NFL Developmental league???

[Killer Rob]

So there are reports of a possible NFL Developmental League, much like the NBA is doing.(although I've never seen a single game, the NBA D-league does exist!) This possible NFL league sounds like it might be a good idea, and some things I heard that sound pretty good are:

1. 12-16 teams, in smaller markets such as Norfolk, Birmingham, Omaha etc...and bigger markets without a pro team like Los Angelos, San Jose, Sacramento etc...

2. The season takes place in the spring and ends in early summer. -hey, what football junkie wouldn't chill on a Sat. or Sunday in the Spring and drink a beer and watch alittle football?

3. Players eligible would be: undrafted rookies out of college, free agents cut from an NFL teams practice squad, AND even older great players that can't make it with an NFL team anymore but still want to play!(i.e. a Jerry Rice situation in Denver) -so that would be pretty cool to see young talented undrafted players playing with and against all-time greats or very skilled pros!

4. It would give more football jobs to players, coaches, the stadium beer guy etc...and it's MORE FOOTBALL for fans to watch!

Remember, nothing is confirmed for any of this, but when I heard about it, it instantly sounded like a good idea! -and to stop the inevitable 'XFL failed' posts, this league would be NFL funded and organized. It don't get no more legit than the National Football League! Any company on earth would line up to partner with them in a business venture!

Thoughts?

[boysetsfire]

I thought thats what NFL Europa was for???? Correct me if i'm wrong though.

[Cringer Eats You]

I thought thats what NFL Europa was for???? Correct me if i'm wrong though.

I was thinking the very same thing <Shrug>

HTTR

[fuji869]

I was thinking the same thing but maybe Killer Rob was thinking about one in the United States.

Between the NCAA, NFL Europa and even the CFL I don't see the NFL coming up with another developmental league. :whoknows:

[Vinnick]

I remember a few months ago, a poster here did a big breakdown of how he/she would move NFL Europe to the States. Even having 4 teams regionally share a minor league team. Like Washington, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Philly I think.

[Killer Rob]

Well you guys are right, because that is what NFL Europe is for! The difference being like fuji said, it will be held here in the states! I'd imagine that all the best players from NFL Europe would play in this new league. I'm sure they'd get paid more, as well as more exposure.

Personally, I've never seen a full NFL Europe game, but I honestly think I'd watch this new league if it is formed. I just think having it here in the states, it'd be easier as a fan to follow the teams, as well as familiar players that were badass from your local college that just didn't get drafted or signed.

[Killer Rob]

as well as familiar players that were badass from your local college that just didn't get drafted or signed.

lol at me quoting myself! Anyway, another discussion about the league from a marketing standpoint:

the NFL was trying to figure out a way they could get these "local badass players" to automatically be placed on the team nearest to the location of the college they played for.

That's pretty smart because I'd go to see a few guys I watched in college but didn't get picked up by an NFL franchise, play once again. I don't know how that could possibly work fairly for all the teams though?? I'm sure that idea has to get scratched.

[DrunkenMaster]

I don't see any really good old players risk hurting themselves to continue playing in the minor leagues.:2cents:

They may still love the game just not that much.

[SUSkinsFan]

They should just more the existing NFL Europa teams to the U.S., start a few others so there are 15 or so, then do away with NFL Europa

[taylorcoreskin]

I thought thats what NFL Europa was for???? Correct me if i'm wrong though.

I also had the same assumption. Although I'll admit that I've never watched a game of NFL europa in my life.

[cmorina69]

The NCAA. Yes its that simple.

[srtman04]

Speaking about NFL Europa, Casey Bramlet lit it up again today against Galaxy. The Sea Devils need to win their next game to clinch the world bowl! I'm glad to have this guy as a redskin, he'll be an awesome backup to JC.

[Slacky McSlackAss]

Im interested to see something like this, as im sure is a majority of skins fans. Also, the mods wouldnt mind having more threads about the minor league players than jersey threads.

[bobzmuda]

If this is going to work it needs to have teams have the ability to sign players to >1 year contracts (unless put onto an nfl roster). The reason it's so hard to get into NFL Europa is that the roster churn is so high. If you have a smaller market with players that are there for 2-3 years, that will draw some more long-term interest.

EDIT: Do you have a link for this info? It sounds good, I'd just like to see it.

[SKINS FAN #56]

I thought thats what NFL Europa was for???? Correct me if i'm wrong though.

dude same here this is getting out of hand :laugh:

[Killer Rob]

I'll say again...NFL Europe isn't played in the United States people! All of NFL Europe's games take place in the Dominican Republic. Is that near your or my house? Answer is no.

This possible developmental league would take place here in AMERICA. -closer to your and my house. What up.

[praise_gibbs]

I'll say again...NFL Europe isn't played in the United States people! All of NFL Europe's games take place in the Dominican Republic. Is that near your or my house? Answer is no.

This possible developmental league would take place here in AMERICA. -closer to your and my house. What up.


I'm with you, brother. NFL Europe is a joke.

