http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/01/new-usfl-aims-to-be-true-nfl-minor-league/ Good idea, this was floated last yr prior to the lockout but nothing really materialized.
Nice, back in the day I was a Tampa Bay Bandits fan. I think this is a great idea as some players just aren't ready to play in the NFL but they have talent. Practice squad is not a good half step as the players just do not get the reps they need to develop.
That's interesting that they'd bring back the letters USFL... A minor league is so necessary though. And if they put the games on Tuesday/Wednesday nights during the season, so as not to interfere with any other NFL/College/High School game, it might actually work. I loved the USFL... loved that it was on in the spring though, which I doubt the NFL would go far as they want a minor league in season that they can call up players from. Baltimore/Philadelphia Stars were my team. Surprisingly not the LA Express....
Spinrg football makes more sense though, that way if a player develops he can still compete in Training Camp in August. Figure after the SB, but prior to the draft, 8 games or so, this way a team could feel a player developed in the USFL so they won't have to then draft a player.
It's about time the NFL got with the minor league program(again) even the NBA caved and made the D-league. Any ideas on where franchises will be?(NM didn't realize it was listed in the link, I posted before I read it) EDIT: Sweet leaping Jesus please let Omaha land a franchise!!! I know the UFL team was wildly successful here, and they were playing at Rosenblatt. Only team to sell out all home games in that league. Those games felt like parties, they booked acts to perform at every halftime. The one thing I would have changed was put the seats closer to the field in the outfield grass. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
maybe we could do both! Spring and fall... I mean the NFL did have it right when they loaned players to the world league. It also made it more interesting. To see the Dolphin logo on the shoulders of some of the players. I watched a little closer than I should have You'd could essentially keep the teams intact between the two "seasons." Except for the loaned out players. 8 weeks in the spring... 8 weeks in the fall...
As a highly unprofessional athlete, I'd want to play for the Austin franchise. I'd be active in the community.
This is a good idea as long as they stick to the spring football part and don't go all stupid and try to compete head to head with the NFL.
For another league to work I think you have to have a true minor league system, you have to have a connection from your pro team to your minor league team, that way we will have rooting interest.
Somewhat, imo it also needs to watch costs and somehow add emotional investment by local fans. The AFL had to take a yr off because their cost structure was out of proportion, now their top salaries are 400 dollars per week. Speaking of which, recall rb Nic Grigsby? He received a camp invite from my BC Lions. Fmr ubber Qb prospect Tate Forcier is getting a shot in Calgary, Jeremy Masoli is up in the CFL as well, as is Sinorice Moss
