Spring Football is Back, Why the UFL will be a Major Success
The United Football League just finished week #1, I will be talking about why I think that this league will be a success, and things that could benefit the league if it changes
The inaugural season of the United Football League (UFL) kicked off this past Saturday, showing promising signs of success. Here are some highlights from Week 1, some players to watch out for, and strategic business ideas that could be implemented for the next season.
Highlights From Week 1
To start the season, the reigning USFL (United States Football League) champions, the Birmingham Stallions, faced off against the XFL's (Xtreme Football League) reigning champions, the Arlington Renegades. Although it was not the most thrilling game, it offered some notable moments. One highlight was Arlington's quarterback, Luis Perez, connecting with Isaiah Winstead for a deep touchdown, marking the first touchdown of the season. Additionally, YouTube sensation Donald De La Haye, known as Destroying in the online world, made his professional football debut for the San Antonio Brahmas. De La Haye and his Brahmas secured a victory against the DC Defenders, with the Brahmas' kicker playing a significant role in their 27-12 win. Another memorable moment came when the Brahmas' center, Alex Mollette, scored a 40-yard touchdown after a fake punt by the team's punter, Brad Wing. Notably, Mollette had to run extra yards after catching the ball 15 yards away, making it arguably the highlight of the day. In another game, kicker Jake Bates of the Michigan Panthers clinched the victory with a 64-yard field goal, setting a new record for the longest field goal in UFL history. The first week was indeed one to remember, packed with highlights and signaling the opening kickoff of the United Football League.
Reasons this Spring Football League will Succeed
The UFL has a considerable pool of talent, with former professional football players alongside younger athletes striving to make it to the NFL. This abundance of talent makes the UFL an attractive platform for NFL teams seeking potential additions to their rosters. Furthermore, the league's compelling storylines add to its appeal. Many players, who might otherwise be roster cuts in the NFL, are using the UFL as an opportunity to showcase their skills and prove their worth. For example, players like Jake Bates have transformed from relative unknowns to attracting interest from multiple NFL teams, demonstrating the potential for players to leverage the UFL as a pathway to the NFL. The combination of talent and compelling narratives bodes well for the success of spring football.
Things the UFL Can Change and Improve
Expanding the UFL's current eight-team league should be a priority. With only eight teams and a limit of fifty-three players per roster, adding more teams would add to the league's competitiveness and overall appeal. Consideration should be given to expanding to 16 teams, which would significantly enrich the league. Potential expansion teams could include the Seattle Sea Dragons from the XFL, the New Jersey Generals and Pittsburgh Maulers from the USFL, and the Vegas Vipers from the previous XFL season. With a minimum of sixteen teams, the league would have eight teams in each conference, creating more opportunities for players and creating better competition. Additionally, adding historical USFL and XFL franchises to the mix could attract more fans.
To illustrate:
USFL Conference
Birmingham Stallions
Michigan Panthers
Memphis Showboats
New Orleans Breakers (formerly Memphis Showboats)
Pittsburgh Maulers
New Jersey Generals
Houston Roughnecks
Washington Federals (Played in USFL from 1983-1985)
XFL Conference
Arlington Renegades
DC Defenders
San Antonio Brahmas
St. Louis Battlehawks
Seattle Sea Dragons
Orlando Guardians (could relocate to a better marketing city in Buffalo)
Vegas Vipers (Could relocate back to Tampa Bay or remain in Las Vegas)
LA Wildcats (Could relocate to Oakland or a better marketing city in Portland)
Expanding to sixteen or more teams would bring numerous benefits to the UFL, including the increase of fans and more opportunities for players to shine. With a larger talent pool and a larger fan base, the UFL could solidify its position as a promising and exciting spring football league.
Players to Watch out For this Season
J’Mar Smith
One of the Birmingham Stallions quarterbacks, Smith had a season ending finger injury in 2023 after winning Birmingham’s first USFL title since the league restarted. This is a redemption year for the older quarterback, as he can prove that he is fully back from his season ending injury.
Donald De La Haye
The Brahmas internet sensation will be a great player to watch in the inaugural season for the UFL. De La Haye has proven to be a great kicker, and will showcase his abilities a lot this season as San Antonio’s starting kicker.
Jordan Ta’amu
From the Kansas City Chiefs to the USFL, to the UFL, Ta’amu has been on a long journey to get back to the NFL. The Defenders quarterback has a good shot at winning the league’s first MVP award, as he has a strong arm and certainly capable of becoming an NFL player again.
Case Cookus
An older player in the UFL, Cookus is a Philadelphia Stars legend. Cookus played for the Stars last season and helped the former franchise reach the USFL title game. Cookus will show out this season for his Memphis Showboats.
Amari Rodgers
Amari Rodgers didn’t have the greatest few years in the NFL. He was not the best kick returner by any means, and was struggling to get past 500 yards in a season. The young Stallions wide out will have something to prove as he hopes to get back into the NFL and keep his dream still alive.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Keep looking out for more articles like these as I will release more in the future. I hoped you learned more about the new spring football league, UFL, and wish you are excited for the inaugural season. I am happy to announce that I will be rooting for the Birmingham Stallions this year, as that was my team when I watched the USFL.
You’re a great writer Jack and not just a great sports writer! I get excited every time you have a new article come out because you always have an interesting take on things. I didn’t even know about this new league. I can’t wait to hear more about what you think about the upcoming NBA playoffs too. I’m crossing my fingers here in Boston. The victory parades always start by my building. We have a new Dick’s Sporting Goods Store opening across the street and they are going to have veteran players there to open the store like Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale and Cedric Maxwell. They’ll have David Ortiz there from the Red Sox too. I live near the Boston Marathon finish line so I am looking forward to watching that later this month. Keep up the great work buddy!
What a great article! You have some talent as a sport’s writer. Lots of research evidenced in your article.