Receiver Mark Chapman, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 CFL draft, won’t be playing for the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football league due to personal reasons.

Chapman was the first player with a national designation from the CFL to sign with an AAF team. From opportunity, monetary and career longevity standpoints, Chapman’s decision to sign in the AAF made complete sense.

Chapman signed with the Denver Broncos in July and attended training camp with the team playing in all four pre-season games making seven receptions for 58 yards. The Broncos released Chapman among the final training camp cuts.

He attended New York Giants rookie mini-camp but did not receive a contract offer in May. However, Chapman was impressive and put that on film for other teams around the NFL to see. All 32 teams attended the Central Michigan University pro day where Chapman performed well. Clearly, the Broncos took notice offering a contract in advance of training camp.

Chapman was selected No. 1 overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but the team and player were “light years apart” during contract negotiations last May. He came to Hamilton on June 29 to and watched as from owner Bob Young’s private box as the Ticats beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The trip was a positive one but no deal came to fruition.

The son of a marine, Chapman led Central Michigan University with 59 receptions and 875 yards while reaching the end zone five times in 13 games during his senior season in 2017. He made 147 receptions for 2,035 yards and 10 touchdowns over four years with the Chippewa’s.

Chapman always puts his family first and here’s hoping he can return to the football field once the personal concerns are taken care of.