1. Play Professional Football in the UFL

The United Football League (UFL) is one of the most direct alternatives for players who want to continue playing professional outdoor football in the United States.

The UFL is a spring football league featuring professional players, including athletes with previous NFL and college experience.

For 2027, the league has announced eight teams:

• Colorado Stampede

• Columbus Aviators

• Dallas Renegades

• DC Defenders

• Louisville Kings

• Orlando Storm

• Rhode Island Breakers

• St. Louis Battlehawks

The UFL can be a highly competitive option, especially for players with substantial college or previous professional experience.

How do you get into the UFL?

There isn't one universal public tryout that guarantees an evaluation with every team.

Player acquisition and recruiting are handled through league and team personnel processes.

Start by researching the teams, monitoring official announcements, and identifying legitimate player personnel contacts.

Official website: https://www.theufl.com/

2. Try to Play in the Canadian Football League (CFL)

The Canadian Football League is another established professional football option outside the NFL.

Unlike the NFL, the CFL uses Canadian football rules, including a larger field, 12 players per side, and three downs.

The league has nine teams across Canada.

These include the Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, Montreal Alouettes, Calgary Stampeders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and other established franchises.

Can American players join the CFL?

Yes. American players compete in the CFL, although roster classifications and international player requirements apply.

The CFL is a serious professional competition, not an automatic fallback for anyone who played college football.

Players should research individual organizations and their recruiting processes.

Official website: https://www.cfl.ca/

3. Play Professional Indoor Football

If you're willing to play a different version of American football, indoor football can provide additional opportunities.

The Indoor Football League (IFL) features professional teams competing on a smaller field with modified rules.

Examples of organizations include:

• Arizona Rattlers

• Bay Area Panthers

• Green Bay Blizzard

• Iowa Barnstormers

• Massachusetts Pirates

• San Diego Strike Force

• Sioux Falls Storm

Indoor football requires athletes to adapt to a faster game and different field dimensions.

But it also gives players another potential way to continue their football careers.

How do you join an indoor football team?

Research current teams, check for official player evaluations, and prepare recent game footage.

Team-level recruiting practices vary, so avoid assuming every organization holds open tryouts.

Official IFL website: https://goifl.com/

4. Explore Arena Football Teams

Arena football offers another path outside traditional outdoor football.

Arena Football One (AF1) has featured organizations in cities such as Albany, Nashville, Beaumont, and other American markets.

Arena football can be attractive to athletes who want to continue competing while exploring smaller professional football markets.

However, arena football teams can change league affiliations, locations, and operating status.

Always confirm that a team is participating in the upcoming season before contacting it.

Official AF1 website: https://www.theaf1.com/

5. Play Professional Football in Mexico

Most American football players focus exclusively on opportunities in the United States.

But Mexico also has a professional American football competition.

The Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (LFA) features teams in Mexican markets, providing another possible route for players willing to relocate.

Examples of organizations associated with the LFA include the Caudillos de Chihuahua, Dinos de Saltillo, and Mexicas.

International opportunities come with additional considerations, including:

• Foreign-player eligibility

• Immigration and work authorization

• Compensation and contract terms

• Housing and transportation

• Medical coverage

Research these details before accepting an offer.

Official website: https://lfa.mx/

6. Look Into Regional Semi-Pro Football

Not every football opportunity comes from a nationally recognized professional league.

There are regional and semi-professional football organizations throughout the United States.

Some operate in local markets and recruit players who have completed high school or college football.

Compensation varies widely. Some teams may offer limited stipends, while others are entirely unpaid.

How do you find semi-pro football teams near you?

Start by identifying teams in your state and neighboring states.

Then verify that they have recently competed, have an upcoming schedule, and maintain official contact information.

For a broader overview, read our Professional & Semi-Pro Football Teams by State guide.

7. Build a New Football Career While Continuing to Compete

Continuing your football career doesn't have to mean signing a professional playing contract.

Some former players transition into coaching, player development, scouting, strength and conditioning, or football operations.

Others compete in regional leagues while building a career outside football.

If your goal is to remain involved in the sport, there are more possibilities than playing in the NFL.

The right next step depends on your playing experience, financial situation, and long-term goals.

What Should You Do If You Went Undrafted in the NFL?

Going undrafted does not automatically end your chances of playing professional football.

Some undrafted players pursue NFL free-agent opportunities, rookie minicamps, or other legitimate evaluation processes.

