How many IFL players go NFL?
The Indoor Football League (IFL) serves as a stepping stone for players aspiring to make it to the National Football League (NFL). Several players from the IFL have the ultimate goal of transitioning to the NFL and have used their time in the IFL to continue on the path towards achieving this goal. Here, we'll explore the pathway from the IFL to the NFL and the experiences of some players in their pursuit of a career in the NFL.
Players' Experiences
Ryan Langford
- Ryan Langford, a linebacker, had a journey that involved stints with NFL teams such as the Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers, and the Arizona Cardinals. Despite facing rejection and challenges, he found an opportunity with the Arizona Rattlers in the IFL, where he continues to hone his skills and work towards a return to the NFL.
Jamal Miles
- Another player, Jamal Miles, who previously played in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos, also sought opportunities in the IFL with the Arizona Rattlers. His experience highlights the transition from the CFL to the IFL and the similarities and differences between the two leagues.
Challenges and Opportunities
Size of the Field
- One of the significant differences highlighted by Langford and Miles is the size of the field in the IFL compared to the NFL. The condensed area of the IFL field presents challenges in decision-making, alignments, and utilizing open field speed, which are crucial aspects for players transitioning from the NFL to the IFL.
Coach's Perspective
- Rattlers head coach Kevin Guy emphasized that the IFL provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills, make plays, and ultimately get noticed. He mentioned that many players who have tried out with NFL teams find the IFL as a platform to continue their careers and potentially make a return to the NFL.
Success Stories
Achieving NFL Contracts
- Coach Guy's coaching tenure with the Rattlers saw 46 players being coached into NFL contracts, highlighting the potential of the IFL as a pathway to the NFL for dedicated and talented players.
Personal Development
- Langford expressed the need to focus on being more physical and giving one's all, emphasizing the demanding nature of the game at the highest levels. His experience working alongside NFL players during tryouts and stints with NFL teams instilled in him the optimism and determination to play alongside professionals again.
The IFL as a Platform for NFL Aspirants
The experiences of Langford, Miles, and other players in the IFL demonstrate the league's role as a platform for players to continue their football careers, develop their skills, and pursue their ambitions of securing a place in the NFL. The IFL's multidimensional environment and its potential to provide opportunities for players to advance to the NFL make it a crucial part of the player development pathway in American football.
the transition from the IFL to the NFL is a journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and personal growth for players who aspire to compete at the highest level. The experiences of IFL players reflect the resilience, determination, and talent that drive their pursuit of a career in the NFL.
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