UFL spring football (XFL and USFL merge) (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

I thought some teams didn't look ready and the attendance numbers tell me some fans weren't too.
Four week camp with late arrivals probably fueled that.
I'd be very careful with DFS and lines. Watch some on YouTube and if they look all out of sorts then discard the game entirely. A lot of sincere confusion yesterday that was obvious and not finger pointing blame garbage.

 

[joey]

StL Battlehawks had 40,000+ in attendance at their game. Wow. Kroenke really screwed over that town and they’re desperate for pro ball.

 

[Bri]

StL Battlehawks had 40,000+ in attendance at their game. Wow. Kroenke really screwed over that town and they’re desperate for pro ball.

Yeah they opened up the upper level at two stadiums today.
Great news for the league

 

[Bri]

Second week that I question their draft choices to pair up with Taamu.
Kudos to him, he's persevering well but geesh get him some more players

 

[Bri]

Still loving it.
I can understand if this is a basketball weekend and next weekend is better for them.

 

[Bri]

Expansion talks starting. Good news for them

 

[joey]

That’s good to hear. I hope the pick cities WITHOUT existing NFL teams. Right now 3 of the 8 teams are in NFL cities (Houston, DC, Michigan ) and I would thinking finding cities that are starved for pro football would make sense. Also, crazy that 3 of the 8 UFL teams are all in Texas.

 

[Instinctive]

That’s good to hear. I hope the pick cities WITHOUT existing NFL teams. Right now 3 of the 8 teams are in NFL cities (Houston, DC, Michigan ) and I would thinking finding cities that are starved for pro football would make sense. Also, crazy that 3 of the 8 UFL teams are all in Texas.

We have a saying down here about how many seasons there are...and there are two.

1. Football season
2. Waiting for football season season

 

[joey]

1.5 weeks left in the regular season.
StL, San Antonio, Birmingham and Michigan already clinched all 4 playoff spots.

Some players I think get some NFL run this summer…
McCarron - already has been on NFL rosters as a backup QB. Can’t imagine it doesn’t happen again for him this coming year.
Adrian Martinez QB BIRMINGHAM - I mean, that team lost their first game on Saturday over 2 seasons of spring football. This guy has to get a shot in some NFL training camp this summer, right?

Cody Latimer was looking like a man among boys at WR for San Antonio, but he got hurt in yesterday’s game. Imagins he’d get into an NFL camp this summer.

Sal Canella TE Arlington - this guy seems to make plays and have been on a few NFL practice squads over the years. I’m rooting for him…and not only because Canella is a family name in 1 of the branches in my greaseball family tree

 

[joey]

Also, Hakim Bulter also looks like a man among boys at WR for STL. he will be in an NFL camp for sure.

 

[Bri]

Also, Hakim Bulter also looks like a man among boys at WR for STL. he will be in an NFL camp for sure.

He's failed to return a few times and probably has some hasbeen vibe to the NFL

 

[Bri]

1.5 weeks left in the regular season.
StL, San Antonio, Birmingham and Michigan already clinched all 4 playoff spots.

Some players I think get some NFL run this summer…
McCarron - already has been on NFL rosters as a backup QB. Can’t imagine it doesn’t happen again for him this coming year.
Adrian Martinez QB BIRMINGHAM - I mean, that team lost their first game on Saturday over 2 seasons of spring football. This guy has to get a shot in some NFL training camp this summer, right?

Cody Latimer was looking like a man among boys at WR for San Antonio, but he got hurt in yesterday’s game. Imagins he’d get into an NFL camp this summer.

Sal Canella TE Arlington - this guy seems to make plays and have been on a few NFL practice squads over the years. I’m rooting for him…and not only because Canella is a family name in 1 of the branches in my greaseball family tree

McCarron seemed a lock to backup Levis. Rudolph changed that but I bet the door is open still. Cincy is about the same. Supposedly he's really well liked by them. Maybe he gets a chance. All good vibes is definitely in his favor.

