2001, Feb 16th: "The Hits Just Keep Coming For 'Bolts' Star Linebacker"

This article appeared in the Birmingham Post-Herald, following, as you'll read, the team's victory against New York.

Players like James Willis were the reason I hated the XFL's tendency towards antics and some media suggestion that game outcomes would be pre-determined. I found that the former overshadowed some quality veteran talent in the league while the latter questioned its integrity. I certainly don't know Willis personally but to the extent that I ever knew him as a fan, he never struck me as someone who'd entertain the thought of "faking" a game.

Yes, the XFL was often silly but I quite liked the Bolts roster, even if they were unsuccessful. Willis a big reason why. Too bad the team couldn't have won more for him.

June 26th, 1974, Birmingham Post-Herald

"Jack Rabbit Start For This Tortoise" - Birmingham Post-Herald, April 3rd, 1991

"The Life And Career Of Joe Cribbs (Complete Story)"

Poch De La Rosa has written a piece for profootballhistory.com about running back Joe Cribbs which includes a look at his time in the USFL. It makes little mention of his on-field exploits but rather delves into what led to his entrance and quick exit from that league. The complete version can be found at this link.  

I  believe the article is from last month. It's certainly fairly recent since it displays social media posts by Cribbs from late last year. 

I would also draw your attention to a solid list of resources at the bottom of the page if you're a fan of the man.

Credit for the image above was not available.

"Bradley Sylve intercepts a pass during an (AAF) game against the Atlanta Legends"

Time to get some Iron in here. 

Birmingham Iron cornerback Bradley Sylve intercepts a pass during an Alliance of American Football game against the Atlanta Legends on March 31, 2019, at Legion Field in Birmingham. Butch Dill/Getty Images

"Ken Talton Is Off And Running..."

The image below was include in a 2018 (tongue in cheek) article by John Archibald about naming Birmingham's Alliance of American Football team.  I've done a little colouring and resizing work on it so it will look a little different than the one shown in the piece. 

Birmingham's #32 Stallions Ken Talton is off and running after getting the handoff from Reggie Collier, #10. 1983 Press Photo.

"8x10 B&W Photo 1974 WFL Birmingham Americans Receiver Alfred Jenkins"

The image below is copied from an ebay listing which I'll link to for as long as it's active.

The back of the picture identifies it as being from a game at the California Sun in mid-October. In fact, I found the back of the picture almost as interesting as the picture itself, so I would encourage anyone who comes across this post to check out the link. I don't want to overstep too much by copying it here. 

"Stallions: Professional Football Come to Birmingham"

I wish the scan was of better quality but I thought the image below was worth sharing nonetheless.  That day's edition of the Anniston Star had a few images from camp and yet another article about whether pro football could make it in Birmingham. It wasn't the first nor would it be the last.

I believe this was an insert though the 25 cent price tag gives me cause to question that.

February 4th, 2001: Memphis Maniax 22 @ Thunderbolts 20

"Ready For The X-Treme"

Apologies for how disjointed this article appears but Blogger is doing me no favours with its image sizing and formatting options.

As should be obvious, starting from 6D (the second scan), the article is meant to be read to the bottom of the left column then down the right again, even if they're displayed here as separate images. 

"Stallions Lure Former Tide, Tiger Stars" - Darryal Ray, Dec. 6th, 1982, Alabama Journal

"Dotsch Coach Without Team"

The following article was written by Darryal Ray for the Montgomery Advertiser. It appeared in the December 5th, 1982, edition.