The new year brings with it a new version of professional football in the spring.
The newly-created United Football league (UFL) is the result of a merger between the XFL and USFL. Both played last season.
The UFL is an eight-team league that kicks off on March 30. Each team will play 10 regular season games which will be televised either by ESPN or Fox.
This new league does not pretend that it will compete with the NFL as the original USFL did in the ’80s. However, it will provide an opportunity for more young players to develop and be seen by NFL personnel directors and scouts.
“It’s all about opportunity,” says NFL alum and UFL Executive Vice President-Football Operations Daryl (Moose) Johnston. “Our goal is not just to get young players back into the NFL but we want to give them the chance to stay in the NFL for two, three, four or more years. Many of these players were late NFL training camp cuts in recent years. As many of us know, it can change the direction of a young man’s life if he has that chance to experience and play in the NFL.”
Many of you had that same chance back in the 80s with the USFL and you used it as a springboard to our league. Jim Kelly, Steve Young and the late Sam Mills and Reggie White are in that talented group. More recently, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who is a perfect 35 for 35 on field goals this season, played in the 2023 USFL spring league.
The UFL also will provide opportunities for NFL alumni on the coaching sidelines and in team front offices. In addition to Daryl Johnston, it was announced this week that NFL alums Anthony Becht (Jets, Bucs, Rams, Cardinals, Chiefs; 2000-2011) and Reggie Barlow (Jaguars, Raiders, Bucs; 1996-2003) will be UFL head coaches. Becht will be with the St. Louis Battlehawks and Barlow will coach the D.C. Defenders. More announcements involving NFL alums are expected later this month.
The UFL will use a hub model in which all teams will practice in Arlington (TX) and travel to play games in their home markets. The teams are divided into two conferences:
USFL CONFERENCE:
- Birmingham Stallions
- Houston Roughnecks
- Memphis Showboats
- Michigan Panthers
XFL CONFERENCE:
- Arlington Renegades
- D.C. Defenders
- San Antonio Brahmas
- St. Louis Battlehawks
We at NFL Alumni agree that expanding our great game of football at this UFL level should benefit both young players and NFL alums. It is a worthwhile goal!
