The 2018 Spring League is scheduled to get underway next week, with practices starting next Wednesday and games beginning on April 7. Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is the most high-profile former NFL player involved in the endeavor, but other NFL notables are also participating, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Running backs Ben Tate and Lorenzo Taliaferro, receiver Stephen Hill, defensive lineman Alameda Ta’amu, and defensive back Al Louis-Jean are among the ex-NFLers who will take part in the Spring League, per Florio. Meanwhile, former NFL defensive backs coach/Rex Ryan disciple Donnie Henderson will lead the league’s East team.
The Spring League is a developmental effort comprised of four teams which involves four games in April. The league began in 2017, and notable ex-NFLers such as Greg Hardy, Kellen Winslow, and Ahmad Bradshaw were among the participants.
This is the XFLLLLLLLL!!!
I live in Austin and I’ve NEVER heard of this “league.”
Probably because there’s thousands of better things to do in Austin.
Hahahahahaha. Exactly.
Like what? Open packages?
Heh
Can’t imagine whose going to be paying for tickets to watch these has-beens. Or paying the ridiculous concessions prices in the stadiums. I predict a lot of 75% Empty stadiums and lots of free ticket giveaways.
I feel like Winslow would have been a more competent TE than a 3rd of the starters in this league, even more so as a back-up.
Think this American League will do just fine. They know it will take about 8 to 10 years to really get going. This could open the door for more players to be recognized by teams especially small college kids or some one who couldn’t afford to stay in college because of the price. I think all in all if it creates jobs that is good. Yes there will be some trolls commenting and in the end these same trolls can’t make this league either so let’s just appreciate it and stay positive
A league of this type can be useful for testing whether rule changes, new equipment, or technologies can be successfully applied to the NFL. Scouting has become so advanced now that it’s almost impossible for a kid with talent to remain undiscovered. A four game schedule isn’t really long enough to obtain meaningful feedback but you have to start somewhere with any experiment.