Offseason Point Task - 25th Anniversary Special

[Net]

I've been active in the Internation Simulation Football League since May 2020. And honestly, it's been a blast. I was inactive for the first month or so of the creation of Oliver Sloan, but that changed quickly. I started as a late round DSFL draft pick for the Minnesota Grey Ducks, and made my way earning as potentially being a steal of a draft pick. I kept earning, while meeting amazing people such as @TheCC, @Dewalt27 and many other Grey Ducks. The season ended and the draft started coming up. I wasn't reach out by many, but the teams that did reach out always left a good impression. Second Line, Copperheads, and Chicago are the most memorable at the moment. I remember CC discussing with me my potential on going to Chicago and becoming a Butcher. It sounded awesome, as me and him had all ready made a very good relationship to this point. Draft day came and watching the draft with several people, including @GotDatWeeFee. And it was a blast. I wasn't selected until the 4th round, 37th overall. The start of the second half of the draft to be exact. But still, memories are forever in this league, and happy 25th anniversary! 

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[124715]

It's really tough to exaggerate how much this league has meant to me. It started from a reddit post on my favorite NFL team's page, posted on May 24th of 2017 - almost 3.5 years ago today. "The NSFL," it advertised, "is ready to open its doors." The recruitment post was really strange, and I don't think I really understood what it meant. After all, the league was then composed entirely of SHL guys who had been in sim leagues for multiple years. Many of them were excited to join the first major sim football league since the MSFL_R closed down 9 years ago then. As a result, the recruitment post was poorly written and the site offered no clear instruction upon clicking on it - our current ISFL site has a prominently placed discord link which people can join before even creating their account. So, I got confused before even creating an account. But the strange allure of this mysterious and confusing league stuck with me, and I ended up saving the post to my reddit account. About a month later when school ended, I finally created an account on this mysterious website. The rookie guide was incomplete and poorly written, and I stumbled through the process of completing a player. By then the league had begun play and was around week 9 of its inaugural season. It's really hard for me to believe that was well over three years ago. I'm not very good at writing long-form emotional pieces so I'll just go through some of my favorite or most notable memories from my time in the league.

Getting drafted before S2: by the time of the S2 draft I'd been scouted by half the league although most were just simple questionnaires. The scouting/pre-draft process was nothing like it is today, and even the draft was nothing like it is today either. Draft picks were announced by GMs posting in a thread who they picked, and it was done live. I was at a camp at the time of the draft and had to walk about a mile to get cell service to check my draft spot, but I was happy to see that I'd landed on the Liberty.

Losing the S6 Ultimus, but winning in S7: The S6 Ultimus was really unfortunate, because I really was worried that would've been the Liberty's last chance to win a ship. Josh Garden dropped a game-winning pass in the end zone and prevented us from winning the game. It felt even better to win in S7, finally.

Being on the greatest team of all time: The S9 Second Line was just a blast. I joined the LR after being traded there, practiced piano for an hour and missed 800 messages - 400 in the lobby and 400 in the team room. Winning two rings was fun too, I guess.

Retiring as the greatest TE of all time: That was pretty cool too.

Winning two ultimini with RDA5: I'm running out of space, but this was a ton of fun as well.

HO stint: Being on HO was absolutely the most fun I've had in my life. I have a bunch of regrets though, so I hope some time I'll get another chance at HO.

All-time teams: Honestly was super satisfying to see two of my players on this.

This is way longer than I'd intended, I was going to write about the league's future but I don't have space either way the league has been super cool, super special, super important to me. I really hope I'm able to still write about it in S50, and I'm excited to read all of the other responses here.

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[Frostbite]

Oh boy, what this league means to me...

