8 Big Questions About Vince McMahon's XFL Reboot!

5. Will It Feature The Same Rules?

Vince Mcmahon Xfl
NBC

For a Brit, the rules of American Football are bafflingly and prohibitively complex, unlike say, cricket, a simple game of outdoor jenga involving a wooden ball and a break for tea followed by players getting the runs (that's what happens when sandwiches are left out in the heat). The XFL offered a solution: a 'rules-light' version of gridiron which would encourage fast and exciting play (rugby, in other words).

There's a cliché about plans which name drops the title of a popular Steinback novel. Such was the case here. The XFL changed numerous existing rules which, quite aside from making the game tastier, simply made it more dangerous - resulting in more stoppages. Defenders could make contact with receivers at any point. They were granted greater leniency when coming up against QBs. Full bump and run coverage was permitted. It was all a bit mad.

The latter was changed after just the fourth week when it was found to be terrible. As indeed, were a number of other rules - including the 'no ties allowed' stipulation, altered to prevent games overrunning into Saturday Night Live. It was clear the XFL was making it up as it went along, less a sport than an evolving television concept.

It was certainly revolutionary - but it wasn't good. A relaunch would require a serious think about its codex; it needs to be distinct from the NFL, but can't possibility feature the same ill-conceived rulebook as the failed first attempt. After all, who would risk their career playing in it?

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.