The last time we saw the XFL the league was going bankrupt after showing some interest from viewers in the first few weeks. Ultimately, the XFL folded in its second attempt to create an alternative pro football league.
After version 2.0 failed, the owners of the league sold the XFL to none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Johnson, his partner Dany Garcia, and Redbird Capitol bought the league and all that it owns for $15 million in April of 2020.
The new owners are looking to relaunch the league in February a week after the Super Bowl is concluded. The season would last until April so that it does not interfere with the new USFL season. With that being said, the league has a lot of work to do to ensure that the league can be sustainable.
The Opportunity
As well all know, the HBCUs have for a very long time been under represented in the NFL Draft. Most of the best players at HBCUs don’t hear their names being called on draft day; ultimately, these players end up in the CFL, the Arena football league, or out of football all together. The XFL provides a great opportunity for HBCU players to get another opportunity to continue playing the game we all love.
The XFL has been traveling around the country putting on scouting showcases with the hopes of putting together a talent pool of players for the upcoming XFL draft in November.
The showcase so far has been hosted in Florida, Hawaii, and now Jackson State University. This opportunity at Jackson State was open to all HBCU players looking for an opportunity. Star HBCU players such as quarterback Aqeel Glass of Alabama State was one of the more prominent players at the showcase.
Glass was picked up by the Tampa Bay Bucs after going undrafted in this years 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Glass would later be cut. The XFL is a great opportunity to for him to get another chance to play professionally.
Coach Deion Sander or Prime, said that this showcase gives exposure to HBCU athletes. His program actually had eight players represented at the showcase this Saturday.
What’s Next
Owners Johnson and Garcia mentioned that the showcase has a few more stops to go before they start to prepare for the XFL Draft. Once the players that have been picked to be in the pool of eligible draftees, they will receive an official invite to the XFL draft.
Once chosen, the players would then set out to their new team to began training for the season opener in February. It’s hasn’t been solidified if all eight teams will practice in the same area or not, but as for now the league looks like it’s taking the time to get it right and provide a great opportunity.