What do you think of an NFL Minor League?

[the_idle_threat]

I can't see this working well with practice squad players if played during the regular football season. The rosters would need to be set.

Calling up guys to the "majors" as injury replacements during the season would screw up the rosters on the minor league teams, spoiling whatever rapport the players have built while playing together. Especially on offense---with offensive linemen playing next to each other and quarterbacks learning receivers and vice versa, it takes time for guys to get used to each other and gel, and then the roster gets shaken up because a guy (probably the team's best guy too) gets called up?

Remember that they're all basically free agents---ANY NFL team can sign a guy from any other team's practice squad. So the first NFL team who suffers an injury at, say, running back, will pluck the top performer from the league.

Add this roster instability to the inevitable injuries that happen at any level of football, I think it's a recipe that guarantees poor quality football.

[cheesner]

I can't see this working well with practice squad
Remember that they're all basically free agents---ANY NFL team can sign a guy from any other team's practice squad. So the first NFL team who suffers an injury at, say, running back, will pluck the top performer from the league.

I don't see anything wrong with that. Perhaps you could change the designation and 'protect' a few players from being taken by other teams. But I am thinking, being able to sign any player from the development league would help create more parity in the league. This, of course, would be a good thing. Bad teams would have the option of improving their roster throughout the season. On a personal side, perhaps Las Vegas would be able to get a team I would get to see some live football.

[MJZiggy]

I brought this idea up before and mentioned Cuban's proposal and most everyone here shot it down. I'm for it. I think there should be a minor league football team in Milwaukee. That way it would only take me an hour or so to get there.

I think there's a difference between an NFL minor league/farm system and what Cuban has in mind. Besides, I still think his biggest problem is in scheduling on Friday nights during high school football season. I also don't want football to have any more similarity to the WWE than it already does.

[BallHawk]

The more I think about it, the more I think there is no way it could possibly work. You would have to make up a ton of rules regarding claiming players, placing players on the team, etc.

Also, and this is the biggest question, how do the teams make money? Why would somebody pay money to see medicore football, when they could watch the NFL at home? Arena works because it is different (I'm not a fan, but other people are.) Who wants to watch Taco Wallace and BJ Sander playing football week in and week out? Horrible idea.

[Charles Woodson]

another thing i just thought of was how would the draft work. I mean would they make it longer or keep it the same.

[The Leaper]

Incredibly STUPID idea...for all of the reasons mentioned.

They couldn't pawn this crap off on unsuspecting Europeans with any measure of success...how the hell do you think a mediocre football product would go over in the US?

[Tarlam!]

It's a sensational idea. The reason the NFL Europa failed was because the US market basically igored it. Why? That's EASY: No team affinity was possible.

College and High School ball has a huge following because people can relate to the teams. Who in the US could relate to Rhein Fire or the Amsterdam Admirals??

I definitely think it should be 32 farm teams, linked by contract to a single NFL team. Ownership is offered to owners. If they pass, it is whoever ante's up and is voted acceptable to the NFL...

I certainly would consider going to Mexico or Canada with a team. Europe might be tough. It would almost always be an 8 hour flight for visiting teams.

I would also run it similar to the NFL timing wise, but finish mid December. I would also only play 12 games in the regular. Remember, these players are supposed to be available for when they are called upon.

There should aloo be a rule that if a player is cut from your NFL team, he cannot play for your farm team until the following season...Otherwise, we'd get dizzy from all the shifting.

Unlike the practice squads, right of first refusal should also be mandatory and claiming a player off another farm team is an automatic 2nd rounder...

One last point: No Farm team my be located in a state that has an NFL team. New Mexico Dragons, here we come!

[woodbuck27]

Geeee that's funny.

I was just thinking about just this over the past week.

What a boost it might potentially give to smaller cities.

Realistically the minor leagues are already established in the NCAA and to a far lesser extent the arena league (AFL) and CFL now that NFL E is folding.

The NFL would have to find a willing market for such a minor PRO league and the question begging to be answered is:

Would it (the NFL) be better served by moving in that dirction?

I believe like alot today. It's going to come down to financial sense rather than entertainment.

[Tarlam!]

Bump. This thread should get some attention....

[Charles Woodson]

I think that if they played during the summer, and put them in towns that dont have many other pro teams that the league could do well

[BallHawk]

Small town teams?

Yeah, I'm sure people would like to see the Appelton Assault vs. Des Moines Ethanol. I'm certain that would make good TV.

[Zool]

Small town teams?

Yeah, I'm sure people would like to see the Appelton Assault vs. Des Moines Ethanol. I'm certain that would make good TV.

I dont think you assume minor league football is going to be on TV. How many times have you watched a minor league baseball game on TV?

I dont think its a viable option because players that are good enough to be in the NFL are there.

[GrnBay007]

Small town teams?

Des Moines Ethanol.

LOL!!


I'd watch

[GrnBay007]

A current poll on Fox Sports:

Does the NFL need a minor league?

41% Yes, the NFL Europe will be sorely missed

59% No, college football is good enough for a minor league

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl

bottom right hand corner

[retailguy]

A current poll on Fox Sports:

Does the NFL need a minor league?

41% Yes, the NFL Europe will be sorely missed

59% No, college football is good enough for a minor league

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl

bottom right hand corner

The NFL has a minor league. Haven't you seen that prison movie? Rae Carruth is the star, and Pacman Jones is going to lead next years defense.