A new era of football in Baltimore is about to kick off. Indoor football.
“(It’s) high-flying, nonstop action,” said Baltimore Brigade head coach Omarr Smith.
“Four touchdowns in one minute,” added Brigade wide receiver/kick returner Reggie Gray.
“It’s exciting, it’s more flash,” said Brigade wide receiver Laquan Williams
Williams, one of Baltimore’s own, is thrilled to be a part of it.
“Just to compete on a professional level, for the hometown team, there’s nothing like it,” said Williams.
Williams grew up in East Baltimore. He’s a former Maryland Terrapin and former Baltimore Raven. Now he’s suiting up for his city’s newest pro team. The Baltimore Brigade begins its inaugural season in the Arena Football League Friday night at 7:00 p.m. The Brigade visit D.C. to face another expansion franchise, the Washington Valor.
“Itching to play another team,” said Williams. “We just wrapped up camp. We’ve been going against each other for a while. It’s going to be fun to go out there and start getting after someone else.”
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere. Such a unique opportunity with ourselves and the Valor playing their first games. It’s extremely special,”
One guy Brigade fans will get to know well in season number one is the captain, veteran receiver and kick returner Reggie Gray. How good is he? He’ll tell you.
“Five-time all-Arena, Arena Bowl MVP, Wide Receiver of the Year, Playmaker of the Year, Arena Bowl Champion,” said Gray listing his accolades.
RELATED: Baltimore's New AFL Team Unveils Name, Logo
Entering his seventh AFL season, Gray knows a thing or two about Arena League success and what the Brigade is up against.
“Other teams look at us as the worst team in the league. We have a lot of rookies. It’s an uphill battle, but it’s a challenge that I know I’m willing to take and my teammates are willing to take to surprise everybody,” said Gray.
The challenge begins Friday night.
“It kind of feels unreal that the game is so close right now. I don’t know if it’s nerves, if it’s excitement, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Friday night’s game is at Verizon Center.
The Brigade will play its first 3 games on the road. The first home game at Royal Farms Arena is on Sunday, May 7, against Tampa Bay.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerABC2 and Facebook
 |
|
 |
|
