As you look across the Alliance of American Football, numerous names stand out. Either from being Collegiate stars or names frequenting NFL rosters; the recognition is there. Then there are names most have never heard. The mantra “Opportunity for some, Redemption for others” stands especially tall amongst the ranks of the Birmingham Iron. With names like Trent Richardson, L’Damian Washington, and Braedon Bowman the search for opportunity and redemption culminates on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at Legion Field. In their first game against the Memphis Express, these guys will begin a 10-week journey back to football relevance.

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In a brief interview this week with Iron TE Braedon Bowman I got the chance to ask about his journey and what he hopes to achieve. Here is what he says about his time with the Iron so far…

Growing up in Mesa, Az Bowman attended Skyline High school. He was a big body receiver with a penchant for route running and catching the football. Surprisingly he received no offers out of high school and was a sophomore walk-on for Scottsdale Junior College. He led the nation in every category as a receiver that year. The University of South Alabama offered him a scholarship to come to play D1 ball after that impressive sophomore season.

After graduating in Mobile, Al Braedon spent a few seasons bouncing around the NFL suffering numerous unfortunate circumstances. Injuries plagued him and he just couldn’t seem to stick anywhere. When asked about the hardest he had ever been hit he named none other than Bobby Wagner of the Seattle Seahawks. This came during his rookie season while with the New York Jets.

I asked what he felt was his strongest attribute as a guy that has to block as well as play receiver. He stated that route running and catching the football was his strong suit but has been diligently working on his role in the run game as a blocker. He wants to prove since being healthy he can contribute at a high level and is worth his roster spot.

What are the Expectations for the Birmingham Iron?

We got around to his take on the Iron and he said he was very excited about the offense. Coaches Steve Logan and Ray Rychleski “have done a great job teaching and installing the offense”. When asked how Coach Tim Lewis has affected him as a player he went on to say “He demands the best out of you. Nothing less is accepted. He is a defensive genius. Being on the other side of the ball makes me better. We see so many different schemes and alignments in practice, we’re prepared for anything any defense tries to run.”

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When the question came up about the QBs on the roster he mentioned Keith Price. Price came in late but was “very impressive in San Antonio”. He also mentioned Luis Perez as a guy who was ready for the task but noted Blake Sims and the above-mentioned Price as both fully capable. He talked about Ledarious Perkins as a player to watch as well. Perkins being a running back for the Iron.

I made sure to poke the bear a bit by asking who he thought was the most dangerous team in the AAF. He responded with ” Vegas knows nothing! We have a legit shot.” His reference coming to the SuperBook odds released this week putting the Iron dead last. The young man is a class act. He is someone for the Birmingham community to look up to as a model of perseverance, the never quit attitude.

Catch Braedon and the rest of the Iron this Sunday, Feb 10, 2019, in the inaugural opener at Legion Field against the Memphis Express. Coverage will be provided by CBS Sports Network at 4 pm EST/3 pm CT.

Are you looking forward to the Birmingham Iron and the Alliance of American Football? Leave a comment below.

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Follow Bart on Twitter @BartStephenson1

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