There is more talk these days about the new emergence of a pro football league called the United National Football League. Don’t be too quick to pass judgment, I think this league has a shot to work. I am a football junkie and I will watch just about anything and everything football. But, I did not like the XFL – maybe because I don’t really care for wrestling – and this was a version of the wrestling Vince McMahon has made famous. Now there is nothing wrong with wrestling, it’s just not my cup of tea. But remember, there were actually a couple of players that came out of the XFL and played in the NFL (Rod “He Hate Me” Smart was one of them).

The reason I feel this league will work are as follows:

1. They will not be competing with the NFL
2. It will be a minor league of sorts for the NFL
3. It will not let the players put whatever name they want on the back of their jerseys
4. They will not be competing with the NFL
5. The NFL could make more money in many ways with this
6. They will not be competing with the NFL

Now, I know a lot of people say the NFL has a minor league system in place and its called the NCAA. That is great, but tell that to San Diego when in 1998 they invested a lot of money in one Mr. Ryan Leaf. What might of happened if after he did not pan out and they sent him down to their minor league affiliate and he then became a stud? I know the next argument is we have so much money invested in this player and to that I say ‘what have you got to lose?’.

This type of system was in place in Europe, but has since folded. I feel it failed because the Europeans are just not as passionate about the NFL as Americans. So, why not try the same type of thing here in the USA? It’s a no-brainer in my opinion.

Now, how about the money the NFL could make with this? Put all the games on its own network, then they could have even more of a strong hold on the cable companies. Not to mention the merchandising! I know I would be in line to get a jersey or hat of one of these teams.

Now, all we need is for the people with all the money to say ‘ok lets do it.’ If it were only that simple we would have football all year round. I, for one, look forward to that day!

Rob Murie is a Blast Magazine correspondent