Don't miss Saturday Night Lights!

Be sure to tune into SNL tonight as DG will breakout the Deep End Sports' Top 20 Offensive skill players in The NMLF, as well as an update on all of the action from the world of Spring football.

Coming next week: Mid season All NMLF performers

That's right, as Deep End Sports has now been to see almost every team play, the Commish has also, so that means NMLF News will take a look at some outstanding performers for the first half of the 2009 season. Don't miss it!

NMLF Players of the week: Week 5

Another thrilling week in The NMLF, and two more players of the week:

Offense - Joey Durdaller - RB - NTX Falcons - 239 yds rushing and 3 TDS to power the Falcons O to a big win over San Angelo.

Defense - Raymond Allen - DB - NTX Seminoles - Blocked FG ret for TD, 2 passes defensed in a hard fought win over the ETX Storm.

NMLF Players of the week: Week 4

Another exciting week in The NMLF, and with it two more players of the week:


Offense - Mike Taylor - QB - San Angelo Spartans - 15 of 23, 237 yds, 2 TDS, 1 rushing TD, in a thrilling 34-27 win over The Texas Mavericks. It has taken The Spartans a little bit of time to get the offense going, but they seem to be headed in the right direction, thanks in large part to good QB play.

Defense - Richard Garrett - DB - WTX Drillers - 5 solo tackles, 1 INT RET for TD and 1 blocked FG RET for TD. Garrett is staking his claim as the best DB in the NMLF, as his performance helped The Drillers to big 20-7 win over the previously unbeaten NTX Falcons.

Congratulations to both players and teams on Saturday's outstanding performances.

NMLF Players of the Week: Week 3

Another exciting week in the NMLF, and with it two more players of the week:

Offense - Rocky Frank - RB - DFW Xpress - 200 total yards (rush and rec) and 2 scores, in a thrilling 24-22 loss to the San Antonio Warriors.

Defense - Jeremy Franklin - OLB - NTX Falcons - 8 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, fumble recovery and a safety in a 17-0 win over the WTX Outlaws.

Congratulations to both players for outstanding performances.

NMLF Players of the Week: Week 2

Another exciting week in the NMLF, and with it two more players stake a claim to league MVP honors, by being named player of the week:

Offense - James Tibbs - RB - Texas Mavs - 170 total yards (rushing and receiving), and 3 TDs in a 33-22 Mavs win over The Lone Star Pitbulls.

Defense - Brandon Taylor - CB - WTX Outlaws - 2 INT RET for TD, and 1 Punt RET for TD in a big win for the Outlaws over The San Angelo Spartans.


Congratulations to both players, and teams for great performances.

The NMLF season starts with a bang

The inaugural season of National Minor League Football kicked off Saturday with no shortage of excitement. The Breakdown radio show was on hand for the NMLF Game of the Week, (The ATX Tigers vs. The NTX Seminoles) with Kendre Hoggard checking in from the studio with updates from around the league. The 1st ever broadcast was solid, and look for the presentation to get better each week, starting with this week's game: The DFW Xpress hosting The ETX Storm. You can hear the re-broadcast of the game between ATX and The North Texas Seminoles by clicking on to: www.blogtalkradio.com/deependsports . The bar at the top of the page entitled NMLF Radio is the 2nd Half, while the bar below it (also entitled NMLF Radio)is the 1st half. NMLF Radio is on air (live), and on podcast (anytime) for your listening convenience.

NMLF Gametime: Get ready for Saturday Night!

That's right, the NMLF is on the air this Saturday at 6:30 pm! Johnny Cane, Lo Watts, and NMLF Scoreboard correspondant Kendre Hoggard have all the action, as the North Texas Seminoles host the ATX Tigers, in the first ever NMLF Game of the Week. The pregame starts at 6:30 pm, and you can listen at: www.blogtalkradio.com/deependsports .

Creepin' up on ya'

Two days. Two days until the debut of the NMLF. After all the hype, including shots fired at the NMLF and by the NMLF, it's time to ball. (Incidentally, those firing the most shots, are the ones that would never play in the NMLF, and won't be asked to anyway.) Most importantly though, it's time to strap it up and let it go. The players have put the work in, the coaches are finalizing last minute gameplan details, and the fans are ready for the show. Questions abound as the season begins: Can the DFW Xpress breakthrough and get longtime head man Truman Vernon a Magnum Cup? Will the North Texas Seminoles regain the 2004 form (as the Desoto Spartans) that took them to the title game? Can another North Texas team, the Falcons, put aside the division caused by having two teams in a small market at odds with one another, and show that THEY are the class of Wichita Falls? What about West Texas? Are the Drillers the team to beat, or are the Outlaws the best of the west? Does San Angelo have something to say about that? Down in the Hill Country, the Texas Mavericks and the ATX Tigers have the makings of a bloodfeud in a rivalry of two teams separated by one hour, and who's to say which has the upper hand there? The Plano Venom have started fresh as a new team, and bring playoff experience to the table, but will that help in a new league? Do the Lone Star Pitbulls have the gusto needed to win the Magnum Cup? The East Texas Storm are a team with championship aspirations that many people are talking about being in the mix for The Cup, but is that talk preamture? These questions and more will be answered this season as The Chase for the Magnum Cup is on!

