Express Steaming into The GDFL

The upcoming 2018 Season marks the inaugural GDFL season for the Erie Express. 

The Gridiron Development Football League (GDFL) is proud to announce the addition and partnership of the league’s newest team, the Erie Express.

The  Erie Express bring a professional brand of football, as well as experience and are looking to compete on a national platform, in only seven seasons of minor league football the Express have managed to put a successful product on and off the field.  They have successfully had 57 of their players sign pro contracts from the NFL to multiple Indoor teams .With a talented roster and standout players like #7 DL-Dajuan Smith-Gannon University-82 career sacks along with a host of standout athletes .Expect, Erie to enter the Gridiron Developmental Football League with a chip on their shoulder after a disappointing loss in their conference championship game.The Express are expected to come out firing on all cylinders for the 2018 Season! 

"We are very excited to become a part of the GDFL. We feel it is one of the top leagues in the nation having 13 of the top 100 teams in the country. They do a tremendous job of promoting their teams, the sport and their brand and we are excited to be a part of their newest division. This most certainly will not be an easy task considering the talent in this league but as always, our goal is to become champions. We welcome the opportunity and challenges that await us in the GDFL's newest division" Stated Paul Pennington.  

 Here is what they need to prepare for:

Target: GDFL coaches and players pride themselves on the ability to scout an opponent, gathering beneficial information, in order to prepare. Social Media evolved in a de facto advance scout. Teams see their record, all the shutouts, and lofty praised heaped upon the Express. Whenever schedules are released, whoever they play will circle that game. Teams respect the previous accomplishments, but want to be the first to welcome them to the GDFL.

Speed: When teams ascend the football ladder, they can account for many things: rigorous travel schedules, weather, etc. They cannot account for the overall league swiftness. Every team, from contender to fledgling, possesses at least 2 or 3 players on each side of the ball that can alter the landscape of a game. The pacing of the game is accelerating. Professional referees ensure a quicker tempo. There doesn’t appear to be much standing around.

Competition: Honestly, there is no league that offers what the GDFL does. Over the course of eight games, the Express will be repeatedly tested. There are no layups or gimmies. No one in this league is going to lay down for anyone. While some teams may be overmatched, they will put up a fight from beginning to end. By season’s end, the Express will know they are in for a hellacious struggle. If you look at the 2017 playoff bracket, every team listed provides a quality matchup.

True National Championship: Unlike the events conducted in January, the GDFL crowns a true champion. Winning the GDFL championship entitles a team to brag about being the best in the country, bar none. The title game is an annual event that draw fans from far and near. Hoisting that trophy on championship weekend is final payment for months of hard work and stress. Ask any Gridiron Bowl Champion what winning feels like, to live in that extraordinary moment, when the clock reaches zero. How joyous would the ride back to your hometown would be?

Integrity: I’ve seen the inner workings of other leagues firsthand. Some are a cacophony of voices which accomplish nothing except lining their own pockets and setting rules to fit their agenda. The GDFL is vastly different. There is an actual, discernible chain of command, which are always available to answer questions about a myriad of subjects. While some leagues operate in the gray area, the GDFL lives in transparent sunlight.

The Gridiron Media is looking forward to covering the Express, Your reputation for being a professionally run organization precedes you. Welcome to the #THEBRAND #WEAREGDFL.

City: Erie,Pennsylvania                                    
Established: 2011
Stadium: Mercy Hurst University
Colors: Green: Red,White,Silver and Blue
Ownership: Paul Pennington 

• 2011 GIFA Champions (7-2) Overall Record               
• 2012 HFL Playoff Contender (6-5) Overall Record
• 2014 PAFL Playoff Contender (10-3) Overall Record
• 2015 PAFL Playoff Contender (10-1) Overall Record
• 2016 PAFL Playoff Contender  7-3 Overall Record
• 2017 PAFL Playoff Contender  Conference Runner-up 

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports. We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.

Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.