Canella tells a story of being black balled by Lafleur. I've shared it before. It's essentially he kept promising him time and bouncing him on and off the roster n PS. Canella turned down offers from other teams as Lafleur preached loyalty but he never got his chance. The other 31 didn't much like him sharing that story and more view it as he should take what he can get, shush, and be a good soldier.

He had a heckuva spring last year and didn't get an invite til late IIRC and too late like who makes it signed then.

 

[Bri]

I expect tight ends (or anyone big n mobile) to be invited with the new kickoff rules, if not for another reason.
Some of these small speedy returns guys give a Joe Morris vibe. All the game planning in the world can't help you see the guy behind the big fellas.
The Cowboys have enjoyed Turpin as such on some plays and now it'll be a 5-9 guy flying behind blockers on returns.
A few teams drafted speedy lil bugger return men.
Besides the finding stuff, the coverage team big fellas have to have some speed to them too. Ideally I think they want like five TEs and five LBs.
In the XFL, the CBs and WRs up the sideline per usual would get blocked aside and create a lane for the return man. Maybe NFL teams will use a safety? Ya gotta own that lane no matter what. Once that happens it's like they diagram with mobile QBs- contain and keep em inside til ya make the play.
Safety LB tweeners or the faster LBs? FBs?

Not to overstate this. They're not going to overhaul a roster just for kickoffs.

Speed n toughness, read blocks, as some say-pure type football play

 

[joey]

Conference championship games were very entertaining.

Michigan looked like they were going to run away with it against Birmingham but then Birmingham stormed back in the 2nd half to pull it out, proving they’ve been pretty consistently the best “spring football” team for the past 2-3 years.

I was pulling for St Louis to make the finals, due to how Kroenke and the Rams screwed that town over so badly, and StL is showing amazing support for their spring football team in terms of big crowds showing up. But San Antonio was solid the whole way (and solid the last 2/3rds of the season, really, after a slow start).

I’m a mid century modern design guy, so any team who’s colors are grey and yellow are ok in my book, so I’m pulling for SA over Birm in the finals next week.

There are definitely a bunch of guys who will be brought into NFL camps this summer. I love the flow of UFL spring footaball -> NFL training camp as the perfect feeder league for the players that “prove it” on film in the UFL.

Was nice to hear Wade Philips (San Antonio Brahma’s head coach) get caught on microphone telling Hakim Butler (who’s on the opposing StL team) when the game ended that he’d tell all the folks he knows in the NFL to take a look at him. That’s what it’s all about. Diamonds in the rough and 2nd chances.

 

[bryhamm]

I was pulling for St Louis to make the finals, due to how Kroenke and the Rams screwed that town over so badly, and StL is showing amazing support for their spring football team in terms of big crowds showing up. But San Antonio was solid the whole way (and solid the last 2/3rds of the season, really, after a slow start).

Too many mistakes by St Louis.

 

[joey]

Birmingham won it all over San Antonio, not surprisingly. They’re a cut above the rest in spring football.

Was nice to have some spring football to distract a bit between the Super Bowl and training camps. Looks like some players have already signed with NFL teams so hopefully this spring league can feed some talent into the NFL.

UFL to NFL Signings Tracker 2024: News, rumors and updates

Eight United Football League players have signed with NFL teams already, but more are expected to be added to the list soon.

www.acmepackingcompany.com

 

[Bri]

The Jets signed a guard/center late last year to their PS. He had a very high pass blocking metric in college. He went to the UFL, made their first team all pro like team, re-signed with the Jets.

That's really all it takes to use them as a minor league until they sign a deal with the NFL.

The Titans and Panthers are talking to their DPOY. He's a smallish, fast n tough DE. Nine sacks each of the last two years.

Viewership was up 25 percent and more so year two is fine and coming.

Moose Johnston said they will not expand for 2025. I think that's a mistake on the surface but there couldn't be more logistical and financial matters that I don't know so maybe it's right. I just feel bad for fans that thought they just had to wait a year.

