The Arizona Hotshots are an American professional soccer team based in Tempe, Arizona. They are one of eight members of the American Football Federation (AAF), a newly established American football league with the goal of providing a new playground for players and fans. The Hotshots only played a single season from February to April 2019 before the AAF declared bankruptcy. Despite its short existence, the Hotshots have left certain marks in the ABC8 hearts of American football fans.
History of formation and development
The Arizona Hotshots were founded in 2018 as part of the American Football Association (AAF). The team is based in Tempe, Arizona and plays its home games at Sun Devil Stadium on the Arizona State University campus. The Hotshots are one of two AAF teams based in a city that already has an NFL team (the other is the Atlanta Legends, home to the NFL’s Falcons).
The Hotshots’ coach is Rick Neuheisel, a former USFL player and college head coach. Scott Brubaker is team president and Phil Savage is general manager.
Single season (2019)
The Hotshots had quite a successful season in the AAF. They finished the season with a 5-3 record, finishing second in the Western Conference and qualifying for the play-offs. However, the AAF announced a temporary suspension of football activities on April 2, 2019, and officially allowed players to leave their contracts to sign with NFL teams on April 4. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on April 17, 2019. At the time of bankruptcy, the Hotshots owed more than $1.2 million to Arizona State University for its lease at Sun Devil Stadium.
Squad and personnel
The Hotshots’ roster includes many talented players, some of whom have played in the NFL or other professional football leagues. Under the guidance of coach Rick Neuheisel, the Hotshots have shown an attractive and effective offensive style of play.
Influence and legacy
Although they only existed for a short time, the Arizona Hotshots left a certain legacy in the hearts of American football fans. They brought a breath of fresh air to professional football in Arizona and proved that there was a market for football beyond the NFL. The Hotshots’ short existence also raises questions about the sustainability of new football leagues and the challenges they face competing with the NFL.
In short
The Arizona Hotshots are a small but memorable part of American soccer history. Their short existence is a reminder of the difficulty of building a successful professional football league in a country dominated by the NFL. However, they have also proven that there is an interest and passion for football beyond the NFL, and perhaps one day, a new league will emerge and be successful, continuing what the Hotshots started. head.
