Firebirds Weekly

Live from Poppy’s Pizza in Schenectady, the Firebirds stay undefeated at 4-0 after a hard-fought 42-34 win over Washington! This week’s guest, Brandon Nicholson, broke down the team’s resilience, second-half dominance, and championship mindset—plus gave insight into that key hustle play that helped seal the win. Key takeaways: • Championship DNA = finishing strong in all 4 quarters • Team belief & execution carried them through adversity • Defense stepping up in clutch moments • Big matchup ahead vs. undefeated Kentucky Nicholson also shared his journey from Ohio to college standout to pro champion, emphasizing hard work, trust in the process, and staying ready for every opportunity. Next up: Back home at MVP Arena with a banner reveal and a huge showdown on deck. #Firebirds #Undefeated #Football #ChampionshipMindset

Firebirds Weekly is back with Season 2, Episode 15, recorded live from IHOP in Clifton Park. This week’s guest is 2025 Offensive Player of the Year Dwayne “DB3” Brown. The crew dives into the team’s big road win in Oregon, discussing their second-half dominance, the challenges of long-distance travel, and what it takes to stay undefeated. Dwayne shares insight on the Firebirds’ high-powered offense, the rapid rise of their rookie quarterback, and the team chemistry that fuels their success. He also reflects on his football journey—from backyard games in Pennsylvania to college stardom and the professional level—highlighting the lessons learned through injury, perseverance, and growth. The episode also explores his passion for mentoring young athletes through training programs, the realities of chasing pro opportunities, and the mindset required to keep pushing forward. Plus, some fun rapid-fire questions to wrap things up. All that and more as the Firebirds prepare for another big matchup and continue their winning streak.

irebirds Weekly returns with Season 2, Episode 14, recorded live at Dutchess Place in Albany with a great crowd of fans in attendance. This week’s guest is Albany Firebirds quarterback Josh Kolka, fresh off being named AF1 MVP of the Week. Kolka joins the show to talk about his whirlwind journey from finishing his college season to quickly stepping into the starting quarterback role after a sudden roster change. He shares how he found out about his opportunity, how his teammates rallied around him, and what it was like making his pro and arena football debut. The conversation dives into his mindset of always preparing like a starter, adjusting to the faster pace of arena football, and learning from coaches, teammates, and his brother—who also plays professionally. Kolka reflects on his performance in the season opener, emphasizing growth, accountability, and the drive to improve despite early success. He also discusses team chemistry, the unique fan support in Albany, and the importance of staying focused as the Firebirds hit the road for upcoming games. An inside look at a rising quarterback, a strong team culture, and a fast start to the season—this is one you won’t want to miss.

Albany Firebird Drew Singleton drops by the show to talk the open of training camp, leadership and how a kid from New Jersey now calls Albany home.

Flock U comes into Rivers Casino to preview the 2026 AF1 Season and unviel the NEW uniforms!

Coach and Jeff are LIVE at The Across The Street pub updating everyone on the happens with the Albany Firebirds and the AF1.

Isiah Scott joins the show to talk out his offseason, and looking forward to the 2026 season.

AF1 MVP Sam Castronova joins the show to talk offseason and returning to Albany for 2026. Newly signed defensive lineman Freddie Booth Lloyd makes his Firebirds Weekly debut.

Firebirds Weekly Special Edition Recap Big news in Albany! The Firebirds are bringing back AF1 MVP QB Sam Castronova and Offensive Player of the Year Dwayne “DBIII” Brown, locking in elite chemistry after an undefeated championship season. Camp is shaping up to be ultra-competitive with a stacked QB room, tons of D-I talent, and players already grinding for April 11’s season opener vs. Minnesota.PLUS — a major announcement Firebirds Weekly and Flock U are officially joining the Albany Firebirds Media Network! New home, same energy, more access, and even better content coming your way.Thank you, Flock The future is bright in Albany.

We went LIVE from J.C. Tractor’s in Hoosick Falls, NY for an inspiring episode featuring new Albany Firebirds WR Tyrese Chambers Tyrese shared his powerful journey—from growing up in East Baltimore to betting on himself through JUCO, FCS, FBS (FIU & Maryland), NFL minicamps, and dominating the arena game. A two-time degree holder, community leader, and nonprofit founder, Tyrese talked resilience, faith, adversity, and what it means to be celebrated, not tolerated. Now officially in the Nest, Tyrese is ready to bring his elite playmaking, leadership, and winning mindset to Albany as the Firebirds chase another championship Plus, learn about his Big Time Foundation, dedicated to giving back to youth and communities. Welcome to Albany, Tyrese Chambers. The Flock is ready.

