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Should the N.F.L. Be Worried About the U.F.L.?

Is it Thursday yet?

O.K., maybe it’s a stretch to think that a promotional line like that would help the United Football League be more than just a thorn in the N.F.L.’s side this fall, when the U.F.L. kicks off its “premiere” season with four teams, a six-game regular season (games played on Thursdays and Fridays) and a national television contract with Versus.

But with an eye on revenue streams, the N.F.L. would be foolish not to pay attention to the development of the U.F.L. With four franchises — in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and San Francisco — and with coaching staffs that include the N.F.L. veterans Ted Cottrell, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Dennis Green, the U.F.L. will have some name recognition.

And if Michael Vick does not return to the N.F.L. this season, the U.F.L. could have one of the game’s most compelling players. Vick’s U.F.L. rights are owned by the Orlando franchise headed by Haslett.


First, some details about the setup for the U.F.L.’s initial season.

When training camps open Sept. 1, the U.F.L. will be in position to sign players who end up among the final cuts of their N.F.L. teams. The N.F.L. roster cutdown to 53 players is Sept. 5. The U.F.L. says its player salaries will be on a per-game basis, and will be higher than the N.F.L.’s minimum and practice-squad salaries. This would seemingly provide the incentive for players to want to showcase their talents in U.F.L. games.

The league is planning average ticket prices of $20 for regular-season games — a family of four can attend for well under $100. That’s a significantly more fan-friendly pricing structure than the N.F.L.’s.

The U.F.L. will use an N.F.L.-like set of playing rules, with these significant differences:

• A quarterback will be allowed to ground the football when he is behind the line of scrimmage if he is under duress.

• The elimination of the controversial “tuck” rule, which would make the official’s call a fumble if the passer loses possession of the ball as he is putting it away after completion of the forward pass motion.

• Replay reviews and rulings will be made by the replay official in the booth rather than by the on-field referee. Review times will be 90 seconds, not 60.

• In overtime, both teams will have a possession, then sudden-death rules will apply if the game is still tied.

• Head coaches will be wired for sound for television broadcasts (no sideline discussions will be aired). Cameras and microphones in the bench area will be allowed during the game. The television audience will hear coach-to-quarterback communications on tape delay.

The league is still working out details, like team names, stadium locations and a full-season schedule. But the U.F.L. season is set to start Thursday, Oct. 8. What do you think, Fifth Down readers? Does the U.F.L. have a chance to carve out a niche and give the N.F.L. some headaches?

By George Bretherton
Should the N.F.L. Be Worried About the U.F.L.? - The Fifth Down Blog - NYTimes.com