Well, back when I joined a little over a year ago off of r/nfl, I don't really know what I expected. I ended up picking kicker because earlier that day I had played madden and my kicker hit a 60 yarder to win it, which is also why I picked the booming leg archetype. I had 0 expectations and fully expected to leave the league in a week. But then I realized how cool this place was, they got their own wiki, a cool little discord server (I had never used discord before the league, and tbh was super confused, but in a amazed way kinda?), and I decided to make a wiki. I was so excited to get drafted to a team. For the first few weeks I did all my PTs and scouting questions on a google doc, point is, I was super excited. Almost as a meme, I told a scout that I wanted to only play kicker, because punting sux, and that actually killed my draft stock. I'll never forgive Charlie Day for going 1 pick before me in the DSFL draft. It did work out though, as I got onto Palm Beach with my first league friend, Hallmonitor. To be frank the Palm Beach GMs that drafted us were terrible, and in the S18 class filled with legends, they managed to get 3 actives, at TE, K, and OL. Luckily me and Hall were able to take over as GM, and after we got all the GM kinks out, we rebranded and built MB to be the franchise it is today.
After Hall took over as Philly GM, I hired Cory to be my MB Co, and we ran MB incredibly well, with our record as partners being absurdly good. I eventually decided to retire my kicker, as who could have guessed picking a kicker wasn't as exciting as I had hoped, and I was borderline IA with Baxter Frost. This is when I decided to recreate as the CB Dax Frost (I was a CB for MB, but swapped to RB at the NSFL draft). That S21 draft/team will always live with me. That class was honestly some of the best drafting I have ever done as a GM. We got Jeffie (OCO GM), myself, Rotti (Updater and 1000+ TPE), HeHateMe PickSix (Casino Worker and 2x Ultimus Champ), Moosey (Draft GFX and 1000+ TPE), Muford (CHI GM), RapidEagle (GFX Grader and sig god), Chris "the goat" Ramos, Doug Quail (Frontrunner for OLOTY) and of course, Simon, who is a cutie and now is tied for the most pancakes in a season. That MB Class was stacked, and a major reason why the S21 team ended up winning the Ulitmini.
I knew expansion was coming, and after having so much success in MB, I thought that it was time for me to move up. I considered applying for PHI GM to be back with Hall, but I really wanted to be a head GM somewhere, and to build my own legacy. Luckily me and RainDelay (MB legend and league friend of mine) applied together, and we were lucky enough to be chosen as an expansion GM. I was excited to move forward. This was when I created (not the marlins) the Sarasota Sailfish. I like to think I've done a good job with the team, as we've only missed playoffs once since creation, and the one we missed we went 8-8. I'm really excited for the future of Sarasota, and we can hopefully be an even better franchise in the future.

The ISFL has been a great way to pass the time ever since I joined it, and even now, when I spend too much time on the site and in the league, I find a way to enjoy almost every second of it.


@sakrosankt rocks

[3lewsers]

The ISFL has added some excitement to my week. I look forward to our games, and enjoy upgrading my player. The key is staying focused on goals, and taking pride in those accomplishments. Communicating with teammates and other players in the league can be fun at times. It is great to build something together with teammates and management that are focused on winning. A positive culture breeds positive results, and we have that here in Baltimore. I was fortunate enough to have the greatest first GM that a player could ask for in @Duilio05 (aka Walt Green) to help me navigate what was initially a very confusing process. As time went on, I was able to flourish and become a top earner in my class. I care about my fellow Hawks and want them to succeed in life and in the league. We do not always see eye to eye, but we respect each other, and for that I am truly grateful. The league brought hundreds of us together from all walks of life and threw us into a pit. Some clawed their way out, but most worked together and formed a bond that helps us escape the stresses of reality if only for a short time. We laugh together, hurt together, and have empathy for each other. It is really astounding to witness. Nothing is perfect, and I am far from it, but we have all learned to co-exist as one big crazy family. There are ones that retire, and the ones that stay too long, and the ones that everyone wants to see gone, but they never learn. This is one big reality show, with drama, suspense, comedy, and did I mention drama? I love our locker room culture here in Baltimore, and I loved it in Norfolk as well. If you find the right fit, you are set for your career, and that's part of the fun of the ISFL. It has all of the excitement of real-life football without all of the sweating. I consider writing this article my cardio for the day, and that is just beautiful. I plan to stay in this league for as long as my player can still walk, and then I will make another player and play until he can no longer walk. It is a full circle that I am looking forward to, and will be a great experiment having been through it all already once. I am in it for the long haul, and despite some of the negatives, this is a league that I am glad I found. I wish the league continued success, and I hope to be writing a similar article for their 50th Anniversary.

