Three football legends are teaming up to bring a brand-new professional sports franchise to the heart of Georgia, and the buzz is already electric. Former Georgia Bulldogs standout David Pollack, Atlanta Braves and Falcons star Brian Jordan, and Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis have announced plans to launch an Indoor Football League (IFL) team in Athens. This isn't just another expansion team—it's a homecoming for two of the state's most beloved athletes, with a little help from "The Bus."
The team is set to kick off its inaugural season in March 2027 at the state-of-the-art Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center, with games running through July. For a city that bleeds red and black every fall, this means year-round football excitement. "Athens is one of the great football communities in America, and it deserves more than just a season – it deserves a year-round connection to the game," Bettis said in a statement. "We're building something that's not just about wins and losses, but about pride, energy, and giving this city a team it can truly call its own."
The ownership group is pulling out all the stops to make this a community-driven effort. On May 21 at 11 a.m., they'll officially introduce the franchise at a public event featuring food, live music, and performances. Georgia legend Mark Richt is also expected to be in attendance, adding another layer of Bulldog royalty to the proceedings. Fans in attendance will even get a chance to weigh in on what the team should be called—so if you've ever dreamed of naming a pro football team, now's your shot.
The IFL, which formed in 2008, currently boasts 14 teams split into Eastern and Western Conferences. The Athens squad is slated to join the Eastern Conference, while a new team in San Jose, California, will round out the West. With fast-paced, high-scoring indoor football and a lineup of Hall of Fame talent in the ownership box, this is shaping up to be a must-watch addition to the sports landscape. Mark your calendars, Athens—your new team is coming.