Georgia Firebirds see success in Albany State players

ALBANY — They had their dreams of playing professional football come to fruition and didn’t need the NFL to do it.

From veterans who have been on the team since January like defensive back Calvin Harris to this week’s newcomer Brandon Brown, the Georgia Firebirds have signed several players from last year’s Albany State squad.

Currently, the Firebirds sit at a mark of 3-3 but the confident Harris believes there is much to be seen at the Albany Civic Center after gaining a chance to continue his football journey.

“It’s always been a dream and the biggest thing is not to give up in pursuit of my passion and my paycheck,” says Harris. “I’m not where I want to be but push, pray and grind is my motto.”

For Harris, the former Rams have ensured that winning a 2013 conference championship at Albany State would not be the sole factor linking them together. They have earned the right to continue playing in a sport where so many on the Division II level struggle to gain professional opportunities.

“It’s a continuous process off of college and if we would have lost the chance to get it then, we have a chance to get it now,” he said. “Coming here, we turned this into Albany State.”

Brown learned what transitioning to another level can mean for a college athlete.

“At first I came in with the energy to show my talents, but I was cut,” Brown said.

The experience gave Brown a newfound outlook on what it means to be patient and staying the course.

For Albany State football players especially, the struggle to gain an opportunity to play professionally has been a reality that existed even during the days when ex-NFL player turned coach Dan Land took the field for the Rams in the mid 80’s.

“The biggest thing is getting notification with scouts that have so much ground to cover,” said Land. “Back then it was hard because we had about 5,000 athletes and only 343 were going to be picked, so it’s a matter of word of mouth.”

Even though he struggled himself making it to the pros, Land sees potential in these players to get where he’s been.

“Don’t let the level these guys are playing at undermine their talent,” Land said. “They just need an opportunity to showcase their talent, go arena 1 and get noticed.”

Albany State has only had seven players to play in the NFL but indoor football presents a new opportunity for players of the future to upstart their young football careers.

“It’s a new chance for guys out here to keep playing,” Harris said. “I would tell guys to love the grind more than the shine if they want to make it out here.”

Local talent from a football team that has won a championship as well as competed for two in the last three years is where the Firebirds have become comfortable securing roster spots.

“Albany State has good players,” said Firebirds head coach Antwone Savage. “New guys come in ready and don’t think they’re going to come in owning the box.”