 

[Bri]

I don't think there will be many offensive skill position players signed to the NFL. Really a down year for that star that's like a man among boys type.

Plenty of tough and hungry well drilled players that should be in camps.

The top RB signed with the Giants right away. I'm afraid he's average and makes his living by never letting up and determination.

I mentioned TEs and others earlier. Weird shortage of good blocking TEs in the NFL while no shortage of thin athletic types. Very easy obvious pickups in my opinion.

My guy Jordan Taamu didn't have a great year for the first time.

I still expect AJ McCarron to be a Titan. He has thoroughly enjoyed taking a break from the backup role and playing. The UFL allowed players to have their families at some practices and he said nice things about his son's watching and hugging his wife and....guy sounds down on his luck being a backup so long and like it was so much fun for him. Bengals fans have claimed he's under contract but that would be against NFLPA with no minor league deal so that can't be true. They were obviously the other team I expect he'll consider. He's adored in the UFL and absolutely going to be welcomed back in 2025.

 

[Bri]

A few DTs signed today

 

[Bri]

Demographics and data

x.com

x.com

The 40% increase of female viewers...that will be an interesting topic for them to discuss and market to.

 

[joey]

The UFL season started 2 weekends ago. I’m still a sucker who DVRs the games and watches parts but fast forwards thru most. Just looking for the usual kind of redemption story to fight back into the NFL. Seems like even less familiar names from the NFL than I recognize even from last year. I wonder if rosters shifted even more to undrafted players over ex-NFL players. Not that I’m keeping count and track these guys. Just interested in continuing to see if the spring football thing has any legs.

ETA: and still loving that the StL franchise has great attendance, as an F U to Kroenke and the Rams leaving.

 

[Ray_T]

The UFL season started 2 weekends ago. I’m still a sucker who DVRs the games and watches parts but fast forwards thru most. Just looking for the usual kind of redemption story to fight back into the NFL. Seems like even less familiar names from the NFL than I recognize even from last year. I wonder if rosters shifted even more to undrafted players over ex-NFL players. Not that I’m keeping count and track these guys. Just interested in continuing to see if the spring football thing has any legs.

ETA: and still loving that the StL franchise has great attendance, as an F U to Kroenke and the Rams leaving.

well, the pay is not very good for UFL players. NFL players are honestly more likely to go to the CFL where a good starter can (and do) earn more money.

at the pay the UFL provides I could see a lot of players taking a real (non football) job instead.

 

[joey]

The UFL season started 2 weekends ago. I’m still a sucker who DVRs the games and watches parts but fast forwards thru most. Just looking for the usual kind of redemption story to fight back into the NFL. Seems like even less familiar names from the NFL than I recognize even from last year. I wonder if rosters shifted even more to undrafted players over ex-NFL players. Not that I’m keeping count and track these guys. Just interested in continuing to see if the spring football thing has any legs.

ETA: and still loving that the StL franchise has great attendance, as an F U to Kroenke and the Rams leaving.

well, the pay is not very good for UFL players. NFL players are honestly more likely to go to the CFL where a good starter can (and do) earn more money.

at the pay the UFL provides I could see a lot of players taking a real (non football) job instead.

yeah, agreed. I think that somehow the UFL needs to land an official partnership with the NFL and get some of that skin in the game for this spring league thing to have any legs.

 

[Ray_T]

The UFL season started 2 weekends ago. I’m still a sucker who DVRs the games and watches parts but fast forwards thru most. Just looking for the usual kind of redemption story to fight back into the NFL. Seems like even less familiar names from the NFL than I recognize even from last year. I wonder if rosters shifted even more to undrafted players over ex-NFL players. Not that I’m keeping count and track these guys. Just interested in continuing to see if the spring football thing has any legs.

ETA: and still loving that the StL franchise has great attendance, as an F U to Kroenke and the Rams leaving.

well, the pay is not very good for UFL players. NFL players are honestly more likely to go to the CFL where a good starter can (and do) earn more money.

at the pay the UFL provides I could see a lot of players taking a real (non football) job instead.

yeah, agreed. I think that somehow the UFL needs to land an official partnership with the NFL and get some of that skin in the game for this spring league thing to have any legs.

