Logo courtesy of the league.
Professional football team coming to Midland
The Tall City Black Gold, a new pro football team based in Midland, is set to join the Continental Football League for its inaugural 2026 season, according to a league statement.
The team will compete in the League’s South Division and becomes the fifth franchise officially announced so far. The league is relaunching as a community-owned, fan-first “AA” professional football organization and plans to field eight teams across two divisions starting in May 2026.
The Midland franchise joins the previously announced teams: the Cincinnati Dukes, the Ohio Valley Ironmen, the San Antonio Toros and the Texas Syndicate.
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The Tall City Black Gold is founded by brothers John Norman and Josh Norman. John was a Parade All-American in 1996, played at Texas Tech and spent seven seasons in the Arena Football League; he now serves on the Midland City Council. Josh played for the University of Oklahoma under legendary coach Bob Stoops, won the 2000 BCS National Championship, and spent two seasons with the San Diego Chargers as well as brief stints with the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders. He’s also in his second year as offensive coordinator at Southern Nazarene University (NCAA D-II).
Together, the Normans founded Norman Elite, an athletic training organization offering one-on-one and group mentoring for kids aged 8-18 focusing on performance and character development.
“Midland has always stood for hard work, faith and perseverance… ,” John said. “The name ‘Tall City Black Gold’ honors that spirit – the tall skyline that gave Midland its nickname and the black gold that fueled generations, We’re bringing that same toughness and pride back to the gridiron.”
CoFL Commissioner Mike Kelly echoed the sentiment: “Football in the Permian Basin is a way of life. Bringing a professional franchise back to Midland under leaders like John and Josh Norman, who embody the toughness and heart of West Texas, is exactly what the Continental Football League stands for.”
The COFL originally played five seasons from 1965 to 1969, before teams departed for other leagues, forcing it to cease operations after the conclusion of its 1969 season. The league featured numerous National Football League alumni, as well as Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees: Ken Stabler, Doak Walker, Bill Walsh and Steve Van Buren. It has been relaunched this year by Kelly.
