Syracuse Football: Orange in Alliance of American Football, Week 1 recap

Several former Syracuse football players may not be in the NFL, but they’re participating in a brand new opportunity: the Alliance of American Football.

There are only so many roster spots in the NFL, not everyone can play, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for some of these guys in between. The Alliance of American Football provides another opportunity for players to continue to play the game they love and keep the NFL door ajar if they surpass expectations.

Currently there are four former Syracuse football players in the Alliance of American Football. Throw in two more executives and the Orange are well represented in this new football league.

This league consists of eight different teams across the United States.

The first batch of games is in the books for the AAF and the ratings were exceptional. So much so, that the first weekend of AAF games were viewed more then the NBA showcase game on ABC between the Oklahoma City Thunder vs the Houston Rockets. Football reigns supreme.

Here’s how some former Orange stars performed on opening weekend:

Amba Etta-Tawo, WR, Birmingham Iron

• Amba Etta-Tawo was with Syracuse for one season back in 2016. Quality over quantity perhaps? Amba had one of the best single seasons in program history after transferring over from Maryland: 94 receptions 1,482 yards and 14 touchdowns.
• Birmingham Iron wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo was targeted five times and came down with two receptions for 16 yards in a 26-0 blowout win over the Memphis Express.

Ervin Philips, WR, Atlanta Legends

• Ervin Philips was on the hill from 2014-17 and is the all-time reception leader in Orange history (223 receptions).
• Atlanta Legends wideout Erv Philips was targeted four times and had two receptions for 14 yards in a 40-6 loss to the Orlando Apollos.

Kevin Coyle, HC, Atlanta Legends

• Kevin Coyle was the Syracuse defensive coordinator from 1991-93.
• Coyle was initially hired by the Legends to be their defensive coordinator then surprisingly Brad Childress stepped down as head coach, forcing the Legends to give Coyle a promotion.

Andrew Tiller, OL, Orlando Apollos

• Tiller was with Syracuse from 2009-2011 and spent parts of six years in the NFL with five different NFL teams.
• Tiller was part of a 137 yard rushing effort for the Apollos as they started their season with a huge win over the Atlanta Legends.

Jordan Martin, DB, San Diego Fleet

• Jordan Martin spent his senior season with the Orange back in 2017.
• Martin registered a solo tackle, three assisted tackles, and four combined tackles with a pass deflection. Sadly the Fleet lost their first game of the season 15-6 to the San Antonio Commanders.

Dave Boller, GM, San Diego Fleet

• Dave Boller had been with Syracuse since 2017 and has been a key talent/recruit evaluator during his time before leaving to become the General Manager of the San Diego Fleet.
• By going to the Fleet, Boller is reunited with Mike Martz (head coach of the San Diego Fleet) who he had worked with previously in 1984.

If these players surpass expectations, there’s an “out-clause” in their contracts if the NFL comes calling. This could be the developmental league the NFL has been searching for decades and could be a great outlet for Orange stars to strut their stuff on a weekly basis.