It is the dawn of a new era in the world of professional sim football. Following the successful experiment of the NSFL's first artificially intelligent player, Big Bot, the league has now welcomed AI players in by the dozens. This radical change had been anticipated for some time, but was accelerated after the league's premier blockers all went on strike after the conclusion of their league's third season.
Household names such as Angus Winchester, Matt Akselson, Avon Blocksdale, Micah Hendrix,and Gregor Clegane all threw their weight behind the effort to remove the position. Some even threatened retirement. Fans and owners were stunned by the development. Their main reason for the strike? Safety. The National Institute of Simulation Health had concluded a study where they found that offensive linemen were sustaining upwards of fifty sub-concussive hits every game. They determined that the long term damage caused by these minor traumas would almost certainly lead to high rates of Parkinson's, Alzeimer's, ALS, Early Onset Dementia, or numerous other cognitive disorders.
The players were also concerned with the health of their quarterbacks. It has been well-known that the elite level of defensive play in the NSFL has largely been a result of poor offensive line play. Their simply were not enough good blockers declaring for the NSFL draft out of college, instead most opted to receive larger sums in the NFL. The lack of supply meant most of those who were supposed to protect their quarterbacks weren't even of NFL practice squad talent.
We have already seen firsthand the damaging results of this. Three starting quarterbacks have thrown their last passes in professional football. Ethan Hunt and Scrub Kyubee have sustained too much damage to continue leading their offenses. Both players instead opting to fill in at a position of lower cognitive demand. Meanwhile quarterback Josh Bercovici has opted out of playing professional ball entirely. He will finish his final season in the developmental league where he hopes to instill the importance of protection on the young offenses there.
So what will become of the NSFL's offensive linemen? Most are staying in the game. In some of the most shocking moves it is rumored that Matt Akselsen, Avon Blocksdale, and Wallace Stone have sloughed off pounds and will be utilizing their skills under center. The former left tackles have discovered untapped talent to heave passes, and in Akselson's case to scramble for firsts. Gregor Clegane is looking like he might gain weight and make a move to the defensive line, where his natural aggression is sure to become a nightmare for the aforementioned quarterbacks. Angus Winchester has been indecisive, hinting possible moves to linebacker, wide receiver, or defensive back, possibly even kicker. Vincent Sharpei appears to be a lock for a linebacker. the Liberty's Micah Hendrix and Eli Kamaka are unknowns as well, but this writer expects to see at least one of them move to offense. Colorado's Antonio Sandoval is another unknown.
The reigning Outlaws dynasty is generating the most rumors for their previous starters. Most experts agree that Tim Pest is not likely to shift positions anytime soon. Season three's outstanding right tackle appears to be impervious to the head injuries the other linemen have been experiencing, and should help his team avoid paying for another expensive android. Arbin Asipi had only recently moved across the ball to the offensive line, but most expect him to return to a position on defense once again. Nobody knows what Pat Pancake will do.
Finally we come to the androids themselves. Invented by the same company who delivered Big Bot, they are selling these machines as the most customizable and scalable solution for any franchise. Currently only selling their Tier 0, Tier 1, and Tier 2 models. The company has hinted that we can expect Tier 3 and Tier 4 models in the near future. Coaches and owners will be able to choose a base model such as Pass Blocker, Run Blocker, or Technician. Then they will be able to fine-tune the options according to the tier they purchased. So a pass-happy team like the Otters can be expected to opt for big, strong linemen with quick feet and strong pass block skills. Meanwhile the Wraiths and their mobile quarterback Akselsen can be expected to choose smaller, faster, linemen to dominate in their spread offense.
The changes this offseason certainly have upended the status quo and we can expect to see a whole different level of game play in season four. The whole world's eyes are on the bots of the NSFL as they wait to see what the future of football brings. Meanwhile those who have been replaced are mostly thankful to be able to play the game they love without putting their body and mind at risk.