I'm still not sure that works. The old USFL was affiliated with the NFL and people didnt want to attend that either.

it may just be a case of football fatigue. fans likely have only so much football in them and if you watch football all spring and all summer, that may, in fact, be too much football. and if you cant watch that much football, you are gonna stay with the NFL and watch the other league when time and convenience permit.

 

[joey]

Absolutely. For me, it’s very low effort to DVR all 4 games and chip away at watching them over the whole week at night after the Mrs goes to bed. Some extra sports to watch at this time of the year since I don’t follow the NBA at all and dislike baseball as well (ready for the NHL playoffs though!)

But my viewing habits won’t put butts in seats for sure.

 

[Ray_T]

Absolutely. For me, it’s very low effort to DVR all 4 games and chip away at watching them over the whole week at night after the Mrs goes to bed. Some extra sports to watch at this time of the year since I don’t follow the NBA at all and dislike baseball as well (ready for the NHL playoffs though!)

But my viewing habits won’t put butts in seats for sure.

yeah and when the league is starting out, the best revenue comes from the fans in the seats.

TV revenue will only get you so far. once ratings are sufficiently good, then you can rely on the TV ratings. but usually fans need to be in the stands first.

 

[Bri]

30k at one game was a good sign for the league.
Michigan and St Louis seem successes.

They have to get more at the others.

 

[Bri]

Absolutely. For me, it’s very low effort to DVR all 4 games and chip away at watching them over the whole week at night after the Mrs goes to bed. Some extra sports to watch at this time of the year since I don’t follow the NBA at all and dislike baseball as well (ready for the NHL playoffs though!)

But my viewing habits won’t put butts in seats for sure.

yeah and when the league is starting out, the best revenue comes from the fans in the seats.

TV revenue will only get you so far. once ratings are sufficiently good, then you can rely on the TV ratings. but usually fans need to be in the stands first.

This past weekend they seem stuck with some not attending but TV viewership pretty good.

 

[Bri]

I love Taamu. If he's ever get a sincere shot in the NFL...there is no way there are 32 backups better than him. I can't gauge the starters for comparison til he plays at that level and I'm ready to be wrong since lesser league but...if a starter gets injured and a backup has to come in; there aren't 32 backups I'd prefer.

Deestroying is one of my fave K or P ever. McAfee made me realize how stoic they usually were and I guess I like emotional ones. That long one and the miss, OMG I felt that.

 

[joey]

I love Taamu. If he's ever get a sincere shot in the NFL...there is no way there are 32 backups better than him. I can't gauge the starters for comparison til he plays at that level and I'm ready to be wrong since lesser league but...if a starter gets injured and a backup has to come in; there aren't 32 backups I'd prefer.

Deestroying is one of my fave K or P ever. McAfee made me realize how stoic they usually were and I guess I like emotional ones. That long one and the miss, OMG I felt that.

Agreed about Taamu. I imagine he gets brought into an NFL camp again this preseason. Worth a shot for many teams, I’d think.

 

[Ray_T]

I love Taamu. If he's ever get a sincere shot in the NFL...there is no way there are 32 backups better than him. I can't gauge the starters for comparison til he plays at that level and I'm ready to be wrong since lesser league but...if a starter gets injured and a backup has to come in; there aren't 32 backups I'd prefer.

Deestroying is one of my fave K or P ever. McAfee made me realize how stoic they usually were and I guess I like emotional ones. That long one and the miss, OMG I felt that.

Agreed about Taamu. I imagine he gets brought into an NFL camp again this preseason. Worth a shot for many teams, I’d think.

if he doesnt stick with an NFL team he may pick up in the CFL. QB there make a lot more than they do in the UFL I think. certainly not as much as NFL players but a decent chunk of change

 

[Bri]

https://x.com/UFLCenter/status/1912313645930807679

Coach upset saying "why is he in the game? Don't you put him in the game"

I love the videos and interactions shared during games as true sincere football.

