While the AAF proved that long-term financial stability is challenging for minor league football, particularly when your leadership isn’t as invested as they should be, it also proved that minor league football could be an avenue for cast aside players to prove they belong in the NFL.
39 different AAF players have signed contracts with NFL teams since the league folded, and many more are expected to make their way into NFL training camps come summertime.
One familiar face, at least to Seattle football fans, who is looking for a job is former University of Washington running back Bishop Sankey.
Sankey battled injuries, but was productive in the handful of appearances he made with the San Diego Fleet.
Sankey was a second round pick by the Titans after an accomplished career at UW. He never reached his potential in the NFL however, only rushing 199 times for 762 yards and three touchdowns before getting cut.
He bounced around multiple practice squads, but didn’t reach the NFL again.
Now, he’ll look to build off his time in the AAF and find his way into training camp.
Seattle is already pretty set at running back, with Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny locked in as the top two backs and C.J. Prosise, J.D. McKissic and Bo Scarbrough competing for carries as well.
However – adding another back in training camp to provide some competition is never a bad thing, and a player with Sankey’s experience and pedigree could result in Seattle unearthing a hidden gem.
