Cryptic crossword No 3,111

I know nothing about American football but decided to join a fantasy football league with some friends this year. I chose all of my players based on if their names could be clued as regular words. This grid contains 11 of my players, plus my main defence team, which just so happens to be a bird. :)

I also know nothing about football but still had a great time with this! 21d is my favourite, brilliant stuff!

Haha I know nothing about any sporps and yet I managed this 😆 Lots of favourites such as *deep breath* 23a, 27a, 1d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 17d, 19d, 21d and 26d. Thanks! Go Birdies! 🏉

Apart from 29d I solved and enjoyed it all. 10a and 21d both lol moments. 28a also delightful. Thanks!

So fun, thanks Liari. Hope to have time soon for more detailed comments and appreciation. But thanks for now.

Thanks Liari. My knowledge of American football is certainly greater than my knowledge of European football but it's still not adequate enough to appreciate this crossword's theme. No matter, I still liked many of the clues including 23a, 7d, 9d, 12d, 16d, 19d, 29d, and 30d. I revealed 4d and needed your notes to understand 8a and 10a; I was not familiar with the latter's definition. All in all, good entertainment.