I had goosebumps watching the Super Bowl this year.  There was no greater platform than this year’s big game to further illustrate that sometimes the most talented players are overshadowed in the NFL. We all have heard the great rise to fame story of two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner who was signed by Green Bay as an undrafted free agent only to be released less than 4 months later.  Without the chance to hone his craft in the Arena League and NFL Europe, Warner would not have been the starting QB in this year’s Super Bowl.  What about NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison who was cut three times by the Steelers and will now forever be known for his amazing 100 yard TD return?  Warner and Harrison are the types of players who will get a chance to thrive in the UFL.  Truly, I could not have made these stories up.

By now, you have heard of the UFL’s plans for its “Premiere” season.  But what does that really mean to you the fan?  It means from October through potentially Thanksgiving weekend, there will be more football for more fans who want to watch affordable, entertaining and quality action during the traditional football season.  In addition to each team’s home stadium, we are also taking some games on the road into markets that we feel would be good for 2010.  The goal is to whet the appetites of fans and then to expand to six to eight teams in markets that have truly embraced us.  Affordability of tickets is going to be key to our overall success.   By pricing our tickets in a manner in which a family of four can comfortably afford to attend our games, we are in essence grooming our fans of tomorrow.  To me, this is a no-brainer. 

For those who can’t make it to a game due to team proximity, we are going to address those issues with future expansion and a television partner committed to bringing you into the action regardless of the area from which you are watching.  With the infusion of the newest technology, the UFL pledges to provide our at-home fans a birds-eye view every Thursday and/or Friday evenings during our season.  From eavesdropping on coach-to-QB communications to following the players into the locker room at half-time, our goal is to bring an up-close and personal feel to each UFL game.

The reaction from coaches and players to the UFL has been overwhelming.  Whether they are using our League as a stepping stone or one last chance to play in the big game, players and coaches see great potential in our League and are anxious to be a part of it.  As a result, our fans are going to see the highest talent, both on the field and the sidelines.  We expect to attract and attain the most highly recognizable and experienced head coaches in the country, with salaries that are competitive with major college and other professional leagues (including the NFL).  There has been much speculation on our first four coaches, and while I am not going to confirm nor deny any names just yet, I can tell you that many, if not all, are familiar names. Our player salaries are on a per game basis and will be typically higher than the NFL’s minimums and practice squad salaries.  With the greater opportunity for exposure and financial rewards that our League offers the players, we anticipate a player pool of highly talented athletes on our rosters.  Who knows, come November, we may just be discussing the next greatest talent on the gridiron…maybe even the future Kurt Warner or James Harrison?  I can’t wait until kick-off…