For years Younghoe Koo was the prime example of the success of the AAF on the field despite all the issues the league had off it. Koo was able to restart his career in 2019 after his stint with the Atlanta Legends, earning a contract with the Atlanta Falcons after the league folded. The former Georgia State Kicker earned a 2020 pro bowl, a contract extension, and as of September 2022 over 20 million dollars since his failed stint with the LA Chargers in 2017. Now after the emergence of John Parker Romo, Koo is now released leaving only four players on NFL roster seven seasons removed from what many called the “Fyre Fest of Spring Football”.
Early Success:
The AAF saw 99 players earn contracts after the league ceased operations, with 49 of those players earning an NFL paycheck after 2019’s final cuts. The AAF had a pretty substantial impact during the 2020 NFL season with the COVID pandemic as because of the NFL’s skip tracing, and COVID policies many AAF players were brought on “taxi” squads due to players in proximity to COVID positive players would be deemed unable to play.
The Quarterbacks:
The 2019 AAF Quarterback class saw a decent amount of success after the season. Josh Woodrum (SL), Brandon Silvers (MEM), Logan Woodside (SA), Garrett Gilbert (ORL), John Wolford (ARI), Matt Simms (ATL), Luis Perez (BIR) all earned contracts after their AAF stints, with Woodrum, Woodside, Simms, Gilbert, and Wolford all staying on their respective teams roster for the 2019 season.
Wolford, Gilbert, and Woodside would all carve out decent NFL careers after the 2019 NFL season each staying in the league for multiple seasons after. Gilbert retired after the 2023 NFL season however, did managed to earn about 3 million dollars and start two games post his time in the AAF.
The Consistent Figures:
The AAF footprint dramatically decreased after the 2020 pandemic, whether it due in part to the 2020 XFL class, or the fact that scouting departments got back to “normal”, with more in person showcases, pro days, and interviews.
In 2021 Alex Barrett, JC Hassenauer, Damontre Moore, Jeremiah Poutasi, De’Vante Bausby, Greg Ward, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Cole Mazza, John Wolford, Logan Woodside, Garrett Gilbert, Daniel Brunskill, Elliott Fry, Mike Purcell, Jeremiah Kolone, Ryan Winslow, Aaron Adeoye, D’Ernest Johnson, Austin Larkin, Cameron Nizialek, Younghoe Koo, and Nick Folk were all that remained as far as AAF players who earned a paycheck in 2021. With the emergence of the USFL in 2022, the XFL’s return in 2023, and the merge of the UFL in 2024 the AAF imprint continued to decrease.
The Last Few:
After Koo’s release currently Daniel Brunskill, Logan Woodside, Nick Folk, and D’Ernest Johnson remain. All four players are consistently fighting for a roster spot, with Folk seemingly fighting father time now in his age-41 season. The AAF legacy stays alive with Woodside, and Johnson still managing to find their way on practice squads. Daniel Brunskill has found success as a reserve offensive lineman, who has earned 66 career starts, however as a 31-year-old, his NFL window at the demanding position can never be taken for granted. Also, worth noting is former AAF Hotshots QB John Wolford who has found his way on practice squads consistently at the end of the NFL seasons once injuries mount. Wolford was recently released by the Jaguars, however, should find himself on an NFL roster once again at some point.
The Future:
Realistically, if Koo doesn’t bounce back to an NFL squad the AAF imprint on the NFL may have their chapter closed within a season or two. Logan Woodside could extend the AAF’s streak, with his niche as a QB3 on Arthur Smith led offenses but outside of that it doesn’t seem like outside of Koo, the players will hang around much longer. While several AAF players are still active in the CFL or UFL, the ultimate goal of players finding a consistent home in the NFL seemingly appears bleak. As it stands now, AAF have earned $99,275,826 million dollars since 2019, with Koo (21.9 M), and Folk (15.5 M), accounting for about 33% of the income earned. Of the AAF class, 15 players would earn over 1 million dollars, with several more earning over 750k.
Coaching Staff:
Coaches have used the spring football leagues to springboard themselves back into relevance. Several coaches still remain in the NFL, several of them using the AAF as their ability to break into the coaching ranks.
Ken Zampese Atlanta Legends: Now with Atlanta Falcons (2024-present)
Lori Locust Birmingham Iron: Now with Tennessee Titans (2023-present)
Rick Minter Birmingham Iron: Now with LA Chargers (2024-present)
Trey Brown Birmingham Iron: Now with Cincinnati Bengals (2021-present)
Phil Savage Arizona Hotshots: Now with New York Jets (2019-present)
Randy Mueller Salt Lake Stallions: Now with New Orleans Saints (2024-present)
Kieth Williams San Antonio Commanders: Now with New Orleans Saints (2024-present)
Conclusion:
While the AAF’s story may be coming to a close, it is important to recognize the impact it had on so many players lives. Whether it’s the