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WLAF Grants Franchise the Birmingham...

On April 18, 1990, Birmingham, Alabama, was granted a charter franchise in the newly formed World League...
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Football History

"WLAF Grants Franchise the Birmingham Fire"

On April 18, 1990, Birmingham, Alabama, was granted a charter franchise in the newly formed World League of American Football (WLAF), christened the Birmingham Fire. This marked a significant moment, bringing springtime professional football to a city with a history of supporting alternative leagues. The Fire became one of the ten inaugural teams, signaling the NFL's ambition to cultivate a developmental league with international appeal.

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The Birmingham Fire quickly established itself as a competitive team within the WLAF. Under the leadership of head coach Chan Gailey, the Fire reached the playoffs in both of its seasons, 1991 and 1992. Playing their home games at Legion Field, the team garnered a dedicated local fanbase, with initial enthusiasm drawing impressive crowds. While the WLAF ultimately folded in September 1992, the Birmingham Fire left a memorable mark on the city's sporting landscape and provided a platform for players and coaches who would later make their mark in the NFL.

  • TITLE: WLAF Grants Franchise the Birmingham Fire
  • EVENTDAY: April 18
  • FOOTBALL LEAGUE: World League of American Football
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Birmingham Fire
Football History

"1998 NFL Draft"

The 1998 NFL Draft, held on April 18-19, 1998, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was a draft class rich with talent that significantly shaped the league for years to come. The Indianapolis Colts held the first overall pick, a selection that would define their franchise for over a decade. The draft was particularly notable for the highly anticipated decision between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, a debate that dominated pre-draft discussions. Ultimately, the Colts chose Manning, a decision widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history, while Leaf, selected second by the San Diego Chargers, became one of the draft's biggest disappointments.
  • TITLE: 1998 NFL Draft
  • EVENTDAY: April 18
  • FOOTBALL: NFL Draft
  • OTHER: 1998 NFL Draft, Alan Faneca, Andre Wadsworth, Charles Woodson, Curtis Enis, Duane Starks, Fred Taylor, Grant Wistrom, Greg Ellis, Kyle Turley, Peyton Manning, Randy Moss, Ryan Leaf
Beyond the quarterback debate, the 1998 draft yielded several other impactful players across various positions. The Oakland Raiders, at pick number four, selected cornerback Charles Woodson, a Heisman Trophy winner who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career...

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