The Alliance of American Football (AAF) debuted as a success by garnering just under three million viewers in their inaugural game on CBS.

How does a brand new organization outdraw an established organization such as the NBA?

Well, the AAF did due to three important reasons: The viewers crave football, the viewers typically don't crave regular season NBA basketball, and the AAF features former college and NFL players that fans recognize.

Here are five current AAF players on the Memphis Express that Tennessee sports fans will recognize:

Zach Mettenberger, QB

Titans fans will likely remember Mettenberger's time in Nashville as a disappointment. Frankly, he was a sixth round draft pick who was rushed into playing time — and that was evident on gameday.

During his two season tenure with the Titans (2014-15), the former LSU Tiger amassed 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, and a 60.3% completion percentage.

However, the most remembered stat form his time with the Titans is his 0-10 record as the quarterback.

While Mettenberger certainly wasn't the worst QB the Titans have had in the past decade, moving on from him and drafting Marcus Mariota was the better choice.

Mett's current team, the Memphis Express, lost their debut against the Birmingham Iron and failed to put any points on the board.

He is currently the backup to former Penn St. and New York Jets' QB Christian Hackenberg. If the Express's offense continues to struggle under Hackenberg, the Mettshow may get a second chance to be a savior.

Zac Stacy, RB

The former standout Vanderbilt Commodore had a short, three year stint in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams and the New York Jets.

But before being drafted to the NFL, Stacy was a vital part of the success of some very impressive Vandy football teams — including the 2012 nine-win team.

In his four year college career in Nashville, Stacy compiled 581 carries for 3,143 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also had two seasons (2011-12) where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and had double digit touchdowns.

Stacy enjoyed a strong first year in the NFL, totaling 973 yards and seven touchdowns on 250 attempts. However, he quickly fizzled out after being replaced by former Auburn Tiger Tre Mason and getting traded and subsequently injured in New York.

Stacy temporarily retired in 2016, but is back now as a running back for the Memphis Express.

Alton "Pig" Howard, WR

Pig Howard had a very up and down college career with the Volunteers. He had a solid Junior season for the Vols in 2014, receiving 54 passes for 618 yards and a touchdown.

However, the former Vol was also dismissed from the team in 2015 (his senior year) for a violation of team rules.

Since then, Howard has bounced around a few different NFL and CFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Chicago Bears, and most recently the Montreal Alouettes in 2018.

He now has his best chance to make an impact as a wide receiver for the Memphis Express.

Colton Jumper, LB

It wasn't too long ago that Colton Jumper was on the Tennessee Vols' sideline.

The former UT linebacker put up solid number his senior year (2017), totaling 55 combined tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.

After completing his senior year at Tennessee, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent.

But his time in the NFL was short lived and he didn't make the final 53 man roster.

He now plays linebacker in the AAF and looks to turn the heads of NFL scouts so he can get his second chance in the NFL.

Rajion Neal, RB

Raijion Neal was a playmaker for the Volunteers from 2010-2013. In his college career, he garnered a total of 2,789 yards and 24 touchdowns from scrimmage.

His best season for the Vols came in 2013, when he totaled 1,124 rushing yards, 108 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.

Since his career at UT, he's signed with five NFL teams: The Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns.

Despite having several teams' interest, Neal didn't make it any further than the practice squad throughout his NFL career.

Neal is now playing his part in the Memphis Express's backfield, alongside Zac Stacy.