It’s possible that the upstart XFL 2.0 that captivated fans in 2020 and made a splash on social media might be done.
Per multiple employees and reporters, the league laid off its employees and said it was suspending operations, weeks after it canceled the rest of its 2020 schedule due to the coronavirus pandemic that has affected sports all over the globe.
Hopefully, this isn’t the end of it all.
But if it is? Let’s look back at what was a few really entertaining weeks of football that left a bunch of fans wanting more XFL. Here’s what we’ll miss from the league:
1. The sideline interviews in the middle of games
This, to me, was the best thing the XFL offered. If a player made a huge play, he got to talk about it right after. If he made a mistake, he got to address it.
This led to some F-bombs, but it also led to Matt McGloin calling out the New York Guardians before halftime … and he was benched. Gold, Jerry. Gold.
2. PJ Walker
The bad news: the Houston Roughnecks quarterback who might have ended up with the MVP trophy won’t get to show off his skills in the XFL anytime soon.
The good news: maybe we’ll get to see him in the NFL after he signed with the Carolina Panthers.
3. The kickoffs
I’m all for the quirky kickoff rules in which everyone can only move when the ball is caught. The NFL should seriously adopt these! And it gave us an amazing trick play:
4. Replay reviews live on television
It’s been done by other leagues, but still, this was great.
5. Hard seltzer celebrations
Good times.
6. The beer snake
I was hoping this would become a hallmark of future XFL games, but alas (also this happened a month ago … WHAT?).
7. The fact that it was played after the Super Bowl
February and March football!