[bedlamVR]

NFLE is a joke becaue the roster churn is a joke but another US development league ... NCAA, Areana Football, CFL what more do you want.... in Europe it spreads the name of the game ... I love America but geeze sometimes you are so introspective it hurts ...

[Juniorbandit]

The problem is from a finacial standpoint it makes more sense to have a CFL and NFLE because your exposing your product to more people. The US has already exhausted itself with football and even though it would be successful here as well, you have a greater chance of filling seats in Europe. You also have a greater chance of raising awareness abroad which would cause more people to buy things like "NFL Sunday Ticket". I would love to see a minor leauge (like they have for baseball) here in the states, but it won't happen. Its too much of a fiscal risk.

[mcarey032]

I agree that it would be a great idea. I have said this for years. The NFL does need a minor league system, like baseball has. I know that the physical wear and tear on players is difficult, but it would allow teams to have expanded rosters like in the old days and give smaller market teams the ability to have teams.
I agree with another poster that the NFL Europe is supposedly the place for development, but the NFL should reconsider moving those teams out of there and putting them in the United States. The only people who seem to go those games are Americans who are stationed in Germany. Not to take anything away from the servicemen and women, but come on the Germans don't care about Football. We need to establish an American Minor League football system. I think that it would be an excellent proposition.

[luvsmesumme]

I thought thats what NFL Europa was for???? Correct me if i'm wrong though.

Agreed.....:dallasuck

[taylorcoreskin]

Agreed.....:dallasuck


lol, at your "I agree.. Dallas DOES suck!"

[MarkB452]

So there are reports of a possible NFL Developmental League, much like the NBA is doing.(although I've never seen a single game, the NBA D-league does exist!) This possible NFL league sounds like it might be a good idea, and some things I heard that sound pretty good are:

1. 12-16 teams, in smaller markets such as Norfolk, Birmingham, Omaha etc...and bigger markets without a pro team like Los Angelos, San Jose, Sacramento etc...

2. The season takes place in the spring and ends in early summer. -hey, what football junkie wouldn't chill on a Sat. or Sunday in the Spring and drink a beer and watch alittle football?

3. Players eligible would be: undrafted rookies out of college, free agents cut from an NFL teams practice squad, AND even older great players that can't make it with an NFL team anymore but still want to play!(i.e. a Jerry Rice situation in Denver) -so that would be pretty cool to see young talented undrafted players playing with and against all-time greats or very skilled pros!

4. It would give more football jobs to players, coaches, the stadium beer guy etc...and it's MORE FOOTBALL for fans to watch!

Remember, nothing is confirmed for any of this, but when I heard about it, it instantly sounded like a good idea! -and to stop the inevitable 'XFL failed' posts, this league would be NFL funded and organized. It don't get no more legit than the National Football League! Any company on earth would line up to partner with them in a business venture!

Thoughts?
This was actually done over 30 years ago.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Coast_Football_League

The Redskins had a team in Roanoke. The team in Richmond was with the New Orleans Saints. I went to elementary school with a kid who's father was coach of the Richmond team. His father's name was J.D. Roberts and he was later hired to coach the New Orleans Saints. Historical footnote: He was the coach when Dempsey made his 63 yard kick and I believe Kilmer was the QB.

[MarkB452]

The problem is from a finacial standpoint it makes more sense to have a CFL and NFLE because your exposing your product to more people. The US has already exhausted itself with football and even though it would be successful here as well, you have a greater chance of filling seats in Europe. You also have a greater chance of raising awareness abroad which would cause more people to buy things like "NFL Sunday Ticket". I would love to see a minor leauge (like they have for baseball) here in the states, but it won't happen. Its too much of a fiscal risk.


>> NFL Europe originally started as something called the "World League of American Football".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_League_of_American_Football

You are right about the financial risk.

[Siven]

the retarded thing about NFL europe is....... the games are on at stupid times, and its hard to catch a game to begin with.

[bedlamVR]

The stupid thing about NFLE is they secure no local TV coverage ... in the UK it is imposible to see NFLE on TV and 80% of the teams are in Germany.

[NYSkinsfan82]

I think it would be cool to have a minor league football team near me. I would be going, I think it would help small revenue city's. I hope they decide to do this, and put a team in Syracuse!!

[TriangleSkinsFan]

I read something last week about Mark Cuban (Mavericks guy) starting up another football league in America to compete with the NFL. Here is the link...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2887465

Is the what you guys are talking about?

[robotfire]

It'd be awesome if the Redskins had a "minor league" team. I don't see why they don't do this, either. The problem with NFL Europa is, I don't know who to cheer for. What do I care about Germany versus France? Both of those countries are lame!

[Killer Rob]

I think it would be cool to have a minor league football team near me. I would be going, I think it would help small revenue city's. I hope they decide to do this, and put a team in Syracuse!!

See, you and some others are getting the point. This is exactly why this would be a good thing. It would help economies, give jobs, local entertainment on a Sat. night in your town etc...

Whether people realize this or not, there are many seniors that graduate from college that still love to play football, and are good football players. Many of these guys work day jobs just like you and me, but if this new league was formed, they could continue their football careers for awhile longer.

