Attitude. Attitude is a major missing component from in the NFL, where players get fined tens of thousands of dollars for arguing bullshit calls with refs and dropping f-bombs on social media and in TV interviews. In fact, it’s missing top-down in the entire sport of football, which is a shame because it’d make the entire sports just that much more entertaining as a spectacle. Instead, “sportsmanship” is treated as a holier-than-thou concept because “there are kids watching” and NFL athletes are lauded in their communities as heroes.
But what about football with attitude? That’s what Vince McMahon tried to do with the XFL in 2001, now considered a failed venture between the WWE and NBC. It lasted for one year, with the idea enjoy a cultural resurgence in an ESPN 30 For 30 doc about the XFL a few months ago. Eight teams, no extra points, 10-week seasons, and no bye-weeks.
Coming to @ESPN in February – #ThisWasTheXFL! pic.twitter.com/uuXeQThrcs
— 30 for 30 (@30for30) December 11, 2016
Earlier today, Vince McMahon liquidated $100 million in WWE shares, adding fuel to the fire of Vince being serious about bringing the XFL back. Twitter is fawning over the idea, especially since it could make a nice landing pad for football personalities not suited for the NFL (cough cough… Johnny Manziel).
The theories go even deeper. Who’s ready for a world where coaches can DDT refs while a stadium of fans cheers it on?
I think it’s safe to say everyone in America, especially if they’re just going to blatantly favor whatever Tom Brady tells them to do like they did against the Steelers last Sunday.
Anyway, the excitement is palpable:
Vince McMahon sold $100 million worth of WWE stock today to fund Alpha Entertainment, which he created, in part, to fund a pro football venture.
Alpha Entertainment filed for 5 trademarks last week to the "XFL."
Draw your own conclusions.https://t.co/9DF8EUwOU3
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/Paul_Jr13/status/943980626432184320
https://twitter.com/RealBullJames/status/942138695959932928
Vince McMahon sold 3,340,000 shares of $WWE today. He still owns 83% of voting power and 42% of all shares. At market close 3.34 million shares would be valued at $106 million. The stock has fallen 2.7% in after hour trading, according to Seeking Alpha. https://t.co/jNiDialKhW pic.twitter.com/xQav3pLoEZ
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) December 21, 2017
Vince McMahon is serious about bringing the XFL back, and now he has enough cash on hand to give it a go https://t.co/DKIfH7FpVa
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/davidbix/status/943973659277918210
https://twitter.com/callumleslie92/status/943977336961142784
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/943981729672581127
XFL BYKE, and your boy is ready!!! pic.twitter.com/sEkGsuFXnm
— Flanny 🏁🏳️🌈 (@YeahFlanny) December 21, 2017
Face of the XFL pic.twitter.com/vkGyKGzCpm
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) December 21, 2017
Was never a fan of Johnny Manziel, the NFL player.
BUT Johnny Manziel, the XFL player? Where's my Memphis Maniax 'Manziel' jersey?
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) December 21, 2017
Wouldn't you think that he would re-brand it. People would just have to Google XFL to be put off by it. Plus 2001 wasn't even that long ago.
— Ringside News (@ringsidenews_) December 21, 2017
everyone : god the nfl is trash
vince : so that means you want the xfl back right?
everyone : well i guess if that was the last thing on earth that was playi…
vince : pic.twitter.com/j8qi3PV9Ws
— james mckenna (@chillhartman) December 21, 2017
Probably a long shot but would like to see the XFL as a developmental league to the NFL. I think the XFL has a better chance to survive if that was the case.
— patrick (@PatDStat) December 21, 2017
The XFL is going to be rebooted as "a wholesome football league for 'real Americans,'" isn't it?
— Sean Keeley (@SeanKeeleyIsMe) December 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/RyanLoco/status/943983055043117056
https://twitter.com/vortmax79/status/943979775227580421
https://twitter.com/TwitterMoments/status/943978498796019713