Inside Team America: How Forgotten Football Stars Are Earning Pro Contracts

In a football world full of “what ifs” and missed opportunities, Team America has become the solution, a destination for former Division I athletes, professional indoor players, and NFL-caliber talent looking to get back into the spotlight. Former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Spicer, division 1 receiver from FAU Gerald Hearns and joining them now is small school stud Carl Greene.

Built on grit, structure, and exposure, Team America competes at the highest level of developmental football, giving its athletes another shot at the dream. Based in Dallas, Texas, and playing home games inside AT&T Stadium — the same field as the Dallas Cowboys — the team is rapidly earning the nickname “America’s Team” in the underground football world. The team has also played in So-Fi stadium in Los Angeles. They will also play in Cancun, Mexico and Toronto, Canada.

The team’s mission is clear: bring together overlooked talent, showcase it against elite international competition, and create film that gets players back to where they belong — whether that’s the NFL, UFL, CFL, or major European leagues.

Last year, Team America raised the bar even higher by playing at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, home of the Rams and Chargers. These aren’t scrimmages in small towns — they’re primetime showcases in world-class venues. Playing elite competition and representing this beautiful country of America we are all proud of

The roster reads like a college football All-Star list. Dozens of athletes are former Division I players, coming from FBS and FCS programs with deep tradition. Some have been to NFL camps. Others have starred in the IFL, NAL, and other indoor pro leagues. Many are still in peak form fast, physical, and hungry to prove themselves.

Among the players is Jeremiah Spicer, a linebacker with an inspiring backstory who’s spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and became known for rising out of homelessness to pro football. Like many on Team America, he’s still grinding for the next shot — and using every rep to get there. Along with many other division 1 players such as Carl Greene, Gerald Hearns (FAU) and Rob Jones of the Jacksonville Sharks and D1 University of Delaware.

The team also boasts an elite coaching staff filled with NFL and college pedigree. Legendary coach Mike Kelly, who mentored Super Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb during his collegiate career, brings decades of offensive wisdom to the sidelines. Joining him are Coach Jim Collins, former college head coach and current Tropical Bowl coach, and Coach Mike Quartey, another respected mind who’s helped lead Tropical Bowl all-star squads filled with pro prospects. This level of guidance sets team America apart.

And it’s working. The team has already helped multiple players sign contracts with NFL franchises, including the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Chargers. With each season, more film is cut, more scouts take notice, and more talent moves on to the next level. In many different leagues from arena all the way to the NFL.

Among the many determined players using the opportunity to elevate their careers is Carl Greene, a dynamic hybrid athlete who has taken a long and resilient path through college football. Greene began at Division I University of Rhode Island (URI) FCS. before transferring to the DIII powerhouse Cortland State, where he made an impact but did not stay, and later finished his college career at UMass Dartmouth. Greene then went to play in three post season bowl games where he gained much needed recognition. Greene’s journey has been not the norm, and very difficult. Carl lost his grandfather and best friend before a game in the middle of the season in October. Carl Greene’s journey mirrors many on the roster players who had the talent but needed the right opportunity to shine again and get in front of professional scouts. Most of these players have all been through things but keep pushing onward.

What makes Team America unique is its competition schedule. Rather than playing local teams or low-level leagues, they square off against top international opponents, including elite teams from Mexico’s LFA (Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional) and free agents from the CFL. Every matchup is meaningful, and every snap is filmed for evaluation.

Games are filmed professionally and often streamed, with stats tracked and player performance analyzed — all with one goal in mind: help athletes make the leap back to a bigger league. It could be NFL, CFL, UFL, IFL or internationally. The goal is to keep playing and keep competing because for the many players that don’t get signed to a pro team after their senior year and bowl season. That often wraps-up and ends their football careers, and if they do get a call. Most are not in competing shape anymore. Time off will do in anybody and Team America’s goal is to make sure their guys stay ready.

The blend of talent, coaching, and exposure is attracting more attention than ever. For many, this is more than a second chance — it’s the platform they always needed. Whether you’re a former college star looking for one last shot, or a proven pro trying to climb again, Team America is becoming the place where underdogs rise, overlooked talent shines, and careers are reborn. For Carl Greene, Jerimiah Spicer (Chargers NFL), Gerald Hearns (FAU) and Rob Jones of the Jacksonville Sharks this could be just the platform these athletes need and deserve.