East Tennessee Vipers Rebrand as the East Tennessee Avalanche for 2026 Season

Morristown, TN – September 2, 2025 – The East Tennessee Vipers are entering a new era. The team has officially announced its rebrand to the East Tennessee Avalanche, set to debut in the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) for the 2026 season.

Based in Morristown, Tennessee, the Avalanche aims to bring a fast, physical, and community-driven brand of football to East Tennessee. Team Owner Randall Newman shared his vision for the program:

“It’s time Morristown and East Tennessee have another great team for the world to talk about. We’re building something special here, and our goal is to deliver a high-quality football product to this community and beyond.”

The Avalanche coaching staff has already hit the ground running in preparation for the team’s inaugural season. Offensive Coordinator Bryson Dowell confirmed that player recruitment is underway:

“Recruitment has started, and I really like what I see. We’re building a system that will be ready when it’s time for game play.”

The Avalanche are actively assembling a competitive roster, focused on attracting top-tier athletes from across the region. The team’s mission extends beyond the field, providing opportunities for athletes to continue their playing careers, refine their skills, and showcase their talent for higher levels of competition.

Practices, combines, and tryouts are expected to begin in the coming months. Fans can look forward to seeing the Avalanche take the field starting May 2026.

The Avalanche are more than a football team — they represent the values of grit, passion, and second chances, while creating a family-friendly, community-first game day atmosphere.

The East Tennessee Avalanche will officially join the GDFL, a league recognized for its commitment to player development and competitive semi-pro football nationwide.

For updates, follow the Avalanche on Facebook and stay connected as East Tennessee’s newest team prepares for its historic first season.