[Slothman07]

What the ISFL means to me

by Dorothy Zbornak

How can I put into words what the league means to me? How can I convey the plethora of ways in which it has changed me life? Like this: I love playing professional football because A. I’m rich now, and B. I’m super rich now. Seriously, why did I ever bother trying to be a substitute teacher? What was the point of that English Major?

I primarily mean that I am now monetarily rich. Financially rich. Rolling in dough. My fat stacks are so fat that when they sit around the house, the sit AROUND the house. But I’ve also become rich in other ways; I’ve met some wonderfully entertaining, strapping young lads, like Juan Domine and David Rector. Yes, their brains are the size of walnuts and they wouldn’t know Chaucer from Charmander, but you’ll never meet a friendlier lump of muscle, teeth, and fabulous hair. What I’m trying to say is that playing in the ISFL has made me rich in friends, rich in family, and DEFINITELY rich in money. Also pretty comfortable in stock options.

To be perfectly honest, I was at a pretty low point before I found the league. That pig Stan had just left me for a flight attendant with an IQ lower than a groundhog’s gonads, which left me without a husband, without a job, and without a home. The day I stepped into the London Royals locker room, I knew that I was going to make it after all. The Royals, the Pythons, the Liberty, and now the Second Line have all welcomed me with open arms and dank cheesecakes, and it means the world to me.

What does the future hold?

In the words of ambient music superstar Enya, who can say? I mean, its a certainty that the Second Line will dominate the coming season, and when we go undefeated the team will be obligated, as stipulated in my contract, to rename itself the New Orleans Jazz Bois. And I suppose it is fairly likely that I will lead the league in tackles for loss, setting new records for the number of sack lunches I bring to the table. The league administration finally ruled that my horse-lung transplant is legal. I might get a cat. But beyond that, anything is possible, and I think that’s what truly makes this league an incredible way to meet and stay in touch with friends.

All I know is: I hope there’s cheesecake.

[flyeaglesfly29]

While this is our 25th Anniversary as a league, this past season was also a personal anniversary for me. Season 25 marked 10 seasons that I have been a part of this league. Coming in to the league in season 15 after seeing this league on a Reddit post from my real life friend @Rradum, we decided to give this thing a go because we were bored at work. Little did we know that more than a year and a half later we would still be here on a daily basis. Rradum and I have both seen a lot of people come and go, seen "policies" change, and between the two of us we've also held quite a few jobs! I don't think that either of us would have ever thought we'd be around this long, let alone the fact that our spouses would ever get to the point where they understand what we are talking about when we just say "it's league stuff".

Almost immediately after joining the then NSFL, Rradum and I became GMs down in Kansas City, where we would learn the ropes before both of us eventually went on to be ISFL GMs. Along the way, I know we have both met and learned from a ton of people! Since joining, I have been a part of five different teams between my 2 players. Portland, Kansas City, Chicago, Yellowknife, and London. 

In each place, I can honestly say that I've met someone that impacted me in some way in this league. In Portland it would have to be PDX, who we all love and miss around here! In KCC, I got the opportunity to deal with someone who was "something of a running back himself" in Ryan Leaf! Being the first pick ever for the Chicago franchise, I got a chance to learn from Oles and Muford and watch a franchise start from the ground up. Yellowknife would be my next stop and the place that I have spent the most time in learning from folks like Shady, BigRed, TC, and Manic. And my last stop was London, where I spent a few seasons help build that franchise from a player's standpoint when I was their first ever pick with my current player.

I say all of this so that I can explain that I've made some lasting friendships here. Sure I've met quite a few people that I have no interest in talking to ever again, but the majority of my interactions have been awesome and at times unforgettable! That's what this league is all about and the reason I believe it will continue for another 25 seasons!

