Is their any option for open try-outs for potential players who didn't get those chances to play in college or even in some cases high-school

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

When will the assistant coaches be selected and what are the requirements and overall process ?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently looking at current and former NFL head coaches although we would certainly consider all candidates.  You may post your information on our website.  We expect to finalize these decisions by the end of this month.

When can we expect coaches to be named?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently looking at current and former NFL head coaches although we would certainly consider all candidates.  You may post your information on our website.  We expect to finalize these decisions by the end of this month.

Will the league put a salary cap in place to protect teams, prevent bankruptcy and team foldings?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

One the key elements of our league is the hard salary cap system intended to keep teams from overspending on player's salaries.  We are requiring our ownership groups to have strong financial portfolios, even in these troubled economic times.

I'm an aspiring sports announcer looking for an opportunity to show case my talents in your league, how am i to go about that?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The League is always looking for talented individuals both on and off the field.  Interested candidates should send e-mails to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.  Please allow us some time to review the many e-mails that have been coming into our office and we will get back to you, if interested.

How do you go about trying out for a franchise? I am interested in playing.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

If you are a potential player, please go to our website and fill out a form.

With the New USFL forming and starting play in the fall of 2010 do you think theres room for 2 new start up leagues?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

From what I know about the new USFL we are looking for two different type of players.  There may be some overlap of players but I do not see a problem with both leagues launching during the same season. 

just a suggestion but i think other fans will agree that letting the players celebrate and show emotion after big plays will keep the league exciting.

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

We agree.  Just as long as it doesn't constitute taunting we are in support of allowing the players to celebrate their touchdowns.

Would you conisider signing rex grossman even though he has six years or are you more after players with under 3 years

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL HUYGHUE:

The kind of players we would be interested in signing at that age would be more like Matt Cassel who have experience in the NFL but have not been given the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills.

what about players in the canadian league, are they in your pool?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We are going to evaluate tapes on players that may have played in other leagues and some of our coaches may have experience with other players not in the NFL.   If you are a potential player, please fill out the form on our website.

Where can I found out about jobs on the corporate operations side specifically within the Los Angeles / Las Vegas franchise? Thx

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The League is always looking for talented individuals both on and off the field.  We will also be accepting applications for internships for Casa Grande, Arizona facility.  Interested candidates for employment and internships should send e-mails to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.

What size stadiums will UFL franchise be playing in for the first couple of seasons?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

UFL teams will play their games in professional baseball, soccer and college stadiums with maximum capacities of 40,000 - 45,000.  We believe this will create an intimate game experience for our fans.

Do you think the league can get to a point where teams could build their own stadiums and practice facilities?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

This is certainly an aspect of what is attractive to our ownership group and is on our long-term plan.   The UFL will train and house its players in Casa Grande, Arizona (between Phoenix and Tucson) where a $20 million training complex is being constructed for the city and league use.  On the adjacent property of the current Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort, a state-of-the-art athletic facility is being built that will encompass eight playing fields, one field house, sports training and rehabilitation center, locker rooms, office space and other amenities for UFL year-long use.  

What do you think of Michael Vick playing in the UFL?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our league is primarily intended for the younger player; however, determinations on players like Michael Vick, will take place after careful consideration on a number of fronts, including fan opinion and whether they fit our overall core objectives.  In general though, this league will not be a safe haven for players who have been on the wrong side of the law.

For season two, will the UFL hold a College Draft?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

Yes, we will hold a draft in April of 2010 about a week before the NFL Draft.

So, the secondary market will be considered a brand new team in year 2?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

That is correct.  The secondary will be a new team in 2010.

When are tryouts scheduled for Free Agents?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

When will you start marketing the games and league in cities the first season will occur? How will you go about marketing in those cities and places close by? Will season packages be offered?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We will be utilizing local-based viral marketing campaigns intended to reach our fan base through billboard, newspapers, radio, TV and other traditional media outlets.  We will be visiting each of those cities in the next two months to launch those campaigns.

International UFL Franchises ?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Several media outlets have reported that Jim Fassel will be coaching the Las Vegas team. So far there hasn't been any official word from the UFL about this. Could you confirm that Mr. Fassel will definitely coach in the UFL? Has he already signed a contract? Could you also tell anything about other Head Coach candidates?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently looking at current and former NFL head coaches although we would certainly consider all candidates.   We expect to finalize these decisions by the end of this month.

What will decide where franchises play during the second year in cases with shared franchises?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

There will a primary market picked in the first year and those markets will continue in year two.  So in essence we will have four individual teams playing in seven to eight markets in year one with an expansion of six to eight teams playing in their own markets in year two.

