Graphic: Igor Lazarevic
The XFL is back and has unveiled the logos and names of all eight teams.
The league, which in its former incarnation back in 2001, was supposed to be an alternative to the NFL, made the announcement Wednesday amid much fanfare.
Although it lasted only one year, the original XFL, made a lasting impression on many with its close ties to the WWE and wrestling and rule differences.
XFL President and COO Jeffrey Pollock:
“The XFL is about football and fun, and our team identities are intended to signify just that. Now it’s up to our fans and players to help write the story. What happens on the field and in the community, in the years ahead, will determine the true spirit of each team.”
The new XFL teams are the DC Defenders, Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Los Angeles Wildcats, New York Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks, Seattle Dragons and Tampa Bay Vipers.Click on each one for a video presentation.
The names and logos of the eight XFL teams.
Vince McMahon, chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, spearheaded the original XFL and retained control of the XFL brand after it initially failed. McMahon is the driving force behind the XFL resurrection.
The XFL says the new league will be “faster, with more plays, less stall, fewer interruptions and no gimmicks.”
On its website the league has stated:
“We’re sifting through the thousands of suggestions and recommendations we’ve received from fans, players, coaches and experts on ways to improve the game. Bottom line: every element of the game is under review to see where we can make improvements. We are already field-testing each potential change and if we approve it, you will see it. If not, it’s trash.”
Unlike its original incarnation, which was infamous for rougher play and wrestling-inspired tie-ins, the revived XFL will not involve the WWE, with McMahon’s Alpha Entertainment funding the 2020 version. It will, however, remain “offseason competition” to the NFL with the games kicking off immediately following the NFL season.
The XFL has teased potential roles for big names like Johnny Manziel and already begun recruiting ex-NFL players — former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Landry Jones becoming the first of them to sign.
By May, the league had filled all eight of its head coaching jobs with recognizable names from both the college and professional ranks: Bob Stoops (Dallas), Jim Zorn (Seattle), Jonathan Hayes (St. Louis), June Jones (Houston), Kevin Gilbride (New York), Marc Trestman (Tampa Bay) and Pep Hamilton (Washington, D.C.)
When the 2020 season kicks off, more than half of the XFL’s games will be broadcast on ESPN and FOX.
The new season of the XFL launches in February next year.
With info from the XFL, CBS Sports and CNN.
