Why battle the NFL when you can become part of it?
The United Football League is just months away from its inaugural season. With four teams spanning seven different U.S. cities, the UFL will have an opportunity to make an impact in several different media markets. Competitors to the NFL have failed miserably in the past, but the UFL doesn't have to.
The XFL tried to compete with the NFL, only to fail. The AFL is not trying to compete directly with the NFL as its season is in the summer, but it still doesn't have the same following. The two problems these leagues have is that they take the wrong approach to playing nice with the NFL. Instead of competing directly with them, they should have joined and become an NFL affiliate. The UFL still has an opportunity to do that and it would be a win for both sides.
Ever major sport has a minor league system. The NHL has the American Hockey League, the MLB has AAA, AA and A baseball teams and the NBA has the Development League. The NFL however, has no league to facilitate the development of their younger players. Sure they have the practice squads, but those don't allow the front office to judge players in the game atmosphere. The UFL is the perfect opportunity for the NFL to set up a successful minor league system.
The draft process would also change in the NFL for the better. Franchises now don't have to draft players that will make an immediate impact. Instead, they can take a player with promise and allow them to develop in the UFL. There can then be fewer draft day busts because players aren't thrown directly into the heat of the NFL. Instead, like major league pitchers and all-star goaltenders, a future NFL player can sit in the UFL and adjust to an environment outside of college.
From the look of the UFL's Web site it looks like officials know what they are doing but only time will really tell. Picking out of NFL markets and scheduling games on Thursdays and Fridays is a great way to gain a viewership. While they are good decisions and may help sustain the league for a year or two, in the realm of reality they don't have a shot at succeeding.
Nothing will ever overtake the NFL as the No. 1 football league, not only because of the team recognition but because good players won't go to the UFL. The UFL itself said they want to create a league for the good players who don't make it to the NFL. On paper it is a good premise but they need the revenue to stay in the black. At the same time, the NFL also needs a new way to develop and judge talent. There could be no better way to accomplish both leagues goals then by joining forces.
You can reach this staff writer at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.
