Sadly, the Alliance of American Football is no longer. On April 2, the league stopped operating.
Whether or not it was due to funding, or attendance, or other reasons, one thing is for sure: It is sad for the players, coaches, and personnel. Not only did some of them have to uproot their families to follow their dreams, but ultimately for a lot of the players, there was not enough time for them to show what they could offer NFL teams.
However, some players week in and week out shined in the new league, and one player to look out for is Charles Johnson.
Johnson played wide receiver for the Orlando Apollos and was a true bright spot for the league. He had 45 catches, 687 yards, and five touchdowns in eight weeks. Those are decent stats for anyone playing in a new system with new players. Having to get the feel for a new team can be a challenge, but Charles Johnson made the most of this special opportunity that the AAF gave.
The former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver may find himself on an NFL roster come the new season, and it may be smart for the Vikings to take a look at their old friend. The Vikings know Johnson, they know his strengths and weaknesses, and they now have two star wide receivers in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Charles Johnson would not be the Vikings’ No. 1 or 2 receivers anymore, and that could play out well for both parties. Having Johnson come in to compete for the third receiver role might be exactly what they need. Competition is never a bad thing, and Johnson knows now how important a second chance can be.
It truly is a shame that the newly founded league didn’t quite make it for whatever the true reason was, but for some players, it may have been just enough to re-energize their career.
