New England Knights

New England Knights

The Knights were started in 2000 by Marvin Tillman as the Bridgeport Knights. In their inaugural season the Knights made the playoffs eventually losing to the Harlem Hurricanes by 1 point. In 2001 the Knights achieved their goal of winning a Championship by defeating the CT Giants and securing the N.E.F.A. crown. 2002 saw the Knights go undefeated until losing in the Championship game to the NJ Terminators. The Knights went undefeated in 2003 & 2004 winning 2 more N.E.F.A. Championships. In 2004 the Knights were invited to play in the 1st ever North/South Challenge bowl held in Homestead, Florida. The Knights brought their 1st ever National Championship to Connecticut by defeating the Florida Kings 34-17. In 2005 the Knights moved to the G.S.F.L. and continued their streak of making the playoffs. The Knights were again invited to play in the North/South Challenge Bowl and again responded with a victory. In 2006 the Knights were purchased by Steven Fleischman and John Anastasio. Again the Knights made the G.S.F.L. playoffs and won their 3rd National Title in Florida. 2007 saw the Knights move to the N.A.F.L. and once again make the playoffs. In 2008 owner Steven Fleischman assumed sole ownership and moved the Knights into the R.A.F.L. 2008 proved to be another successful season as the Knights secured the North Division Championship of the R.A.F.L. and once again were invited to play for another National Title. The Knights won their 4th North/South Challenge Bowl by defeating the Broward Warrriors 40-0. The Knights Look forward to continued success in 2009.

New England Knights Titles & Achievements

4 National / 4 League / 6 Division Titles

Playoff appearance every year of existence

  1. 1 Defense in the country 2003,04, 05, 08


ESPN Radio's CT Coach of the Decade Poll:

Greg Volpe (New England Knights) 35%

Paul Assaiante (Trinity Squash) 2%

Geno Auriemma (Uconn Women's Basketball) 40%

Jim Calhoun (Uconn Men's Basketball) 21%

Jack Cochran (New London HS Football) 2%


The New England Knights are a minor league football team in the North American Football League NAFL. The 2007 move to the NAFL capped off a record-setting stint in the New England Football Association (NEFA)and Garden State Football League (GSFL), including five championships in six years. The New England Knights are three time North/South Challenge Bowl Champions.The coach of the team is Greg Volpe

Notable Knights alumni have moved on to other professional football organizations in the arena and NFL leagues.


Head Coach Greg Volpe will be inducted into the American Football Hall of Fame in Miami Florida on Jan. 14th. " It is a great honor to be named in the 1st class. The Wiggins family and Dick Suess have done so much for Minor League Football that I am very proud to be a part of this new and exciting Hall of Fame". The American Football Hall of Fame will be inducting NFL, Minor League , Arena and Women's Pro Football Owners , Coaches, Players and Administrators. Among the inductees will be the late Sean Taylor of the Washington Redskins. This will mark the second Hall of Fame induction for Coach Volpe having entered the Minor League Football Hall of Fame in 2005. "This Is an honor that is really for the whole Team and to the many great players I have coached". The Knights record under Coach Volpe is 122-18-2, with 4 North/South Bowl Championships, 4 League Championships, and 6 Division Titles.


Annual speaker at Nike Football camps

Volpe owned a 13-0 boxing record before being forced to retire due to injury.

Coach Greg Volpe is my boy- POW!


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