🏈 American 7s Football League (A7FL): A Bold New Chapter in Football ?

No pads, no helmets, just pure, unadulterated football action

Amid the dominance of the NFL, the growing buzz around Flag Football Leagues, and the continued rise and fall of XFL, I stumbled on something really awesome — the American 7s Football League (A7FL).

Established in 2015, this semi-professional league is redefining American football with a bold twist – no pads, no helmets, just pure, unadulterated football action 💥….You know, the type of sport you played or still play with your friends on the playground - somewhere between Rough Two-hand Touch and Tackle — but Pro!

🤔 What Sets the A7FL Apart:
In a world where the NFL reigns supreme, the A7FL offers a refreshing change. It's not just another league; it's football entertainment. Attracting a vibrant audience of 18-34-year-olds, the A7FL resonates particularly with Millennials and Gen-Xers, drawing fans who crave a more authentic and visceral football experience🌟.

🏃‍♂️ A Game-Changing Approach: Here, players battle it out in a 7-on-7 format on narrower fields, focusing on skill and agility.

• 7-on-7 Format on Narrower Fields: The A7FL's 7-on-7 format, played on narrower fields, emphasizes speed, agility, and strategic play. This contrasts with the NFL's 11-on-11 format on wider fields, which often focuses on power and physicality. The smaller team size in A7FL allows for a more open game with increased opportunities for individual player skills to shine.

• Absence of Traditional Protective Gear: Unlike the NFL, where players wear extensive protective gear, the A7FL's decision to forgo helmets and pads is based on the theory that the presence of helmets and pads can encourage players to engage in riskier, more aggressive behavior, potentially leading to more severe head injuries. The A7FL's model promotes caution and technique over brute force. It also allows you to humanize the players as you can see their faces on the field.

• Strategic Dimension: And without the false sense of security provided by helmets, players are more likely to use proper tackling techniques and avoid using their heads as weapons. This can lead to a more strategic and skillful form of play, focusing on positioning, footwork, and agility.

Check out some awesome highlights:

But what about the players? The league features a diverse array of athletes, many of whom have backgrounds in college football, semi-professional leagues, and other athletic endeavors. These players bring a mix of experience and raw talent, contributing to the dynamic and competitive nature of the games.

Does anyone watch? : The A7FL isn't just making noise….with millions social media followers and views and coverage from major sports networks, plus endorsements from icons like Snoop Dogg and Deion Sanders, the A7FL is quickly carving out its niche in the sports world. The league's games, broadcasted on platforms like Twitch, YouTube and DAZN, are capturing the attention of a global audience 🌍.

Disruptive Play - What needs to be true for A7FL to really take off?

• The Viewer Experience

  • In an era dominated by digital platforms, how can the A7FL utilize emerging technologies and social media to revolutionize the way football games are distributed and consumed by audiences?

    • Creators as Distribution - How about CazeTV - https://www.youtube.com/@CazeTV ? Who will be the first in the United States to deliver this experience ?

    • First Person POV - Think Deestroying 1v1s or Remember the Shaq Cam ?

• Real Athletes

  • How can the A7FL attract better talent ? Do they pull from other leagues ? Do they pull from Abroad? What big name do you want to see playing ?

• Elevating Player Narratives:

  • Can the A7FL's focus on player stories and off-field journeys challenge the traditional athlete archetype and create a new model for sports heroism?

• Cultural Disruption and Future Trends:

  • If the A7FL's raw and unfiltered style captures the public's imagination, could it signal a shift towards more authentic, less commercialized sports experiences?

  • How might the A7FL's growth challenge the NFL's cultural dominance and inspire a new generation of football that values player agency and fan interaction over traditional norms?

Join the Conversation: What are you thoughts on A7FL?