Jacob Roth
rothjd@lopers.unk.edu
After Superbowl Sunday there is a period that in the sports world is considered a slow time. With the addition of the XFL to the Saturday television roster, fans of football can rejoice.
“The XFL is something that has a lot of traction in my opinion.” said Alex Goracke, a UNK student,” There have been startup leagues in the past that have just fizzled out. This league just feels like it will be here to stay.”
The XFL is a rebooted football league owned by Vince McMahon that takes place after the Superbowl and before the NFL Draft closing the gaps for the world’s avid American football fans.
There is a ten-week season with a four-team playoff culminating in the championship game at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26.
UNK students that have a passion for football have welcomed this new chance to watch the sport with open arms.
“It’s the first time that I have taken the time to find a team to follow outside of the NFL.” Goracke said. “I went with the Seattle Dragons. I am a huge fan of their logo and uniforms. It also helps the guys they have on the team.”
This gives players coming out of college new opportunities as well. Adding a new proving ground for players on the cusp of earning that NFL roster spot.
There are former NFL players looking to work their way back into the league as well. Cardell Jones the quarterback for the DC Defenders is one of those athletes.
Jones’ career in the NFL was derailed by being behind an established veteran in the league but Jones still has fans and he is a big reason UNK Freshman Parker Magnus is so invested in the XFL.
“I’m a big OSU guy, so Cardell Jones being one of the big names contributed to that a lot.” Magnus said. “I wish he would have gotten more chances at the NFL level but the whole XFL thing is giving him another chance and I am pumped to see that.”
Other students are not connected to the players or teams but just to what the league could do for the sport of football.
“I think there is a lot the NFL could learn from the XFL.” Chance McKimmey said. “The transparency of the league is great. The fans are not left out of any part of the experience.”
The XFL is in its inaugural season and has a lot of buzz and excitement around the league, and it looks like UNK students will have something to watch on Saturdays during the spring for many years to come.