NMLF: The next phase

As a player, my rookie year was in the old PSFL in 1995, where I was a teammate of DFW Xpress head coach Truman Vernon with the Dallas Vipers. Later, in 1997 after moving to the Mesquite Falcons in 1996, I played with Dewayne Gordon, a rookie DE, who would later coach the Dallas Xtreme, Desoto Spartans, and ultimately the North Texas Seminoles. Later, the UPFL was formed, and I moved on to the Dallas Titans for the 2002-2003 seasons. The TUFL came on the scene for me in 2004, and I had the chance to play with the Texas Coyotes and Dallas Xpress. Now, I am the Commissioner of the brand new NMLF. You see, leagues come and go, and yes, football leagues existed before the TUFL, and will exist after the NMLF as well. A popular misconception is that our league is trying to take over the TUFL by adding TUFL franchises, and that we are "at war" with them. Not true. I have many friends who coach and play in that league, and I wish them well. The NMLF's existence is not based on the TUFL or its teams. As to those that badmouth the NMLF, they just aren't relevant. People bump their gums and run their mouths all the time, as this is a free country. The NMLF is excited about the coming season, and future seasons, as we have big things planned. I know 2009 will be great, and wait until you get a load of 2010. The NMLF: Truly a higher level.

Inter league games

As the commissioner, I get to visit preseason games on occasion, and I visited an inter league game this weekend between The DFW Xpress (NMLF) and The Dallas Bengals (TUFL) on Saturday. Excellent football game, with good players on both sides. This was the 4th game for the Bengals and the 1ST game for the Xpress. The game ended in a 20-14 win for the Bengals, and after being tied at 14 in the first half, Xpress coach Truman Vernon pulled most of his 1st teamers for the 2nd half. Reports surfaced of the Bengals "loading up" for this game, i.e. recruiting players just for this game, and even one report of a player being paid just to play in this game. In some leagues, this is a common practice. The NMLF strives to avoid this type of behavior, as we believe a TRUE champion does not add players for one game, but instead builds a good roster, capable of winning a title the right way. This is one of the reasons that a game between the NMLF champion and another league's champion just wouldn't work, as the leagues play under different rules. There will always be teams that load up and add players anytime from any team they want, and there will be leagues that allow them to do it, just not National Minor League Football.

Don't miss Saturday Night Lights

On tonight's edition of the show, the announcement of the NMLF All Star Game format, as well as the establishing of the NMLF Offensive and Defensive MVP Watch List. Also, DFW Xpress head coach and CEO Truman Vernon sets the record straight, and ATX Tiger head coach Mike Jordan makes an appearance to discuss the Tigers and The NMLF. Get hot, log on and tune in, tonight at 9pm, as this is sure to be can't miss radio. (Click on the link to the right to listen)

NMLF News and Notes

The NMLF has announced the week 2 NMLF Game of the Week, to be broadcast on NMLF Gametime. The game will feature The DFW Xpress hosting The East Texas Storm, live, on February 28th, at 7pm......Monday, the league will announce its unique All Star Game format as well as the inception of the first ever NMLF MVP Watch List.....Sources in the league office have indicated that an "international event" is in the works.....While the Commish is not in the NFL handicapping biz, he says this weekend's Super Bowl will be won by the Pittsburgh Steelers. "Arizona QB Kurt Warner won't know where the pass rush is coming from", says the NMLF's top dog, adding: "If Cardinal WR Larry Fitzgerald has a huge day, and I mean HUGE, then Arizona has a chance. I just think Warner won't have time to get him the ball." From the entire staff at NMLF News enjoy the Super Bowl this Sunday, and remember: As one door closes (The NFL Season), another one opens (The NMFL Season).

Tonight on Saturday Night Lights: The 1st ever NMLF Game of the Week is announced

Tonight on Saturday Night Lights, the anouncement will come down as to which two teams will play in the first ever NMLF Game of the Week , to be played on Saturday, Feb. 21st , 2009, and broadcast live by the NMLF's radio production company, NMLF Gametime. (Tune in @ 9:00 pm (Central) by clicking on to the link to the official radio show of the NMLF on the right.)

Coming Feb. 21st: The NMLF Game of the Week...LIVE!

The NMLF has announced its plans to broadcast selected games during the 2009 season, as part of its arrangement with Deep End Sports Broadcasting. The schedule of games to be broadcast will be announced Monday, as will the booth and studio announcers. Also, The NMLF is seeking broadcast correspondents (for booth and sideline positions) in the following NMLF markets: Lubbock, Midland, Wichita Falls, Austin, San Antonio, San Angelo and Tyler. Former coaches and players are encouraged to apply. Intersted parties should e-mail NMLF Commissioner J.C. Kimey at commissioner.kimey@nmlf.org .

