Above Image Credit: Sporting News

The NFL season might be over for now, but spring football is on its way, and there’s one league that, I believe, everyone needs to have their eyes on.

That league would be the UFL (United Football League). If you don’t know what it is, it’s a fusion of the XFL and USFL leagues. However, there is more significance to this league than you know of.

For instance, it’s a league where those who didn’t get drafted to the NFL play. To others, it’s where you play when you couldn’t make it in the NFL. More importantly, it’s the gateway to the NFL, if these players are lucky enough.

Just try not to compare the two leagues too much. All you should know is that the United Football League is here to make their mark again and show why they’re here to stay. Season 2 begins on March 28 with varied coverage on FOX, ESPN, and ABC.

UFL 101

If you’re new to the UFL, here are three basic things you need to know:

  • The league consists of eight teams. These teams are divided into two conferences: the XFL and USFL. That means four teams from the once-separated leagues compete. They are as follows:
    • XFL conference: Arlington Renegades, St. Louis Battlehawks, San Antonio Brahmas, and DC Defenders
    • USFL conference: Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and Houston Roughnecks
  • The rules in the UFL are different from the NFL. For example, there are no field goals. However, teams can still earn a certain amount of extra points if they succeed on running or passing the ball. They can get…
    • 1 point from the 2-yard line
    • 2 points from the 5-yard line
    • 3 points from the 10-yard line
  • The league is owned by Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, FOX, and RedBird Capital Partners.

You can also click this link for more information about the league. You can also click here for the official UFL website.

So, Why Should You Watch It?

If you’re looking for a league where you could see NFL stars in the making and still feel the excitement of the sport, this is the league for you. Yes, the UFL sounds more like a developmental league because it is. Everyone can still play the sport they love and live for and work towards getting into the big leagues.

Players like Brandon Aubrey and Jake Bates found their way to the NFL. This means that if they can be stars there, then UFL players can find their way to that point as well. Otherwise, they can just come back if the NFL doesn’t want them.

Football fans have always looked at the sport as something made for the fall season. Now, spring football is back. The UFL isn’t the only spring league that exists, but it brings a similar level of excitement to the NFL. There might be only 10 regular season games for each UFL team, but you will find some interesting matchups that will test the limits of all players.

So, as a fan, why should you wait for football to come back in the fall? I know I have a hard time with that. The Super Bowl has come and gone, so it’s time to embrace a new football world. It’s time to join in on the fandom, pick your team, and expect the unexpected every week as you watch a new generation of rising football stars.

Right now, you can take my advice about watching the league or you can be in front of your TV a month from now and witness it for yourself. Perhaps, you’ll become a fan of this league before the season is over.