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[Cheech65]

The ISFL has been pretty big for me in these trying times. It's a great sense of community and it gives me something to look forward to every week. I first joined back in March based on the r/nfl expansion push. But, that post was put up in February. I was late to the party in many respects. I remember first getting to the old forum site, with the Austin Copperheads S20 Ultimus banner. I was instantly intrigued and confused. What is Adam Cole doing there?
I created as a S22 rookie, which in hindsight was ill-advised, considering how many S23 creates were among the new players list. No matter, I was added from waivers to the then- Myrtle Beach Buccaneers for the last week of the S21 season. Naturally, I was entered in to the S22 NSFL Draft and was drafted extremely late by the only team that scouted me out, the newly-formed Sarasota Sailfish. I played for the Bucs in S22 and had a blast. Finally getting into the swing of things, I became a max earner and made sure to update weekly. I began writing media, and even attempted to get into graphics. I learned GIMP pretty quickly and am still improving to this day. I even got hired as a Wiki Publicist, which I should really pick up the effort on.
I got called up to play for Sarasota, and had a fantastic 2 seasons with the team. Not in terms of stats, but the locker room was great, and we all became friends. The ISFL was the first time I'd even heard of simulation sports, and experiencing the best parts of this kind of community firsthand was special. In that time I also got involved in the UNO league and played a great game of Diplomacy (when's that coming back?).
I still remember how anxious I was going into the S25 Expansion Draft. I had hoped that my lackluster stat line would keep me with my fishie friends, but it was not to be. I was selected by the Berlin Fire Salamanders, and I'm still having a great time. Making new friends in a new locker room is awesome. I am excited not only for my future in the league, but the future of the league itself.
Sorry for the tags but shout out to the following for making these past 8 months amazing: @RainDelay and @Frostbite for taking a chance on me, @TropicaliaCC @tMuse @"enforcer" @Big Edd @sakrosankt @Billybolo53 @furiousPanda @bjkman @Nykonax for being great teammates during my tenure in Sarasota, my new teammates in Berlin @Highhaschdi @Dewalt27 @Swanty @Jangorhino @"simo_393" @Jo3fish5 @"Reaper11B", and other great people I've met in my time here like @White Cornerback @BenDover . I'm running out of people to thank, though I'm sure there are more.
The ISFL has been and continues to be a great place to just hang out, and I really couldn't ask for more. My proudest moment came last season when my efforts were rewarded with a nomination for Clark Boyd for TE of the Year. I hope that I can continue to do bigger and better things, and I definitely plan on recreating when the time comes. Thank you ISFL!

[EMPER0R]

What this league means to me.

I joined in season 24.  I really had no idea what to expect or what I was really doing as this is my first sim league.  I have a pretty busy life and I can't invest as much time as I'd like but its been a good thing for me to focus on.  I saw a post on reddit in the middle of COVID and thought it would be somthing I'd be interested in.  There was an extreme lack of sports and new content to watch on TV.  Plus not being able to go anywhere for risk of getting sick.

My first season I didn't get as much TPE as I could have because I didn't really understand what I was doing.  My draft stock fell in the DSFL draft and ISFL draft because of me missing easy TPE.

I ended up as the nickel DB on Tijuana Luchadores.  My least favorite moment so far was the last two games of my first season.  My sim never got on the field during our last regular season game and our playoff game because we never left our base defense.    I made sure that I maximized my TPE and got my second season I moved between starting safety in our base defense and nickle DB.

I really enjoy watching the games and it's even better when you help contribute.  Watching my player get drafted twice was really cool.  Speaking with the other GMs and being scouted was somthing I didn't expect to happen.

My favorite moment has to be winning thr championship this last season.  My first season I had 3 pick and two TDs.  In my new role primarily as safety I didn't have as many picks or TDs but I lead all Defensive backs in tackles in the DSFL.  I lead the team in tackles in the championship game and I was glad I could help the team win.

Next season is up in the air where I will be.  Arizona drafted me last season but didn't need me yet so I was able to max my TPE for Tijuana.  I haven't heard if I'm going up to the ISFL or staying in the DSFL for another season.  Either way I'm happy because I'll be starting for Tijuana or finally making it to the ISFL.


