In a surprising twist, the XFL and NFL were trending this morning after they announced reaching a collaboration deal that has the XFL testing various things like rule changes, new equipment, and so on.
The basis is to focus on creating innovative programs while protecting the players’ health.
It’s an interesting agreement as the XFL was cutting edge on curtailing injuries on kickoffs as they developed a system that everyone seemed to like.
In short, the kicker kicked off from their 30-yard line and the ball must be kicked into play between the opponent’s 20 yard line and endzone. The coverage team would line up on the 35 yard line with the return team lined up on the 30.
It eliminated the high speed collisions that are common place on kickoffs and was widely accepted by players and coaches, so we expect more of the same.
Today, the XFL announced it would collaborate with the @NFLFootballOps on select innovation programs to create increased player development opportunities on and off the field.
Read full announcement: https://t.co/4hnPEtPBL3
— United Football League (@TheUFL) February 21, 2022
Not a developmental league
One of the pressing questions fans would have is if the XFL would be a developmental league, but XFL chairwoman/owner Dany Garcia made clear this deal will not lead to the XFL being a developmental league.
The XFL will be a developmental league for coaches and officials, according to XFL president Russ Brandon, according to ESPN.
Brandon is a former Buffalo Bills executive with 20 years under his belt, and is the perfect individual to help league owners Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners maintain a balance between the two leagues.
Since shutting their doors and declaring bankruptcy in 2020, Vince McMahon sold the league and the plan is for them to resume their play as a spring league in February 2023.
NEWS: The XFL and NFL have reached a collaboration agreement to innovate together on game rules, officiating and health & safety, among other areas. XFL chairwoman/owner Dany Garcia made clear this deal is not a precursor to becoming an NFL developmental league. Full story soon.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) February 21, 2022
Moving forward
Before closing their doors in 2020 due to the pandemic, the league was making headway and gaining attention for their innovative methods and had several NFL coaches and former players as part of team management or working with the broadcast teams.
It gave the league a sense of legitimacy that was missing from the 2000 version that relied too heavily on Vince McMahon’s WWE and quickly became a joke among sports fans despite some great moments.
We’re still curious how a league that’s centralized like this can function when every viable professional sports league in North America has team owners that come together to help determine the course of the league.
While their ownership will streamline decisions, there could be some others obstacles for them to overcome down the road, but it’s an exciting ride we’re looking forward to taking.
What do you think about the XFL-NFL partnership? Let us know in the comments below.
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