GRADED
Household names such as Angus Winchester, Matt Akselson, Avon Blocksdale, Micah Hendrix,and Gregor Clegane all threw their weight behind the effort to remove the position. Some even threatened retirement. Fans and owners were stunned by the development. Their main reason for the strike? Safety. The National Institute of Simulation Health had concluded a study where they found that offensive linemen were sustaining upwards of fifty sub-concussive hits every game. They determined that the long term damage caused by these minor traumas would almost certainly lead to high rates of Parkinson's, Alzeimer's, ALS, Early Onset Dementia, or numerous other cognitive disorders.
The players were also concerned with the health of their quarterbacks. It has been well-known that the elite level of defensive play in the NSFL has largely been a result of poor offensive line play. Their simply were not enough good blockers declaring for the NSFL draft out of college, instead most opted to receive larger sums in the NFL. The lack of supply meant most of those who were supposed to protect their quarterbacks weren't even of NFL practice squad talent.
We have already seen firsthand the damaging results of this. Three starting quarterbacks have thrown their last passes in professional football. Ethan Hunt and Scrub Kyubee have sustained too much damage to continue leading their offenses. Both players instead opting to fill in at a position of lower cognitive demand. Meanwhile quarterback Josh Bercovici has opted out of playing professional ball entirely. He will finish his final season in the developmental league where he hopes to instill the importance of protection on the young offenses there.
So what will become of the NSFL's offensive linemen? Most are staying in the game. In some of the most shocking moves it is rumored that Matt Akselsen, Avon Blocksdale, and Wallace Stone have sloughed off pounds and will be utilizing their skills under center. The former left tackles have discovered untapped talent to heave passes, and in Akselson's case to scramble for firsts. Gregor Clegane is looking like he might gain weight and make a move to the defensive line, where his natural aggression is sure to become a nightmare for the aforementioned quarterbacks. Angus Winchester has been indecisive, hinting possible moves to linebacker, wide receiver, or defensive back, possibly even kicker. Vincent Sharpei appears to be a lock for a linebacker. the Liberty's Micah Hendrix and Eli Kamaka are unknowns as well, but this writer expects to see at least one of them move to offense. Colorado's Antonio Sandoval is another unknown.
The reigning Outlaws dynasty is generating the most rumors for their previous starters. Most experts agree that Tim Pest is not likely to shift positions anytime soon. Season three's outstanding right tackle appears to be impervious to the head injuries the other linemen have been experiencing, and should help his team avoid paying for another expensive android. Arbin Asipi had only recently moved across the ball to the offensive line, but most expect him to return to a position on defense once again. Nobody knows what Pat Pancake will do.
Finally we come to the androids themselves. Invented by the same company who delivered Big Bot, they are selling these machines as the most customizable and scalable solution for any franchise. Currently only selling their Tier 0, Tier 1, and Tier 2 models. The company has hinted that we can expect Tier 3 and Tier 4 models in the near future. Coaches and owners will be able to choose a base model such as Pass Blocker, Run Blocker, or Technician. Then they will be able to fine-tune the options according to the tier they purchased. So a pass-happy team like the Otters can be expected to opt for big, strong linemen with quick feet and strong pass block skills. Meanwhile the Wraiths and their mobile quarterback Akselsen can be expected to choose smaller, faster, linemen to dominate in their spread offense.
The changes this offseason certainly have upended the status quo and we can expect to see a whole different level of game play in season four. The whole world's eyes are on the bots of the NSFL as they wait to see what the future of football brings. Meanwhile those who have been replaced are mostly thankful to be able to play the game they love without putting their body and mind at risk.
GRADED
![[Image: XSfVUgo.png]](https://i.imgur.com/XSfVUgo.png)
Hank Winchester (S25 - Current) - Scrub
Angus Winchester (S1-S12) - 4x Ultimus Champ - #2 Career Sacks - Hall of Fame
Cooter Bigsby (S14-S23) - S23 Ultimus Champ - #4 Career Yards - #4 Career TDs - 2x MVP - Hall of Fame
![[Image: unknown.png]](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/341837318656753666/373878036124270594/unknown.png)
![[Image: giphy.gif]](https://media.giphy.com/media/xUPGGyitR6ToRwBYuk/giphy.gif)
![[Image: TBFYuND.png]](https://i.imgur.com/TBFYuND.png)