With NFL Europe and the Arena Football League folding this year you guys will be coming in as the the top source to feed players back to the NFL. To keep some integrity with the UFL, I heard you have to have NFL experience to play? If true, I think it adds some instant credibility to the UFL.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Yes, this is a league that will primarily reach those lesser known NFL-caliber players.  QB will be our key position and we want to give young QB's the opportunity to get experience early in their careers as opposed to sitting in waiting for years on NFL rosters; we are also hiring NFL coaches who are known for developing QB's. We want to be known as the QB League.

Who are some head coaches the ufl is interested in?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently looking at current and former NFL head coaches although we would certainly consider all candidates.  You may post your information on our website.  We expect to finalize these decisions by the end of this month.

UFL Commentators and Analysts ?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We have an agreement with a cable sports network for a nationally televised game on Thursday and/or Friday nights.  The UFL also plans to air games on each city’s regional sports network.  We will be announcing the details shortly. 

if you are thinging of picking the best of the best and some player may come from the nfl how do non nfl players be seen by you?

Commissioner Huyghue:

We are going to evaluate tapes on players that may have played in other leagues and some of our coaches may have experience with other players not in the NFL.   If you are a potential player, please fill out the form on our website.

Is the UFL going to have a fantasy football website with live scoring?

Commissioner Huygue Response:

We are very interested in promoting a fantasy football site and other digital media but no specific timetable has been set.  We have been having on-going discussions with various fantasy football hosting sites.

Will team merchandise be sold over the internet and at home games?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Once we finalize our uniform and apparel strategy with the appropriate partners, we will begin to sell merchandise.  We hope to complete negotiations in the upcoming months and will make an announcement to when we will start selling UFL licensed product on our official league website.

How will the UFL's talent level compare to the XFL's?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

It will be far superior.  Majority of our players will have at one point played with an NFL team.  Our rosters during our "Premiere" season will be comprised of NFL Free Agents and players released in Training Camp.

What is the maximum number of teams you would like for the league to have in the future?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

12

Will you have Michael Vick as a player in the up coming season

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our league is primarily intended for the younger player; however, determinations on players like Michael Vick, will take place after careful consideration after consideration on a number of fronts, including fan interest, in determining whether they fit our overall core objectives.  In general though, this league will not be a safe haven for players who have run afoul of the law.

Has the network of where we can see the UFL play been decided?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We have an agreement with a cable sports network for a nationally televised game on Thursday and/or Friday nights.  The UFL also plans to air games on each city’s regional sports network.  We will be announcing the details shortly.

12. For cheerleaders, have u condidered rotating in High school cheerleaders, or have them come in to work with the regular cheerleaders – like putting the spotlight on a highschool per game – it might bring more families or students to the game? 13. Have you considered a contests that fan could compete to win the right to call a play in a game? Perhaps have 1 person call the offence, and the other call the defence on the same play? Have their names announce during the game. The fan wis a prize if the team gets a 1st down, a bigger prize if they score a TD on the play ( and same with the defence if it scores, a safety or TD). 14. Have you considered a reality show like what the Cowboys are going to do to find a player? 15. Have you considered making each team have at least one “VincePapale-like” walk on, ideally, one from the home town/state/college?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are considering all types of promotions and fan-involvement and will announce them as the season approaches.

Are we gonna see some former big time college QB's like Chris Leak and Omar Jacobs in the UFL?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL is seeking QBs with some NFL experience rathen than main college players whose careers may have stalled.

In these tough economic times, what will this league do to make game tickets afforable for families?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently finalizing our stadium agreements and once completed, tickets will be on sale via our website and the stadiums website.  Affordable pricing is crucial to our success and we will be offering an average ticket price of $20 for regular season games so that a family of four can attend a game for under $100.

Has there been any other head coaches hired yet?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently looking at current and former NFL head coaches although we would certainly consider all candidates.  You may post your information on our website.  We expect to finalize these decisions by the end of this month.

Dear Commissioner Huyghue, I have the following questions about the UFL: What will the schedule look like for the UFL season? and Do you envision successful franchises eventually joining the NFL? Thank You for your time. Sincerely, Jon U

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL schedule for each team will be two home and three away games and one neutral site game.

No-one has a crystal ball but it stands to reason that some point down the road, there may be a natural synergy between our league and the NFL.

Will there be opportunities for employment such as internships or player personnel jobs? And if so how would one go about applying for said positions.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The League is always looking for talented individuals both on and off the field.  We will also be accepting applications for internships for Casa Grande facility.  Interested candidates should send e-mails to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.

