http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/football/6847860.htm

Posted on Wed, Sep. 24, 2003

AFL adding Philly team co-owned by Bon Jovi
By Anthony Andro
Star-Telegram Staff Writer

The Arena Football League is building its version of the NFC East.

The league announced Tuesday that it would add the Philadelphia Soul next season, and the team could be in the same division as the Dallas Desperados and New York Dragons after realignment next month.

The Soul have instant star power with rocker Jon Bon Jovi as co-owner and former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski as president.

"The AFL is exciting to me as a fan and an owner," Bon Jovi said. "We're bringing action-packed football to fans in Philadelphia, a huge sports town. What I find so appealing about the AFL is the focus on the love of the game and our goal to provide solid sports and entertainment that's fun, affordable and fan friendly."

The Soul, the league's 18th franchise, will be coached by former Grand Rapids coach Mike Trigg, who left after this season.

Commissioner David Baker said the league will find out in the next two weeks whether an Austin franchise will begin play in February. Austin has already been awarded a franchise, but it still trying to work out an agreement to play its games at the Erwin Center.


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