Washington County Venom Enters GDFL

Memphis,Tenn – The Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) is proud to announce the addition of the league's newest team the Washington County Venom.The Venom have rebranded, completely restructured the entire organization, and are in the early stages of interviewing a full coaching staff, and have completed negotiations for the team to enter the the overall #1 premier developmental football league in the country, the GDFL.

While there has been a great deal of discussion as to this organization’s rebranding, Venom owners Melissa and Shawn Travis have not let that get to them. They continue to move forward with their plans are to bring their football franchise to new heights.  

The Venom have joined the Gridiorn Developmental Football League, (GDFL). The GDFL is a national professional football league with teams all around the country. The league has been looking to expand into the Upper Midwestern United States and have accepted the Venom to be their flagship team that will represent the entire state of Minnesota.

Venom team President Chris Larson is excited about the announcement. “We, as an organization, could not be happier to join the GDFL family. With the leadership in place in their league, we are poised for success into the immediate future and beyond,” he said. 

Head Coach J. Alfred Potter is excited about this development. “This league has some great connections and would give our players big opportunities should they prove to earn them,” he states. The GDFL has had several players that have enter into the Indoor Football League, the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League, National Football League and now the XFL launching in February of 2020. “While giving guys the opportunity to try to get to the next level is great,” Potter continues, “we have to keep things in perspective. This is an opportunity to get the Venom noticed on a national level and to show that this team is not who it once was. I am pleased to be in a member of the GDFL, this is a big opportunity for our team and our players.”

“We are so excited to join the league and expand their reach into the Tri-State area and beyond.” “The opportunity the GDFL presents is one that will benefit not only the teams, but players and fans alike.” “One of the things important to our organization is the willingness of the league to work with our geographical location, which is being worked on constantly.” “The GDFL is building an image...one we want to be a part of well into the future.”stated Owners Shawn Travis.

ABOUT THE VENOM

It is the mission of the Washington County Venom to build a community for athletes and their families. While we are a football team and, as such, seek to win competitive games, we want to bring out the best aspects of our athletes and fans. Using a team atmosphere, the Washington County Venom promote responsibility and accountability to the community, the team, and, ultimately themselves. Our mission is represented in the following values:

• Teamwork: In any team, success or failure is entirely dependent on how all internal parts work together. This is especially important in football. We will bring in coaches that instill the importance of teamwork to our athletes while our staff in business operations will work as a unit to address the day to day issues of the team and business.

• Introspection: Growth is absolutely important for anything to survive. Growth, whether in an individual or an organization, cannot occur without a careful look inside oneself. We pledge to constantly and honestly identify our own weaknesses and seek to learn from them while enhancing our strengths. 

• Community Engagement: Any sports organization is nothing without the support of its local fan base. No matter the level of play, football teams are no exception to this. It is our goal to be a part of not only Washington County, but also the greater Twin Cities metropolitan region. We will send members of our organization out to volunteer in the area while representing us. We will give back to those who support us.

• Respect: The Washington County Venom firmly believe that respect is an essential part of football and business. We will show everyone the proper respect and dignity no matter what. We will never demand that we be respected, but we will rather behave in a way that seeks to earn the respect of the community around us.

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports. 

We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. 

The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. Our organization would like to thank you for your support. 

We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article