We’re live at JC Tractor in Hoosick Falls, NY! Big night presented by Dude Wipes & Henry Nell Kicking as Henry Nell signs on to return to the Albany Firebirds in 2026 We also welcomed Donovan Ali, a proven Division I wide receiver with stops at Washington State, Cincinnati, Colorado State, and pro arena experience. From Texas roots to Power 5 football, bowl games, and the indoor game, Donovan brings elite talent, experience, and a winning mindset. Now he’s headed to Albany — and he’s ready to tear it up in 2026 Stay tuned. Big things coming.

Live! From Colonie High School on Firebirds Weekly we sat down with Albany Firebirds strength & conditioning coach & special teams coordinator Gabe Young to talk about his journey from Massachusetts Pop Warner and Malden High to Hudson Valley, arena ball in Albany and beyond, overcoming knee surgeries, and how he now builds tougher, smarter athletes on and off the field. Coach Young broke down the standard in Albany, the importance of grades, special teams, and culture, and why he’s so fired up for the 2026 season and this community’s incredible flock support. #AF1 #AlbanyFirebirds #TheFlock #ArenaFootball

Firebirds Weekly rolls on with Season 2, Episode 6 — presented by Dude Wipes and Henry Nell Kicking — and this week’s in-studio guest is none other than Firebirds athletic trainer Michael Plaisance!Mike opens up about: His journey from Bennington → Castleton → St. Rose → Albany arena football His big news: accepting the Head Athletic Trainer position at Hudson Valley Community College Player safety, injury prevention, load management, and what really happens on the sidelines Working hand-in-hand with coaches, doctors, and athletes to keep the Firebirds flying Behind-the-scenes stories from road trips, emergency situations, arena setups, and the grind of a pro season Why working with the Firebirds has been one of the highlights of his careerHe also shares powerful advice for future athletic trainers, lessons from working in high-intensity environments, the emotional side of major injuries, and how trust is everything between players and medical staff.A huge thank-you to Mike for joining us and for everything he’s done for the Firebirds organization. Two championship runs, endless saved seasons, and unmatched dedication.Go Firebirds.

This week we sat down with Prince Omanyelen, returning Firebird and member of last year’s Arena Crown championship team! Prince talked about his journey from Nigeria ➜ Brooklyn ➜ Texas, discovering football late, grinding through injuries, transferring schools, dominating the Podium All-Star Bowl, and earning his shot in Albany. He showed love to the Firebirds community, the coaches, and the fans who make Albany feel like home. He also broke down that massive championship-game hit, his goals for 2026, and why coming back to the Capital Region was a no-brainer.Presented by Dude Wipes Catch the full episode to hear Prince’s story, energy, and passion for Year 2 in Albany!

Gary Compton Director of Football Operations joins the show to talk league updates.

Myles McHaney IV joins the show to talk about his football journey, from Michigan to Brazil to Albany.

Albany Firebirds defensive back/linebacker joins the show to talk about how football changed his life. From California to Connecticut with a stop with the Chicago Bears in between.

Offseason? What offseason? Adam and Chris breakdown all the happenings in the AF1 and the Albany Firebirds

Newly signed Offensive Lineman Kevin Toote joins The Nest to talk about his football life. Kevin is from Saratoga NY and he kicksoff our Season 2.

Damon Ware joins The Nest to talk about the 12-0 Championship Season and looking forward to 2026.

Coach Jordan Gooch joins The Nest talk about his path to the Albany Firebirds and how hard work expanded his role in year two.

Join us for 180 minutes of wall-to-wall coverage of the Arena Crown Championship Game. The Nashville Kats take on the Albany Firebirds at 1 pm. We will take you to kickoff and will have special AF1 guests, members of the Albany Firebirds and Nashville Kats on the show. The Show will be hosted by The Nest, World of Football and AF1 Fan Zone. Guests include: Head Coach Damon Ware (Albany) Darren Arbett (Nashville) AF1 Commish Jeff Fisher Andrew Santillo (VICE TV) Denise Secor (Flock Support).

