After one weekend, new fans are finding fun and entertainment from the newly formed XFL. The league, founded by CEO Vince McMahon, promised fun, fast-paced, viewer-friendly football and delivered in Week 1.
But for the players, it’s another opportunity for them to realize their lifelong dream of playing professional football.
The opening game saw the DC Defenders taking on the Seattle Dragons, and Defenders quarterback Cardale Jones led the team to victory. Jones, a popular pick for MVP, finished with 235 yards and two touchdowns in the opening 31-19 win.
The league lived up to the billing early. It has quirks to it, but the game is fun and fast-paced, with running clocks and 3-point conversions. The XFL is trying to find an audience to engage in the game.
The league is littered with talent from college and high school, including Valdosta State University’s Donatello Brown and Seantavius Brown. Former Georgia quarterback and Plant High School star Aaron Murray leads the Tampa Bay Vipers into the season.
Football has been dominated by the NFL, and the CFL in Canada, for years, but the XFL is banking on the ability to find a market after the Super Bowl and has had the early marketing success to show it may be a player for the immediate future. This is a great opportunity for not only the fans, but the players as they look to fulfill their dreams as professional football players.
I’ll be tuning in to the XFL to see some of the homegrown talent and how they’ve developed over the years, and that is the best market they can invest in. Do you know any athletes in the XFL? Comment on them below.