The Alabama Vipers joined the new AFL after spending ten years in the af2. The Vipers were led by quarterback Kevin Eakin for about half of the season. The team got off to a 3-1 start, as a result. Eakin passed for 43 touchdowns and nine picks. After going down with a leg injury, the team went with him. Four other starting quarterbacks were tried, and none really caught on. They combined for 25 touchdown passes and 12 picks. Larry Shipp and CJ Johnson combined to catch 45 touchdowns. Dan Alexander kept the team afloat, rushing for 26 scores and 209 yards. After the quick start, Cleveland would not see consecutive wins for the rest of the year en rout to a 7-9 finish. Six of the losses came by two touchdowns or more. Cleveland did not qualify for the playoffs, but ended the season on a positive note, defeating Utah 68-64 in the final seconds of the game. The Vipers left the AFL following the 2010 season and the franchise was relocated to Georgia.