Dream Bowl Shines Light on Hidden Draft Gems

Photographed by: Damion Robinson, Harmony Ontere, Christopher Pak

Video by: Mershawn Scott, Damion Robinson

Written by: Malik Boynton

January 14, 2026

The Dream Bowl — hosted at AT&T Stadium — was an electric event that did not disappoint. The Dream Bowl has opened doors and opportunities for many athletes over the course of the last 14 years, but, no other year has measured to the the magnitude of Dream Bowl 2026.

Founder of the Dream Bowl, Neil Malvone, was focused on making a statement this year and etching a footprint in the state of Texas. First step… renting out the most prolific venue in all of football — AT&T Stadium.

“When we started planning this year it was very important that we hosted this event in a place that would increase the experience for the players and coaches involved.”

• Neil Malvone, Founder of the Dream Bowl

The next order of business was finding talented players. That’s where Charles “Chuck” Stuller, Director of Player personnel, came into the fold. Stuller dove deep into finding and following players who fit the criteria — Draft Eligible players who would come and compete with effort and enthusiasm. But, that wasn’t enough — Stuller was strategic and consistent with reaching out to the players and securing their confirmation for attendance, leading to some very talented players attending. Guys with names and profiles like Cade McNamara & La’Vontae Shenault — who both earned MVP honors for their respective teams. But, what really fuels these games and are the coolest storylines are the unknown players or what my good friend, Damond Talbot would call, “Draft Diamonds”.

Stuller did an amazing job finding hidden gems across the country that ended up generating alot of buzz, like Angel King out of Weber State who was clocked at 4.37 during testing that week or Isaiah Alston who Dallas Cowboys Scout referred to as a “Martavius Bryant Clone”, just to name a few.

On top of the awesome game — you had the NFL Alumni represented well, with over 50 alumni in attendance — including Byron Williams, Kelvin Joseph, and Kavon Frazier. While Draft Prep Academy was represented also — giving countless youth athletes a life-changing perspective.

All in all, The Dream Bowl was a GREAT success. The game was electrifying, the atmosphere was top tier, and everyone in attendance left with an unforgettable experience.