Arena Football One MVP Sam Castronova returning to Albany Firebirds for 2026

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Quarterback Sam Castronova, who was named the Arena Football One (AF1) Most Valuable Player in 2025 after leading the Albany Firebirds to an undefeated season and the league championship, will return to the Firebirds for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Castronova's return is a major boost for the Firebirds as they look to defend their AF1 title. As the league's top quarterback, his presence gives Albany a strong chance to repeat as champions.

The details

Castronova, a Buffalo native, first came to the Capital Region in 2022 when he played for the now-defunct Albany Empire, leading that franchise to a National Arena League championship. In 2025, he reunited with Firebirds head coach Rob Ware and led Albany to the first AF1 championship, passing for 1,735 yards and 48 touchdowns against just three interceptions during the regular season, while adding another five rushing touchdowns. Castronova led AF1 in passing touchdowns and was third in the league in passing yards despite often being pulled from games early with Albany nursing huge leads.

• Castronova will return to the Firebirds for the 2026 season, the team announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
• In 2025, Castronova led the Firebirds to an undefeated season and the AF1 championship.

What’s next

The Firebirds are set to arrive in the Capital Region for training camp in March ahead of their April 11 season opener against the Minnesota Monsters at MVP Arena.