I hope the league continues to grow to give more people an opportunity to see their sims make an impact.  I know my sim won't make it to season 50 but I have plans for what my next sim will look like and what position I'm interested in playing.

[Crunk]

Yeah, so I was a S25 create that saw the reddit post. I remember seeing a post from the ISFL on reddit previously (probably the S22 class one), vaguely intending to join it, and forgetting. This time around I text the only friend who I thought would be interested and we agreed to sign up together, knowing nothing. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Getting my first few scouting messages was super weird. From mindless copypasta to google surveys to really good users who would spend their time helping you while they scouted you. What were these guys looking for? I didn't have a clue, I was just honest while being convinced that I was tanking my draft stock. All of a sudden I was in lengthy conversations with GMs - that had to be a good sign, right? I hoped that I had pushed myself towards the top of the sizeable reddit draft heap, for at least a couple of teams.

The draft was a big part of why I signed up, if I am totally honest. I love sports games where I get drafted and usually sim franchises in games in order to draft. I just love drafts. My DSFL draft experience was everything I wanted it to be. Getting drafted in the second meant I (I mean, uhh, my player) had a healthy chip on my shoulder about being passed on, but something to live up to at the same time. I landed in London with some really, really great guys. I can't begin to describe the quality of user in that server. Fantastic people.

Winning the Ultimini was fantastic. Having declared my intent to "tailgate", I started drinking about 8 hours beforehand, as is a British tradition for any sporting event in which you are invested. I even stuck around 4 hours after it ended, playing Geoguessr in the LR. Given that I haven't been able to socialise much for the majority of the year, that was one of the best nights I've had in ages.

Which leads me to the elephant in the room - COVID. I teach for a living, and my professional life is currently pretty terrible - not as bad as if I had worked in medicine, no doubt, but still horrendous for my mental health. It's just an unrelentingly tough job at present. The league has given me something different to focus on, a distraction when I need it, a group of people who can be relied upon to have a conversation or a laugh with at any given moment. The ISFL is, to be honest, helping me get through a pretty miserable day to day existence at present, and I will be eternally grateful to everyone involved. You are all fantastic.

Also, in 25 seasons there will be a team based on the Moon. Book it.

[TheSparkyDee]

I am new, just joined yesterday. I am a very big football nerd. But I am from the SHL and I am excited to join the ISFL. I was going to join this first before back in May, but I decided on the SHL instead. Now I am here. When I was a young boy, I always wanted to play Wide Receiver, but height was not in my favor, but that never stopped me from playing football. I played football 14 years. I love this game and this sim league will be super easy for me to compete in, football is my number 1 sport. I am excited to join this league and have a great time. I want to win championship for my team that drafts me. This league looks like a good time and I am a great locker room presence, my goal is to be a GM of a team. I would love to lead a locker room and a team to victory TOWN!!!! I have been playing these kinds of games for a long time, but never a football one and I always wanted to. I have been learning about this league, guess there is one team in Australia... hmm that is cool. Is there a Detroit Team? I am SADLY a Detroit Lions Fan and as well as a Los Angeles Rams fan. When I was younger I use to root for the Rams because of the WRs, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, man they were fun to watch. So, that is why I choose to be a WR and my player render is of course my favorite player Isaac Bruce. Sigs are my favorite so love me some sigs. You can send me any sigs as well, but like I said I am new here to the ISFL, but this is not my first league. I am excited to get things started here in the ISFL. If you would like to ask some questions I would answer some for you. I am a S27 Draftee an End Zone threat type WR, and I am good size to come down with the ball when the time is needed. I have very good football IQ, live and breathe football every day, I run a Podcast 3 Idiots Talk Sports, and we have a lot of socials, so if you are interested in listening you can find us on 6 different platforms. Sorry for the little plug, but I am very excited to start my career here in the ISFL, I am excited to get to work for whoever wants to take a chance on me and draft me. My DMs are open on here and on Discord, so feel free to contact me. TheSparkyDee#2422. I am very active, I will be doing the most I can to get the highest TPE possible. 


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