Here at the conculsion of the season, I'd like to thank you all for another great year in what I truly believe is the greatest fantasy football league there is. While it was not my year this year, or the league's for that matter given the outcome, I am "happy" to offer my congratulations to Austin and his team for his 3rd championship. The consistency of all of you in lineup upkeep, proactive roster management, and good sportsmanship is a point of immense pride for me as I wrap up my 15th year as your commissioner. I'd like to first talk about some key accomplishments this season, then we'll talk about the future.

The League saw some amazing feats this year. Garrett and Austin joined the 100-win club, Jahmyr Gibbs put up the best score from a RB in the over 10 years, Collin's amazing streak tied the all-time record for consecutive perfect weeks at 9, we had three consecutive weeks of FYGs in weeks 12-14, all involving Austin. It always amazes me that even after 15 years, we can keep being surprised by a game that can feel so routine. We also introduced some new rules that expanded trading activity, and had some fun with our season-long game "Power Couples" along the way. I am proud that I brought you all a slate of 18 newsletters, making it seventy-one newsletters since my lackluster 2021 slate. I truly hope that the newsletters keep you all engaged and entertained, and I'm grateful for those of you that reached out with ideas and inquiries for me to incorporate into the write-ups and website.

Speaking of the website, I highly encourage you all to take a stroll down memory lane every now and then. I've worked tirelessly during this season on this, my magnum opus, and there are some fun and new things all around the website that I hope you all enjoy and appreciate. Building this has been an incredibly fun project for me, and the skills I've learned during it indirectly contributed to my personal career advancement. For that, I have to also thank you all for being the kind of league that makes this kind of project worth it.

The future of the League looks bright. If you all continue to bring the passion and devotion to your teams, I fully expect the high level of parity and competition to continue for years to come. As you all say goodbye to your teams for a few months, I hope you shed a single tear of joy knowing not to be sad that it's over, but to be glad that it happened. Like the sun sets in the west, however, it rises in the east, and we will reconvene this summer for the League to rise once more. I call upon long-time members Mike and Tyler to open their doors to continue our tour for draft night 2026 and 2027, as well as Nathan and Collin to be ready for the same in 2028 and 2029. I strive to make 2030, our 20th season, an affair to remember.

On the future, there are some usual changes coming in 2026. We will participate in a different season-long game, to be determined, and I will likely bring back the weekly challenges. I plan to sunset the "Gut Check" game, but I am open to doing whatever my fellow League-mates find engaging and entertaining. I am, however, retiring the weekly emails. I will still produce newsletters, but their publishing, along with any other urgent league matters, will be communicated via a push notification from the AFFL app, currently in beta-testing. The email will stay active until Draft night 2026, which I can help sort through any difficulties people have with their app.

Speaking of the Draft, your 2026 Keepers are available for review. The keeper rules are explained there, and I'd remind everyone that the League stays open to rule changes and democratic processes, we've facilitated a lot of welcome change in the last couple of years, and I personally find it helps keep the seasons from getting stale. Garrett has expressed interest in adding Juan and Patrick back into the League, as an example. Now, at season's end, is a great time to speak up and let your voice be heard! Thank you all again for a fun, albiet heartbreaking 2025 season in the Apex Fantasy Football League.