The United States Football League is returning. Not like we remembered it. Just a little different. This time it has the blessings, even support of the NFL. The old USFL challenged the NFL. It only lasted three years, from 1983-1985, but it sure seemed longer. Maybe it's because the court battles lasted longer. This time, the USFL will serve as a minor league for players hoping to graduate to the big time. Jaime Cuadra has acquired the USFL brand and will serve as president and CEO of what he hopes to be an eight-team league set to begin play next spring in non-NFL cities. Long time NFL employee Jim Steeg will serve as a consultant. The name and the spring season are the only similarities between the two football leagues. Arena football, Canadian Football and the now defunct NFL Europe gave football players with a dream the chance to make it real. This new USFL will do the same. The league will be taking "anywhere from 1000 to 1800 kids and giving them a living wage, $3000-35000 per game, and give them unfettered access to the NFL. They will be paid by the league, to keep things under control," says Cuadra. The league will have an open-door policy with the NFL. The big league can come to practices. If they want one of the players, the little league won't stop them. The signing can only help both leagues.
Owners and venues are still to be determined. The constant passion for football will surely shake those out. The early list of possible host cities includes: Akron, Portland, San Jose, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, Austin, Memphis, Raleigh-Durham, Birmingham, Omaha and Baton Rouge.
Football fans are a hungry bunch. This could whet their appetite. I always applaud anything that helps keep a football dream alive. Good luck Jaime Cuadra and his new USFL.
No comments:
Post a Comment