The USFL: New to us, but old at the same time.

George Johnston IV

April 25, 2022

A new football league has come to the United States of America, the USFL. Well they aren’t really new, as there was a former USFL 1983-85. So 37 years after the disbanding of the league, it came back for redemption.

The team names are no surprise though, as the 8 teams have the same name as their original ancestors, but more teams of the 80s were lost.

What’s interesting about this league is that all the teams play in Birmingham, Alabama at the same stadium(s), Protective Stadium and Legion Field instead of each team having their own stadium like the XFL, NFL, and CFL. 32 games will be played at Protective Stadium, and 8 will be played at Legion Field.

The biggest stadium, in terms of capacity, is Legion Stadium, which is bigger than most NFL stadiums in terms of capacity.

Some of the new and “modern” rules that the USFL has added is the option to attempt a 3-point conversion, a chance to run a 4th and 12 from the team’s own 33 yard line instead of an onside kick, and overtime is decided by each offense running 3 plays each from the opponent’s 2-yard line, with a successful attempt winning 2 points, and the most points wins. For more info on these rules, go to their new website.

It also comes with kickoffs from the 25 yard line instead of the 35 yard line.

What’s even more exciting than these rules is the fact that former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will be covering the games on FOX. He brings great personality and experience to this new league.

When the league filled their rosters in the 1st draft, they did it with mostly college players who didn't find their place on an NFL roster ad former NFL players released from the practice roster. This is great opportunity, because it gives fans an opportunity to see them play more and the players may have another opportunity to play in the NFL.

Fox Sports is the main broadcaster of the new league’s games, but they also are the owner of the league. They plan to invest 150 million dollars over the next 3 seasons, or 50 million dollars per year.

This league will be very exciting and has a bright future for its second tryout.