Ask the Commish

The staff over at NMLF News thought it might be a good idea to have a running Q and A with Commissioner Kimey, with the thought that this might turn into an ongoing cyber segment. So, here are a few commonly asked questions about the NMLF:

Q: Why is the league so strict on uniform policy?

Commissioner Kimey: First and foremost, uniformity is crucial to game presentation. Especially to those seeing our product for the first time. Potential sponsors, fans, as well as teams targeted for future expansion, need to see that our league is truly a higher level. Non matching helmets, face masks and socks may seem like a small thing, but they reflect on the league as a whole.

Q: What about the NFL style numbering policy?

Commissioner Kimey: Much like the NFL, this is done to aid the broadcasting of NMLF games.

Q: Will Deep End Sports Productions handle NMLF broadcasts?

Commissioner Kimey: Yes, and as I understand it, they are looking for former players to fill sideline, pregame show and booth broadcasting positions. Those interested can e-mail me at commissioner.kimey@nmlf.org

Q: I noticed that Saturday Night Lights (heard Mondays at 9pm) will be the home of the NMLF coaches' shows. Is that radio show property of the NMLF?

Commissioner Kimey: No. Although we enjoy a good relationship with SNL, that program is dedicated to semi-pro and minor league football players and teams from any league. I've heard guests on that show from many different leagues and I anticipate that will continue, as the fan base of that show is growing quite rapidly.

Q: Will the Commish have a show on Saturday Night Lights?

Commissioner Kimey: No. Nothing that formal. I will, however, appear on the show whenever I'm asked, and I will also appear for various NMLF press releases and special announcements.

If you have a question to submit to NMLF Commissioner J.C. Kimey, you can do so at the above mentioned e-mail address.

NMLF Playoff format to be released tonight

That's right, tune in to www.blogtalkradio.com/SaturdayNightLights at 9:00pm (Central) tonight and hear the announcement of National Minor League Football's unique playoff format, as well as discussion of recent NMLF developments.

Continental Conference play suspended for 2009

The NMLF announced that play in its Continental Conference would be suspended for the 2009 season. After several verbal commitments, and an agreement in principle, the NMLF granted an extension (to Dec. 26th) to prospective Conference rep Michael Merrit, (owner of 4 of the 5 Arkansas members of the Conference) for proper paperwork submission. However, the new deadline passed with Merrit unable to meet league standards regarding franchise hierarchy, structure, and on-field personnel. The NMLF wishes Mr. Merrit and the Arkansas and Tennessee franchises well in 2009, and will move forward with its expansion plans in 2010.

Dewayne Gordon named President of NMLF Internet Division

A man of many hats. Dewayne Gordon, Head Coach and CEO of The North Texas Seminoles and Chairman of The NMLF Competition Committee, has yet another title: President of the NMLF's Internet Division. Mr. Gordon will oversee the re-launch of NMLF.org, the league's often criticized website. Mr. Gordon will make sweeping changes, and I personally guarantee the fans will love the interactive capabilities of the new site. Stay tuned for developments as they happen, including that re-launch date.

Capital Conference Schedule Preview

The NMLF released its 2009 schedule for the Capital Conference, and some matchups are juicy indeed. Here's a look at some of the best games for each week:

Week 1 - ATX Tigers @ N.Texas Seminoles - Coach Jordan's young Cats face a stern roadie vs. Big Dewayne and the 'Noles
Week 2 - San Angelo Spartans @ W.Texas Outlaws - Izzy Lopez and his Spartans face a tough former NAFL squad in Lubbock
Week 3 - Plano Venom @ Lone Star Pitbulls - Young Venom take on Carol Trahan's Pitbulls in what should become a great rivalry
Week 4 - N.Texas Falcons @ W.Texas Drillers - Coach Branch and the Falcons head to Midland to take on a Driller squad looking to make a splash
Week 5 - DFW Xpress @ Grand Prairie Titans - Coach Vernon's veteran bunch looks to tame the hard charging Titans
Week 6 - ATX Tigers @ East Texas Storm - Another rugged roadie for the Cats as Coach Caldwell's Storm are tough in Tyler
Week 7 - DFW Xpress @ N.Texas Seminoles - "South Dallas Super Bowl" pits Coach Vernon vs. his former player and rival
Week 8 - NMLF BYE Week
Week 9 - East Texas Storm @ Plano Venom - Rivalry is re-born as many of these players know each other well
Week 10 - DFW Xpress @ Texas Mavericks - NoTex vs SoTex showdown gives Jay Saucedo's Mavs a chance to make a statement
Week 11 - Texas Mavericks @ Lone Star Pitbulls - The Mavs head up I-35 to visit the Pitbulls in a possible playoff preview

I left out several great games, like the "Battle of West Texas" (Drillers @ Outlaws, Wk 5), the "Hill Country Super Bowl" (Mavs @ Tigers, Wk 3) and the "East/West Civil War" (Falcons @ Storm, Wk 11). It's going to be a great season, and I haven't even mentioned the NMLF's unique playoff format. Stay tuned for that announcement.