Take for instance a guy that went to my college named Andre Hall. He was a badass running back for the USF Bulls. Well he didn't get drafted, got picked up and released on a few practice squads, but didn't play a lick of football all year. He schooled everyone on the field in college, but a big knock on him for the pros was his size(5' 9" 180 lbs) I would love to see this guy play again! He had so much game and sick moves he reminded me of Barry Sanders Jr. But again, many NFL teams fear a players smaller size and never give them a chance. Just because they aren't picked up by an NFL team doesn't mean they can't cut it anymore in football.

And just think about that for a second. Many of these guys would be just like Andre Hall. Professional athletes who are young, fast and exciting to watch. I'd bet you this league would produce stars from it's teams that the fans would follow from the D-League to the pro NFL team that picks him up!

It's a win-win for everybody! -except for all you NFL Europe fans posting lol!

[Killer Rob]

I read something last week about Mark Cuban (Mavericks guy) starting up another football league in America to compete with the NFL. Is the what you guys are talking about

No. What I am talking about is different from what Cuban wants to do. But that is exactly what sparked these talks!

The NFL does not want competition from anyone, they want to rule everything with an NFL tag on it. Kind of a monopoly? Yes! -but I honestly think Cuban's league would fail with or without this NFL D-league.

Everybody knows David Stern hates Mark Cuban(personally I like his style), but the commish's of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL etc. often talk and work together to eliminate conflicts and help each others product if at all possible.

Just look at the new commish Mr. Goodell. He is a rookie commish, but he instantly took the bull by the horns. (Pac-Man, Henry, 17th game, global super bowl) This guy looks fairly young and healthy, and he is smart and wants to make MONEY!!! Not only does he want to expand the NFL for global acceptance, but he KNOWS he can make more money here in the states as well.

Roger Goodell's thinking is, a guy like myself(Killer Rob) that watches NFL Network in the offseason all the time, would also tune into an NFL produced 'minor league' game. -and he is right!

[Vinnick]

Found this in the Wapost

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2007/04/why_the_nfl_should_bring_europ.html


Why the NFL should bring "Europa" back to the U.S.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Post-Lance Briggs Era ... an era that may or may not be over because, while the talks may or may not be dead, we're not talking Keith Richards's father dead. Hope that clears everything up for you. Frankly, this ain't gonna be over until April 28. Unless, of course, it's over before then. I want to stick my head in a blender...
Of course, if the Ongoing Saga keeps Hamster Nation happy, then I'm jiggy with it, particularly in our quest for 100k comments by Draft Day, a quest that will require 57,269 entries in 24 days. So what's needed is 1) a new string; 2) a new topic; 3) PPTPs; 4) and a guest blog! Without further ado, here's a provocative entry from Andrew Eckert http://www.filmfestivals.com/images/tiff2005galery/images/Aaron%20Eckhart.jpg:

I won't lie. There is something cool about seeing an Amsterdam Admirals "Kurt Warner" jersey while you're walking from one coffee shoppe to another. However, the NFL is dumb to not realize that us fat, lazy, stupid Americans would probably be at least a ittle interested in a spring league here in the states. So, here is my suggestion:
Create eight spring league teams in the United States. Each team is a mix of walk-ons and players allocated from four specific teams in that region. For example, Washington, Baltimore, Philly and Pittsburgh would be a region for one team. This way each team's fanbase can have a team to follow that's at least semi-local. Also, each franchise can really keep an eye on one spring team for their prospects, while just scouting the players on other teams.
There will be an eight-week regular season with four home and four away games. The difference is. Each home game would be in a different "home" stadium. So for the Mid-Atlantic team, the Skins, Ravens, Eagles and Steelers would only have to host one game during the spring. I think even Dan Snyder could live with that. Tickets would be crazy cheap, but you'd still make a few bucks and in no way would need a full staff to run that stadium for that day. This way, folks who usually can't get tickets to a fall NFL game could probably take the whole family to the stadium for one day.
You have the "playoffs" final four style with a pre-determined stadium hosting it. Or, you have it up at Canton. It doesn't matter. If its an eight-team league, no more than four teams should make the playoffs anyways. The first week of the playoffs would be the conference championships, and the next week would be the title game. That's easy enough.
So, there you go. Spring football in the U.S.. A chance for people who can't afford, or who can't get tickets, to see some football. An easier time for teams to keep their allocated players close to home for evaluation. It seems too simple.
Lets be honest here. Futbol is king everybody but in the United States. We aren't going to spread American Football like the NBA is spreading. With Futbol and Basketball, all you need is the ball and you can play. One on one. You can't do that with NFL style.
Ok, so here are my eight teams. Feel free to shift them a little if the regions are off.

Washington
Baltimore
Philly
Pittburgh


Carolina
Jacksonville
Atlanta
Tennessee


Tampa
Miami
New Orleans
Houston


Arizona
Denver
Dallas
Kansas City


San Fran
Oakland
Seattle
San Diego

Indy
Cleveland
Detroit
Cincy

New York Jets
New York Giants
Buffalo
New England

Green Bay
Minny
Chicago
St. Louis

Done and Done......and I mean DONE.