PRESS RELEASE: CINCINNATI DUKES ELEVATED TO PROFESSIONAL STATUS IN THE CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
- CoFL Staff
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
Fifteen-year semi-pro powerhouse joins CoFL’s Northern Division alongside the Ohio Valley Ironmen
WHEELING, WV — The Continental Football League (CoFL) today announced the addition of the Cincinnati Dukes, a storied semi-professional program with fifteen years of success, to its expanding lineup of professional franchises. Led by Managing Partner Levar Berry, the Dukes will compete in the Northern Division beginning with the 2026 season, joining the Ohio Valley Ironmen as one of the league’s foundational teams in the Midwest corridor.
Founded in 2010, the Dukes have become one of the most respected independent programs in the country—earning back-to-back national championships in 2024 and 2025 and establishing a reputation for excellence, discipline, and player development. Their elevation to professional status marks both a new chapter for the organization and a major step forward for the CoFL’s mission of creating sustainable, community-rooted professional football.
“We’ve been doing this for fifteen years because football, for us, has always been about more than just entertainment,” said Berry. “It’s about giving young men direction, and teaching them what commitment looks like. We’ve built something lasting—and now we get to grow into the next level.”
Berry, a former player and executive with the King’s Comets, founded the Dukes with longtime head coach Darryl “Slash” Moore after years of grassroots development in the Cincinnati football community. Under their leadership, the Dukes evolved from a small local squad into a regional powerhouse. Their longevity—rare among semi-pro programs—reflects Berry’s deep ties to the city and his passion for mentorship both on and off the field.
Beyond the gridiron, Berry has been instrumental in youth football education and live-streaming initiatives that have reached more than 7,000 young athletes across the Midwest. His educational program for youth coaches and live broadcasts of youth games have helped elevate the quality of coaching and player experience in the region.
“Moving to the professional ranks gives us a new challenge to grow, compete, and impact more lives,” Berry added. “We’ve outgrown where we were. The Continental Football League gives us the platform to take the next step—not just as a team, but as leaders in our community.”
The Dukes’ transition will include a complete roster rebuild through CoFL regional tryouts and the 2026 Continental Draft. The organization plans to retain its iconic identity while introducing a refreshed professional brand as part of the league’s uniform and media integration program this winter.
The addition of the Cincinnati Dukes reflects the CoFL’s continued expansion strategy, reviving the spirit of historic markets while delivering professional football to passionate fan bases often overlooked by larger leagues.
Check out the Dukes ...
About the Continental Football League: The Continental Football League (CoFL) is a fan-owned, community-first professional football league reintroduced to revive the grit, innovation, and regional pride that defined the original 1960s league. The modern CoFL will field franchises across the U.S., operating as a developmental “AA” platform for professional athletes, coaches, and executives. Headquartered in Wheeling, West Virginia, the CoFL is committed to strengthening local communities and returning professional football to the people who built it.