Is there going to be a combine type of thing for the UFL Prospects? and how is it going it work for prospective athletics?.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are looking for the world's best football players.  We anticipate most of those players coming from the NFL.  Having said that, we recognize this is a league of opportunity and are exploring concepts to be inclusive in that process.  While wholesale open tryouts are unlikely, we will give consideration to local participation for each of the teams.  Please go to our website and register if you are a potential player.
 

what will the playoff system be like

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The teams with two best records will play in the Championship Game tentatively scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend in Las Vegas.

When can we expect to have an announcement on team names, TV, schedule, etc.?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Stadium agreements are currently being finalized in each of the seven cities and we hope to have an announcement soon.  We have an agreement with a cable sports network for a nationally televised game on Thursday and/or Friday nights.  The UFL also plans to air games on each city’s regional sports network.  We will be announcing the details shortly.

How will home tickets be done with 2 home stadiums, such as LA? I have family there and they would only be able to do home games such as at Home Depot Thanks Nick

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We expect to play two "home" games in one market and one in the other.  For example, two home games in Las Vegas and one in Los Angeles.

/Can we expect a rule set that wil make the UFL more exciting then the No Fun League? Unlimited Motion? No fair Catch etc/ /

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The game for the most part is what you have come to expect from a professional football game.  We are looking into some minor modifications including field goals over 50 yards being worth 4 points.  I would not anticipate rule changes; but rather rule enhancements such as running mandatory return of kick-offs and other safety rules. 

Commish, there seems to be confusion over the 4 teams playing in the UFL this year. People are ripping the league for having two cities for each team, but they aren't shared teams, they just are playing two games in their home and a "neutral site" game at another potential 2010 city, correct?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

One team playing in two cities will allow us to set the foundation within the cities we feel would be a good fit, demonstrate the terrific talent of the coaches and players at our high level of competition, and integrate innovation into all aspects of the league so we are ready for expansion in 2010.  It will be no different then the Buffalo Bills playing a game in Canada or the NFL bringing games to London.

will the rules be just like the nfl or more like arena football?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

We will be playing traditional outdoor football in the Fall.  Although we will adjust certain rules to create a more exciting game for our fans, our rules will be very similar to the NFL.

Given the experience and success many of the UFL executives have had during their careers, what made you take such a risk taking on this venture?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

This league more resembles what expansion teams have done over the most recent years in that we are selecting the same caliber players and primarily playing in non-NFL markets; unlike the other failed leagues, the expansion model in the NFL has been very successful.  We intend to follow that same model.

One of the biggest criticisms of the AAFL was the generic team names based on region. Why would the UFL consider following this same path, and doesn’t that concept create marketing and merchandising challenges?

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

We may very well have individual team names, although we are clearly exploring all options to determine the best path.  Your input has been very helpful in that process.  

When might we start hearing about rosters?

COMMISSIONER MICHAEL HUYGHUE:

You will begin to hear about rosters in late July and early August.

why is there gonna be 2 cities for 1 team

when will players hear from the league about signings?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We will begin signing players this summer.  Most will be evaluated from NFL training camp.  If you are a potential player, please check out our site.

What is going to be you salary cap for year one????

COMMISSIONER HUYGHUE RESPONSE:

Our player salary cap in year one will be $4,000,000 for a six (6) week season; which over a 17 week season would be equal to a $12,000,000 salary cap.

Best of luck with your inaugural season. Do you have any plans at the moment for the telecast of your games internationally ? Any potential down the track to play matches overseas similar to the NFL's American Bowl games ?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We have had interest for ownership groups in Monterrey, Mexico; Canada and London.  We anticipate growth in some or all of those markets in the next three years.  It may take longer for international broacast rights to materialize but it is something that we will be considering.

Why did you choose October to be start your leauge instead of the NFL's off season when Americans are craving more football?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Fans are used to watching football played in the traditional fall season.  Other spring leagues have failed to maintain a consistent viewing audience.  We believe (and our television partners concur) that playing in the fall on Thursday and/or Friday nights provides the widest audience of professional football fans.  By starting our "Premiere" season in October, we will be able to fully evaluate all of the players who were in NFL training camp to determine the best of those players that are now available.

Where will you be getting your football officials?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We will be sharing our officials from a pool that the NFL uses.  Our Supervisor of Officials Larry Upson was second in command at the NFL.

What are going to be the players salerys?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our player salaries are on a per game basis and will be typically higher than the NFL’s minimum salaries and practice squad salaries.

I was wondering what were some of the topics that the commissioner would be covering tonight?  When will team names be chosen?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

All options are on the table for team names in our first year.  We are exploring ideas internally, as well as the submissions from our "name the team" campaign selections. Your recent input has been very helpful as we determine what is the best course of action for our "Premiere" season as well as moving forward.  We are planning on making more announcements by April.