A New Era in West Texas Football: The Tall City Black Gold Join the Continental Football League
- Nov 20, 2025
- 3 min read
Midland, Texas: When you talk about football in America, certain places don’t just play the game—they breathe it. And in the Permian Basin, under Friday Night Lights that have inspired books, movies, and legends, a new story is officially beginning.
Today, the Continental Football League proudly welcomes the Tall City Black Gold of Midland, Texas, as the newest member of our expanding Southern Division.
This isn’t just another team joining a league.This is a West Texas football renaissance led by a Hall of Famer, fueled by oil-field grit, and anchored in the community values that built Midland from the ground up.
From Friday Night Lights to the Professional Stage
At the heart of this new franchise stands John Norman—a name that resonates through Texas high school football history. A product of Midland Lee High School’s storied championship era and a recent inductee into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, Norman brings more than experience—he brings legacy.
After a standout career as a defensive back at Texas Tech, and professional stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and arena teams, Norman didn’t simply walk away from the game. He walked toward the next generation.
Together with his wife Denise, Norman founded Power Five Sports League, now serving thousands of young athletes across the region.
Their mission—“The League of Opportunities”—has shaped a youth sports movement throughout West Texas.
Now, Norman is taking that mission to the professional ranks.
A Name Rooted in Texas History
“Tall City Black Gold” is more than a brand; it’s an identity forged from Midland’s past and present.
“Tall City” nods to Midland’s early 20th-century skyline, a symbol of ambition rising from the flat West Texas plains.
“Black Gold” honors the oil that shaped the Permian Basin into one of the world’s most productive energy regions.
As Norman puts it:
“Midland has always stood for hard work, faith, and perseverance. The name Tall City "Black Gold " honors that spirit… We’re bringing that same toughness and pride back to the gridiron.”— John Norman, Managing Partner
With his brother Josh Norman, a former Oklahoma Sooner and NFL player, joining the ownership group, the Tall City Black Gold represent a family-driven, community-rooted approach to professional football.
Why Midland? Why Now?
In the 1960s, the original Continental Football League included the Odessa–Midland Ruffneks, a team that embodied the fierce pride of West Texas football. As the CoFL reconnects with its historic roots, it’s only fitting that Midland once again takes its place on the professional map.
Get ready to rumble...
Commissioner Mike Kelly captured the moment perfectly:
“Football in the Permian Basin is a way of life. Bringing a professional franchise back to Midland under leaders like John and Josh Norman is exactly what the Continental Football League stands for.”— Mike Kelly, CoFL Commissioner
With the addition of the Tall City Black Gold, the CoFL’s Southern Division—now featuring the San Antonio Toros and the Texas Syndicate (Austin)—instantly becomes one of the league’s deepest and most competitive regions.
What Comes Next for Tall City Black Gold Fans
The team will immediately begin player evaluations and roster construction through:
Regional tryouts across West Texas
The 2026 CoFL Draft
Community events and youth outreach initiatives
Major announcements about coaching leadership and player signings
The Tall City Black Gold will be the new symbol of West Texas pride on the national stage.
Fans can already follow updates at:https://www.cofltallcityblackgold.com
(Social links are located on the landing page of the website)
A Defining Moment for the CoFL
The Continental Football League continues its return to prominence, honoring its original 1960s heritage while embracing a modern mission:
Community-owned, fan-driven teams
A developmental “AA” platform for professional football
A league built on tradition, opportunity, and regional identity
Affordable, high-quality football for overlooked markets
With headquarters in Wheeling, West Virginia, the CoFL believes strongly in strengthening local communities and showcasing the incredible depth of football talent across the country.
The addition of the Tall City Black Gold stands as one of the most meaningful steps yet.
West Texas, It’s Your Time.
The lights are warming up.The stands are waiting.And the Permian Basin is ready to roar again.
Welcome to the CoFL, Tall City Black Gold.
Football is coming home.