Former Alabama star Blake Sims didn’t take a single snap with the Birmingham Iron due to a hamstring injury, but the 27-year-old quarterback isn’t completely giving up on his dreams just yet.
If he’s not invited to an NFL camp, which seems unlikely after he spent the entire AAF season on the sidelines, Sims said last week he will “most definitely” pursue a roster spot in the XFL.
“I’m trying to be on somebody’s team by next season,” he told AL.com.
Is Sims set on staying at quarterback, or would he be open to playing another position or even special teams?
“Whichever way God leads my feet,” he said. “God blessed me with a lot of ability, and I just want to serve him the best way I can and any position I can.”
Sims has also begun preparing for life after football. He said he’s interested in broadcasting and possibly coaching.
On the broadcasting front, he said he’s working with radio host and SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum, which would lead to other opportunities with SEC Network or on gamedays at Alabama.
The early demise of the Alliance caught him off guard and likely accelerated Sims’ transition to a career after football.
“It was very tough, very tough,” he said of the Alliance shutdown. “But at the same time, I don’t feel like me and the teammates I was close with on the Birmingham Iron, we’re upset for the league ending, but we’re happy for the opportunity. Some guys haven’t been on the field for years, but just to have that feeling, it gave them hope again.
