There's a Fourth Team in Cleveland

Just in case you were unaware, Cleveland is home to more than just the Indians, Cavaliers and Browns. We're currently in the midst of yet another playoff run this summer, and no, the NBA Playoffs definitely are over, don't worry. I'm talking about yooooouuuuur......Cleveland Gladiators!!

The Gladiators franchise has made a very long journey to their new spot in Cleveland (hopefully for many years to come). The franchise was purchased by Jim Ferraro, a Florida attorney, in 2000, and played for two years in New Jersey before moving to Las Vegas. There they played for five years, compiling a 31-50 record. This past winter, the Gladiators again relocated, to the city on the lake.

It's been hard to get behind the team, since their games weren't televised until late in the season, but with their 69-66 playoff win against the Orlando Predators, Gladiators fever is definitely catching on.

Here are 15 reasons why you should care about Gladiator football.

1. It's a Cleveland team, rep the 216
2. They're actually...Good
3. Bernie Kosar is the team president
4. The Gladiators may be our only shot at a title in Cleveland
5. Awesome uniforms


















6. Raymond Philyaw (pictured above) is one of the best AFL QB's in the league. All time TD-INT ratio leader.
7. Otis Amey, a rising superstar (lead the AFL in TD receptions with 50), great guy to become a fan of.
8. Gladiator games give you maximum entertainment bang for your buck.
9. The Top Dawg Hanford Dixon is the on air analyst!
10. They have the best name of any of our city's franchises
11. On the team website, the Gladiator's mascot Rudiarius' paw size is described as, "Purrty Big"
12. It's a lot better than watching Indians baseball right now
13. Exciting, high scoring games (Philyaw threw 8 TD's and the second most yards in AFL playoff history with 436 last week against Orlando)
14. Possible scouting opportunities on players who might one day be Browns...
15. It's football, we're a football town, it just makes sense.