The NFL and XFL reach an agreement to collaborate
doubledragon
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What is really going on here?
NFL, XFL Reach An Agreement: Football World Reacts
Monday morning, ESPN reported that the NFL and the XFL have reached a collaboration agreement, allowing for possible innovation between the two leagues.
ESPN first reported the 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,” Kevin Seifert tweeted.
“As the USFL preps its launch in April, this NFL/XFL deal is a reminder that the XFL is planning a February 2023 return to the field under new ownership after two years away.”
ESPN.com had more:
XFL officials made clear that the collaboration will not include player sharing for developmental purposes, but the alignment is notable given the growing number of alternative leagues in the football landscape.
The NFL-XFL agreement will give the NFL a “petri dish” to experiment with proposed rules, test new equipment and develop prospective officials and coaches, XFL president Russ Brandon told ESPN.
This should be interesting to follow.
“This a big deal. NFL took sooo much from the XFL the first time,” one fan tweeted.
“Promotion & relegation now!” another fan tweeted.
“Unless NFL teams can’t poach players from the XFL then it’s a developmental league,” another fan suggested.
“It’s the only way a spring league will last,” one fan wrote.
The XFL is set to launch in 2023.
Comments
🤔
I think I'll become a Houston fan, go Roughnecks!
Well, it's about time they named a team after me.
Ok men, I don't have to tell you how important this game is, I don't have much to look forward to in life, I've got my wife, my Terry Bradshaw nudes, and football, and that's it. Now get out there and win one for ol' Double D!
Aw hell to the naw.
So, is this what's going on here, is the XFL trying to become a developmental league for the NFL?
XFL Takes Major Step Towards Becoming NFL Developmental League
Announced on Monday, a new partnership could open more doors in the future
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
From the looks of it, the XFL has no plans on defeating the sports entertainment giant known as the National Football League. Instead, they're looking to join forces, and on Monday took a big step towards that goal.
“We are bringing forward an XFL that is progressive and forward-thinking when it comes to innovation," said Dany Garcia, Co-Owner and Chairwoman of the XFL. "Leveraging the newest technology to enhance gameday experience. We have an open field for innovative rules to enhance in-game access. Sharing insights and practices between the XFL and NFL will do a tremendous amount of good for the game of football and support the player ecosystem overall.”
The collaboration between the two leagues is aimed at expanding the game while creating increased opportunities for player development on and off the field, according to the XFL's press release.
Within the agreement to focus on learning and innovation, physical and mental fitness programs are mentioned for players along with studies conducted on playing surfaces and equipment.
The NFL and XFL will also share game trends and data with each other as well.
Inside the press release is also mention of the development of international football development and scouting and the leveraging of technology to enhance officiating in order to enhance the overall game experience.
“The XFL has shown us that innovation is one of its core principles," said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. "We are hopeful that this relationship will support further development and improvements in the game of football at all levels.”
While it isn't the minor league affiliation program everyone envisions when new leagues pop up, it's a strong start to relaunching the XFL, and building what could become a fruitful partnership between the two leagues in the future.
Of course, Washington has already benefitted from the XFL, having brought quarterback Taylor Heinicke in who played for the St. Louis BattleHawks, along with Jon Toth (DC Defenders), Bunmi Rotimi (New York Guardians), and Gabe Wright (Houston Roughnecks) who all spent time with the team at one point or another, in 2021.
In July of last year, the XFL attempted to reach a collaborative agreement with the Canadian Football League (CFL), but the two sides couldn't come to terms and called off the arrangement.
Now, the league is looking to relaunch in 2023 and has a big-time partner - even if limited in scope - with the NFL now on board.
Oh my goodness, it didn't take long for the collaboration to start.
Man, the NFL could really use another good buttfumble, we haven't had one in years. 🤔
His problem is being a headcase. It doesn’t matter what league he’s in, he’ll go off the rails again. When you have had Tom Brady going to bat for you and act crazy again, I don’t know what anybody can do for you.