XFL - The History
The XFL (X Football League) existed for one season. X never officially stood for anything. Red, white, and black league was born on February 2, 2000 at a news conference in New York City. Founded by Vince McMahon of the World Wrestling Federation, now World Wrestling Entertainment. Vince McMahon promised this would 100% football. Raising a lot of questions on how the league would survive after many failed attempts and would the football be legit. XFL would be different bringing the viewer where it has never been. Cameras would be in the huddles and on the sidelines. Coaches would be hooked up with live microphone. Locke rooms would be wired for sound and video before and after the game. The networks bought into the hype. NBC, TNN, and UPN would show games live on Saturday and Sundays. Players would all be paid the same base salary and the winning team receiving more money.
Originally, six teams were announced and two teams would be announced at later date. Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, New York, San Francisco, and Washington were all awarded teams. The XFL, switched, Miami and Washington to Birmingham, Memphis, Chicago, and Las Vegas making the XFL team total at eight.
During the season, XFL debuted on February 3, 2001 in Las Vegas and Orlando. The world was eager to find out about the XFL. Ratings were high but interest died quickly in the league. The biggest surprise anyone received was the nicknames on the back of players' jerseys. The name "He Hate Me" would be the end of most late night talk shows. The sloppy play, boring announcers, and wrestling kind of feeling would soon doom the league. Attendance and merchandise sales were extremely successful. In what could be the most exciting football game, I will ever view; Los Angeles would beat Chicago in college football style overtime.
Orlando Rage had the regular seasons best record. Cruising to 8-2 record, and hosting home playoff game. San Francisco Demons would upset Orlando and the Los Angeles Xtreme defeated the Chicago Enforcers. Tommy Maddox, Jose Cortez, John Avery, and Stepfret Williams were among the XFL's top players. Los Angeles would easily defeat San Francisco, in now what is now known as the XFL's last game.
The 2001 season never made it past the water cooler. The announcement of NBC not being able to handle the XFL games and UPN not taking NBC's place put the nail in the coffin. On, May 10, 2000 the XFL officially ceased operations. The XFL will always be memory for their unique kind of football.