Others explore professional football leagues outside the NFL.

If you've recently finished college football, consider the following steps.

Step 1: Organize Your Football Film

Prepare recent game footage showing your ability against competitive opponents.

Include your position, height, weight, school, playing history, and verified testing results.

Step 2: Research Teams That Match Your Experience

A player with extensive Division I college experience may have a different set of realistic options than someone who hasn't competed since high school.

Focus on organizations that fit your background.

Step 3: Identify Coaches and Player Personnel Staff

Research the people responsible for recruiting and roster decisions.

Depending on the organization, this might be a head coach, general manager, director of player personnel, or another football operations representative.

Step 4: Ask About Evaluations

Contact the appropriate person professionally.

Explain your playing experience, provide your film, and ask whether the organization has a process for evaluating prospective players.

Step 5: Continue Training While Exploring Opportunities

Keep your film, athletic measurements, and playing résumé current.

If you receive an invitation, verify that the organization and event are legitimate before paying fees or traveling.

How Hard Is It to Play Professional Football Outside the NFL?

Playing professionally outside the NFL is still difficult.

UFL, CFL, and established indoor football teams have limited roster positions and competitive selection processes.

Many athletes competing for those positions have significant college or professional experience.

The existence of additional leagues doesn't mean every athlete will receive a contract.

However, researching multiple leagues gives players a more complete picture of the opportunities available.

How to Contact Professional Football Teams

One of the biggest challenges for athletes is finding the appropriate person to contact.

Team websites don't always clearly identify who handles player recruitment.

A general customer service email may not reach the football operations department.

Before reaching out, identify the relevant staff member and prepare a concise message.

Example Football Recruiting Email

Subject: 2027 Player Evaluation — [Position] — [Your Name]

Hello Coach,

My name is [Your Name], and I'm a [position] with playing experience at [school or team].

I'm interested in learning whether your organization is evaluating players for the 2027 season.

I've included my playing information and recent film below.

Height / Weight: [Details]

College / Previous Team: [Details]

Highlights: [Link]

Full Game Film: [Link]

I'd appreciate any information about your player evaluation process.

Thank you for your time.

[Your Name]

Find Football Teams and Coaches With Cancha Labs

If you still want to play football, the next step is figuring out which organizations exist and how to reach them.

Cancha Labs helps athletes research teams and pursue opportunities through direct outreach.

We're expanding our athlete contact platform beyond soccer to include professional and semi-professional American football.

Our planned football directory will help athletes explore organizations by state, league, and football format.

We're also working toward offering football coach and team contact information.

Want to reach a football team?

Visit Cancha Labs to explore the platform and learn about upcoming football contact availability.

The football contact directory is not yet live, and contact access does not guarantee an evaluation, tryout, or contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play professional football if you don't make the NFL?

Yes. Professional football leagues outside the NFL include the UFL, CFL, IFL, and other organizations. Each has its own recruiting standards.

What football league is below the NFL?

There isn't one official league directly below the NFL. The UFL, CFL, and various indoor football leagues operate independently.

Can you play professional football without going to college?

Some organizations may evaluate athletes without college football experience, but professional roster positions are highly competitive. Eligibility depends on the league.

Do UFL players get paid?

Yes. The UFL is a professional football league. Individual contract and compensation terms depend on league policies and player agreements.

Can you try out for a CFL team?

CFL teams evaluate players through their recruiting processes and may announce evaluation opportunities. Check official team information for eligibility and current opportunities.

Do semi-pro football teams pay players?

Some do, while others offer limited stipends or no compensation. Confirm the terms directly with the organization.

Is indoor football a way to reach the NFL?

Some players have moved between indoor football and higher-profile leagues, but there is no guaranteed progression from indoor football to the NFL.

What should I do after my last college football season?

Prepare your film and player résumé, research professional and semi-professional teams, and contact appropriate recruiting personnel about legitimate evaluation opportunities.

Your Football Career Doesn't Have to End With the NFL

The NFL may be the highest-profile goal for American football players, but it isn't the only place to compete.

The UFL, CFL, indoor football, arena football, and international leagues provide different opportunities for athletes who want to keep playing.

Start by researching teams that fit your experience, preparing your footage, and finding the appropriate people to contact.

Your next opportunity may be with a team you've never considered.

Cancha Labs is an independent athlete information platform and is not affiliated with the NFL or the leagues mentioned. We do not guarantee evaluations, roster positions, compensation, or professional contracts.