Athens Crush

Athens Crush
Athens Crush logo
Logo
General information
Founded2026
HeadquarteredAthens, Georgia
at Akins Ford Arena
ColorsTBD
Websitewww.AthensCrush.com
Personnel
OwnersAthens Sports Entertainment, LLC
Jerome Bettis
David Pollack
Brian Jordan
Head coachRob Keefe
Home fields
League / conference affiliations
Indoor Football League (2027–present)

The Athens Crush are a professional indoor football team based in Athens, Georgia, that will compete in the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Crush will begin play in the 2027 season as an expansion team and will play their home games at Akins Ford Arena.[1]

History

In May 2026, the Classic Center and Akins Ford Arena announced that Athens had been awarded an Indoor Football League (IFL) expansion franchise, to be owned by a group including Jerome Bettis, David Pollack, and Brian Jordan.[2][3] On May 21, 2026, the IFL held a press conference at Akins Ford Arena to officially announce the new team in Athens.[4][5] The team became the first IFL franchise in the state of Georgia.[6]

On June 26, 2026, the team announced Rob Keefe as its first head coach.[7] On July 2, the team announced the four finalists for its nickname, allowing fans to vote for their preferred choice on the team's website. The finalists were Bullfrogs, Crush, Hedgehawgs, and Panic.[8]

On August 26, 2026, the Crush unveiled their team name, logo and color scheme.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Martinez, Courtney (May 1, 2026). "David Pollack, Brian Jordan and Jerome Bettis to own new indoor football team in Athens". WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Athens is getting a pro indoor football team, co-owned by UGA great". ajc. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  3. ↑ Kule, Ben (May 5, 2026). "Athens, Akins Ford Arena to introduce Indoor Football League franchise". The Red & Black. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Ford, Wayne. "Athens to host professional summer football team in 2027". Online Athens. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  5. ↑ Bryan, Mary Beth (May 20, 2026). "Calendar Pick: Athens Football Kickoff Celebration". Flagpole. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Athens takes on football venture beyond the Georgia Bulldogs. Will it work?". ajc. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  7. ↑ Quimby, Kaylen (June 27, 2026). "Seven-time champion Rob Keefe named Athens IFL team's head coach". The Red & Black. Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  8. ↑ Torres, Marin (July 1, 2026). "Athens Indoor Football reveals team name finalists". The Red & Black. Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  9. ↑ Martinez, Courtney (August 26, 2026). "Athens' new Indoor Football League team unveils name, logo". WSB-TV. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
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