Zeke Rose joins The Nest to recap the Albany Firebirds Semi-Final Win vs. the Salina Liberty to advance the AF1 Championship.

Head Coach and General Manager joins The Nest to talk AF1 playoffs.

Defensive Back Kyle Chandler joins The Nest Post Game Show to discucss Albany's 98-12 win over the Washington Wolfpack to finish the season 10-0.

Albany Firebirds offensive lineman Sean Brown and fullback Desmond Maxwell join the show to talk about thier football lives.

Dustin Alameda owner of Royal Retros joined the show to talk about the start of Royal Retros and his love of sports.

Albany Firebirds Defensive Backs Coach Arthur Hobbs joins The Nest to talk about his path in football including time with the San Diego Chargers. We are also have Albany Firebirds Defensive Coordinator Brandon Sesay to talk about the season so far and the teams 9-0 start.

Albany Firebirds play by play man Andrew Santillo joins The Nest to talk about his career path.

Albany Firebirds Wide Recievers Isiah Scott and Marquel Wade joins The Nest to talk about thier path to Albany as well as a recap on the season to date.

We breakdown the 71-55 win for the Albany Firebirds over the Nashville Kats, we are joined by linebacker and fullback Trevon Shorts.

The Nest Previews the Nashville Kats and the Albany Firebirds game kicking off at 7 pm with Gary Compton AF1 Director of Football Operations.

Albany Firebirds offensive lineman Colby Byrd and Josh Zacher join The Nest to talk about thier football paths.

Isiah Scott joins The Nest Post Game Show to talk about Albany's thrilling OT win over the Salina Liberty.

Albany Firebirds defensive lineman Zeke Rose and Quarterback Robert McCoy Jr, join the Nest to talk about their football careers. Zeke and Robert describes what being a Albany Firebird means to them.

Isaiah Hardy offensive lineman for the Albany Firebirds joins the show to talk about his path to Albany. From New Jersey to West Virgina to San Antonio and a few more stops along the way.

Albany Firebirds Defensive Back Mike Lee joins the show to talk about the 62-24 victory over the Billings Outlaws

AF1 Commissioner Jeff Fisher and Billings Outlaws Owner Steve Titus joins The Nest to talk about the big matchup between Albany and Billings

Derrick "Bones" Jones joins The Nest to talk his path in professional football. Starting at Ole Miss and what it was like to be drarted in the 2017 NFL Draft in the 6th round by the New Yorks Jets.

Adam and Chris are joined by Off The Wall Podcast to preview the Albany vs Salina Liberty. The guys breakdown the keys of the game.

Darien Townsend and Sam Castronova joins The Nest to talk about their football lives, discuss successes and challenges on their way to the Albany Firebirds

Adam and Chris are LIVE! From the Albany Firebirds Watch Party at The Recovery Sports Grill in Albany to preview the Kats game in Nashville.

Defensive Harlove joins The Nest talk about his football journey that has taken him all over the country including a landing with the Seatle Seahawks.

Adam and Chris breakdown the big 78-20 win for Albany over Southwest Kansas. Duane Brown joins the show to talk about his four touchdown debut.

Jamall Hickbottom and Henry Nell stopped by The Nest to tell their footballstory.  Both are away from home, Jamallfrom Alabama and Henry from South Africa. As different as they may appearthey are one of the same as Albany Firebirds

Jake LeBree, CEO of the Albany Firebirds, joins The Nest to share insights into his career path, the influence of football on his professional development, and the organization's upcoming promotions, including the MVP package, in anticipation of the March 21 kickoff.

Albany Firebirds President Jeff Levack joins the show to discuss how fans can access every game, highlighting the growing excitement for arena football's kickoff. Topics include uniform design, travel arrangements, and unique community support for players, as well as block parties, player retention in Albany, and his daily responsibilities as president.

Brian Rhatigan joins The Nest to talk about his position as In-Game Host for the Albany Firebirds, reflecting on how sports have shaped hislife and his appreciation for the chance to do what he loves.

Grace Gionta, Firebirds Flames, joins the show to discuss her experiences in cheerleading, the opportunities it has presented, and her journey to becoming a coach.

Stephen Lownsbury joins the show, to talk about his love for the Albany Firebirds and his dedication to the team.  Stephen is one of the founding members of the Flock Support earning the nickname “Father Flocker”.  Stephen explains how it got startedand what they do for the players.