50 Yard Football
Howie: IFL, AF1 tout digital growth as indoor football shifts to streaming-first model
The IFL said the shift in distribution represents a multi-thousand percent increase compared to its YouTube-only model from two years ago, when live audiences were significantly smaller.
AF1 Notebook: Albany blitzes Beaumont, improves to 2-0
BEAUMONT, Texas — Joshua Kulka threw six touchdown passes and the Albany Firebirds overwhelmed the Beaumont Renegades in an Arena Football One matchup Saturday afternoon. Kulka was efficient and explosive throughout, completing 17 of 26 passes for 281 yards and one interception as Albany dictated the tempo from the opening possession.
AF1 reports unprecedented digital surge, as Week 1 metrics shatter all-time records
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Arena Football One reported significant growth in digital engagement following the opening week of its 2026 season, according to league data released Wednesday. The league said it recorded sharp increases across multiple platforms in a year-over-year comparison with Week 1 of the 2025 season, including an 1,800%
Albany’s efficiency, Henry’s arm highlight Arena Football One Week 1
Albany wide receiver Duane Brown emerged as the league’s top scoring threat in Week 1, finishing with two touchdown receptions and a league-high 12 points.
AF1 Notebook
Albany quarterback Josh Kulka was named Arena Football One Player of the Week after throwing five touchdown passes in a 50-23 win over Minnesota on Saturday night. The Firebirds (1-0) visit Oregon (1-0) on Saturday night.
Howie: AF1 opens with Albany atop Fan Zone rankings
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
Howie: Monsters choose honesty over hype to launch weekly radio show
“We’re going to bring joy to people and we’re going to do it through football. Football’s our tool. Football’s our vehicle.” -- Minnesota Monsters general manager Meadow Lemon
Howie: Castronova signing with UFL the talk of AF1
Castronova’s signing validates the league as a legitimate proving ground. Producing talent that advances to the UFL strengthens AF1’s credibility. At the same time, it underscores the league’s challenge: retaining elite players long enough to build recognizable stars.
Howie: Indoor Football League Notebook
Howie is editor & publisher of 50-Yard Football The Indoor Football League, founded in 2009, enters its 18th consecutive season in 2026 as the longest continuously operating indoor football league in the United States and the sport’s de facto major league. With 14 teams across eight top-50 media markets,
Howie: Davis an ultra-elite Minnesota Monsters player to watch
“I want to be the greatest D lineman to play arena football. So that's why I'm still out here crafting and getting better every day because that's my goal, to be the best ever.” -- AF1 veteran defensive end Claude Davis
Howie: IFL Notebook
Arizona makes its season debut behind quarterback Max Meylor, the league’s reigning MVP. The offense includes receivers Arland Bruce, Isaiah Huston and Corey Reed Jr., with Ron Brown Jr. at running back.
Howie: The 10 most important people in arena football right now
If arena football stabilizes, history will trace it back to whether Jerry Kurz succeeds. Kurz understands the league’s past because he lived it. His challenge is preventing nostalgia from becoming policy. Expansion discipline, ownership vetting and media credibility all run through his office.
AF1 Notebook
By Howie Hanson, 50 Yard Football Several teams in America Football One made roster moves Friday, adding size along the lines and adjusting depth at quarterback and defensive back. Washington signed defensive lineman Javier Edwards (6-foot-2, 350 pounds) out of Colorado. Oregon made five additions, including defensive lineman Isaiah Pedack
Howie: Clark building Monsters to make a deep run in the AF1
A veteran emphasis may define the Monsters’ identity more than anything else. Clark said he deliberately avoided inexperienced arena players, opting instead to load camp with proven winners. At least 16 players on the current roster, he said, have won arena championships.