I’m Alex, from South Shields in the north‑east of England. I grew up between Newcastle and Sunderland football culture, but American Football became the sport that stuck.

Finding the Game

I discovered the NFL in the late 1980s through Channel 4 broadcasts and those cardboard NFL shirt keyrings from Poundstretcher. That small spark turned into a lifelong interest.

Despite that, I wasn’t especially sporty growing up — my one school rugby match ended in a 78–0 loss — but American Football always stood out to me in a different way.

Teams & Moments

• Lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan
• Visited Candlestick Park
• Saw CFL games in Montreal and Toronto in 1997
• Attended multiple American Bowl games at Wembley
• Returned for the NFL International Series in 2007, 2008, 2013, 2016

Playing Experience

In 1999, I briefly played university American Football for the University of Sunderland WearWolves. The team folded, but the experience stayed with me.

I graduated in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in Media Production.

Why AMT Gridiron Exists

I started AMT Gridiron after discovering The Helmet Project. I loved how it catalogued teams and designs, and I wanted to build a modern, structured version of that idea with my own style. The site focuses on clean layouts, league organisation, and a clear way to explore the sport.

Extras

If you’re curious about some of the things that shaped my early interest in the sport, you can explore them here:

• Interception Card Game
• Super Bowl Ride

Each has its own page with photos and details, keeping this page clean and minimal.

Thanks for Reading

If you’re exploring the sport or already love it, I’m glad you’re here.