Semi-Pro Team Starts Up | Video

Jacob Kaucher | 3/27/2012

A microscopically few number of players will ever suit up in the NFL - just two-tenths of one percent of those who play as high school seniors get there.

So how do players who never made it keep the dream alive on the gridiron?

One option is a new semi-pro team here in the Magic City.

The Minot Maulers are part of the upstart Dakota Football League.

About three dozen players are trying to recapture their glory days for the Maulers.

The team`s roster includes everything from former college standouts to some who played just a bit in high school.

"It`s not like in high school, where they`re pressured by their parents or their peers to play," head coach Lee Pearson says. "And it`s not like college, where they have to live up to the next guy playing. It`s really them just playing ball and going out and having a good time and getting to hit somebody."

"Man, it`s a great opportunity," wide receiver Andre Morissette says. "Everybody`s always like, man, I wish I could play again. At that last game, everybody`s thinking, man I just wish I had that one last opportunity. Well now I have it, so I`m going to use it."

The Maulers are scheduled to play their first game on April 21st at Minot State`s Herb Parker Stadium.

The team is always looking for more players.

You can learn more at the DFL/Maulers` website: dakotafootballleague.com

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