jovi: Besides being one of the most recognizable singers in the world and an inspiration to many, he is the co-owner of the Philadelphia Soul. Under his ownership, the Soul have been among the league leaders in attendance, a consistent playoff contender and the last remaining undefeated team this season. The Wachovia Center is an entertaining arena and a strong home field advantage for Philadelphia. Good team performances, loyal fans and fun game atmospheres are the trademark of the Soul.

Ron Jaworski: A veteran NFL quarterback for many years, he is the other co-owner of the Soul. He is a well-known sportscaster and announcer for ESPN and has brought his football knowledge into the AFL. Jaworski is often seen at Soul home games, cheering on his team and also giving advice to team personnel before and after games. He is involved in the team management and operations and is determined to make the Soul en elite arena football team.

Jay Gruden: A former league MVP and starting quarterback, he is now the coach of the Orlando Predators. Gruden has turned the Predators into one of the most successful arena football franchises, winning two ArenaBowl championships and appearing in the ArenaBowl seven times. He is the younger brother of Jon Gruden, the current Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach. Jay Gruden also serves as an offensive assistant coach to the Buccaneers.

Arthur Blank: He is the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Force. He gained public support for dealing with the Michael Vick situation and for protecting the structure and integrity of his football teams. Georgia has been increasing their attendance each year and the Force are becoming more recognizable in their area. The Force have made the playoffs in four out of the last five years.

John Elway: He is the co-owner of the Colorado Crush. After an extensive and successful career as quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Elway is now having success with another football team. He is sometimes seen at Crush home games and playoff games, and is active in the business and financial areas of the Crush.

Neil Smith: The co-owner of the Kansas City Brigade. He played for 3 NFL teams and won 2 Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. Smith's number was retired during the 2006 Brigade season. He has brought exposure to a new and relatively small market arena team.

Kurt Warner: Currently the quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, he is the most well-known NFL player to come from arena football. He was quarterback of the Iowa Barnstormers, currently the New York Dragons, and generated lots of attention from NFL scouts.

Jerry Jones: He is the owner of the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Desperados. The Desperados have had a winning record in five out of their six years of existence. Last year, their 15-1 regular season was the best in league history.

Bernie Kosar: The former Cleveland Browns QB serves as the Cleveland Gladiators' President and CEO as well as the team's main spokesman to the local Cleveland media.

By Chad Fukoka
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

> Check out Chad's Arena Football Rules & AFL Basics article and see how your team is doing in the 2008 AFL standings as AFL teams continue to battle for a chance to play in Arena Bowl XXII!