In Other Pro Football News, The AAF Already Has An Advantage In The Rivalry Vs The XFL

[ESPN] - League co-founder Bill Polian, an ESPN NFL analyst, said the league will give players three-year, non-guaranteed contracts worth $250,000 each.

Players can leave the league, which is set to kick off Feb. 9, to go to the NFL. Polian said it’s currently unclear whether a player’s rights will revert back to the AAF after a three-year period expires or if the clock stops ticking on a team’s three-year rights when a player gets “called up” to the big time.

I’m not even sure how many people are aware that there’s another pro football league called the AAF. I’ve blogged about it before because the Orlando team hired Steve Spurrier as their head coach. But, now we’re starting to find out more about the Alliance of American Football league as they are just about eight months out.

The XFL starts in 2020 and viewed as the rival to the AAF as opposed to the NFL. Right now the AAF has a massive advantage because of the contract of $250,000 and 3 years if it gets picked up. The XFL is planning on paying players $75,000 per year.

The AAF is made up of 8 teams located in Orlando, San Diego, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Memphis, Birmingham and Atlanta. If you’re wondering why it’s those cities, it’s because the plan is to keep local college players or former NFL players close to home. Obviously, Birmingham will draw the Alabama/Auburn players, which they think will help draw attendance and views.

I’m skeptical about these leagues, but think the AAF is going about it the right way with the contract and the fact that the league starts in February. They are trying to work hand in hand with the NFL as a developmental league of sorts and there is a need for that.

So what’s different about this league? There are no extra points, you have to go for two. Playclock is 30 seconds long instead of 40. There are no kickoffs as possession starts at the 25 yard line.

But, more football is always a plus, so let’s go AAF.

Update: I’m an idiot and read the contract as guaranteed. It’s a Friday, let’s have a weekend.