Since I’d written something similar in spirit a while back, I thought I’d link this article at the Daily Caller. Unlike my ridiculous idea, this guy tries to leverage the current college football infrastructure, which is probably a deliberate thing on his part. That makes it more plausible than my own scenario.
That said, word arrives this week that the USFL is returning. Never heard of the USFL? It was a Spring league back in the 80’s and lasted right up to the point where they decided to compete directly with the NFL by becoming a Fall/ Winter league. It was where Jim Kelly, Hershel Walker, Reggie White and Earnest Byner, among other future NFL stars, got their start.
So why am I bringing all these up in a single post? Well, “the end of football” isn’t coming anytime soon. But, with the increased focus on head injuries and the cash strapped schools that supply college football, it’s not impossible to imagine a future where state legislatures decide that a sport like football has no place at an “institute of higher learning.” So couple that with the timing of the reincarnated USFL and I’m wondering if we don’t have the makings of a hedge against the possible elimination of college football programs. In other words, the USFL becomes a farm-system for the NFL. It will be interesting to see where this updated USFL gets its talent from.
Note this would also solve the whole idiotic “college playoff” debate, a not insignificant bonus.
It should be obvious, but I’ll say it anyway: this is all purely speculative on my part. But if it does happen, remember: YOU READ IT HERE FIRST!!!