Trent Richardson is set to officially join the new Birmingham professional football team.

The former Alabama star told AL.com that he will sign with the team later today.

It had been delayed some because of Richardson still being under contract with Saskatchewan of the CFL, but Saskatchewan released him earlier this month to clear the way for him to sign with Alliance Birmingham within this new Alliance of American Football league.

"Excited about this," Richardson said. "Another opportunity for my professional career. Happy to be doing something that I really love doing, especially in Alabama and in Birmingham, which is a home away from home for me."

The primary goal for Richardson is to get back to the NFL, and the new league will provide a means for the 28-year old to show whether he's deserving of another NFL opportunity.

The 2011 Heisman finalist and former top-five draft pick hasn't played in an NFL game since 2014 but did have success in the CFL last year before suffering a season-ending injury.

In four games with Saskatchewan, Richardson ran for 259 and two touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. In his final game, he ran for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

Richardson has been working out in Birmingham under the guidance of former Alabama wide receiver Mike McCoy, training as part of a group that includes someone he's about to be teammates with again -- Blake Sims.

"I want us to win the championship," Richardson said. "If that's not the goal, you're in it for the wrong reasons. I'm trying to win at everything I do and then hopefully to also get back to the big show one day."