That the player got cut is not surprising at all. Coach didn't want him in the game, obviously.

That social wokeness and workers rights will ruin this is also not surprising.

If I listed the things coaches said to me in my day as a hoops point guard....I've been asked if I'm purposely throwing it to the other team, if I'm blind, to put the ball down on the floor so at least there's a pause so we can get back on D. I can go on and on. There's no way some non-sports person would infer that I hold/held records for assists.

The Rock seems like such a good dude and-again- I enjoy all these interactions so much but I can't imagine our society NOT shutting this down. The Rock will cave to an outcry and we'll lose this. It's a shame.

I enjoy the post TD quick interviews. The in interview flirts with the sideline reporters make me laugh for a sec.
Somewhere I have saved "you know you're playing offense right?" That will forever be my favorite coach quote after a bad QB interception. Someone on X said last year "maybe Levis didn't know he was on offense" and I so hard at that. It's life. Coaches say things and sometimes ya do something stupid and ya just gotta laugh at yourself. The film room and practice will come but you've also gotta finish the game somehow with confidence to get the job done. (Guy on X not Callahan so if here IF) Non sports people would not understand coaches have to be mind ninjas sometimes. Every player reacts differently and has different personalities and the next series is coming. When positive reinforcement doesn't work then what?

I'm gonna be sad if my prediction comes true and this is removed from games

 

[Bri]

Wade Phillips and Ken Whisenhunt stepped aside, quit, pick a word

 

[Snoopy]

Wade Phillips and Ken Whisenhunt stepped aside, quit, pick a word

bailed-out?

 

[Bri]

Wade Phillips and Ken Whisenhunt stepped aside, quit, pick a word

bailed-out?

Maybe
8 teams and three of them are with an interim coach

 

[TheDirtyWord]

https://x.com/UFLCenter/status/1912313645930807679

Coach upset saying "why is he in the game? Don't you put him in the game"

I love the videos and interactions shared during games as true sincere football.

That the player got cut is not surprising at all. Coach didn't want him in the game, obviously.

That social wokeness and workers rights will ruin this is also not surprising.

If I listed the things coaches said to me in my day as a hoops point guard....I've been asked if I'm purposely throwing it to the other team, if I'm blind, to put the ball down on the floor so at least there's a pause so we can get back on D. I can go on and on. There's no way some non-sports person would infer that I hold/held records for assists.

The Rock seems like such a good dude and-again- I enjoy all these interactions so much but I can't imagine our society NOT shutting this down. The Rock will cave to an outcry and we'll lose this. It's a shame.

I enjoy the post TD quick interviews. The in interview flirts with the sideline reporters make me laugh for a sec.
Somewhere I have saved "you know you're playing offense right?" That will forever be my favorite coach quote after a bad QB interception. Someone on X said last year "maybe Levis didn't know he was on offense" and I so hard at that. It's life. Coaches say things and sometimes ya do something stupid and ya just gotta laugh at yourself. The film room and practice will come but you've also gotta finish the game somehow with confidence to get the job done. (Guy on X not Callahan so if here IF) Non sports people would not understand coaches have to be mind ninjas sometimes. Every player reacts differently and has different personalities and the next series is coming. When positive reinforcement doesn't work then what?

I'm gonna be sad if my prediction comes true and this is removed from games

Ultimately, I think the value this league provides is to vet real time, unscripted moments like this. I mean if you're watching UFL football, you're a die-hard, but also...there's a sophistication to what you expect from an experience perspective that can shed light on how TV evolves it's production.

 

[Bri]

7k raise and year round healthcare. Two padded practices per week.
UFL has new CBA

UFL, players reach new CBA after months of talks

The United Football Players Association has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Football League, ending nearly six months of negotiations, according to union officials.

www.espn.com

 

[Ray_T]

just juned into the Houston vs Birmingham game and It looked like there couldnt have been more than 2000 fans at the game. not good. mostly an empty stadium