Ex-FL: Company Closes Doors Once Again After COVID-19 Pandemic

By Allen Austin

The XFL has closed up shop once again.

This time, however, in an unfortunate circumstance no one could seen coming when plans kicked off to restart the league over a year ago.

After the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday that the league has suspended operations, laid off all employees, and has no plans for a 2021 season.

Sigh.

After covering the New York Guardians for the first half of the new season, I can say without a doubt that this is extremely disappointing in so many ways.

From all the players and coaches looking for another shot at playing and managing the game they love, to the fans who were ready for another form of gridiron entertainment, to the employees who busted their behinds to get this league and it’s individual teams up and running. So much effort, hard work and dedication will be chalked up to nothing more than a resume builder, and a learning experience.

Heartbreaking.

Players like Darius Victor. Who knows when he will see the football field again?

Not everyone who showcased in the XFL is PJ Walker, the Houston Roughnecks QB who has signed on with Carolina in the NFL.

What’s to come?

I don’t mean to sound so negative. This feels personal. My first taste of being tossed from my beat! I guess like everyone else I will chalk it up to a resume builder and learning experience? Ok then, so what did I learn?

A new league in America for football is entirely possible. I very much believe the XFL would’ve been considered a success and would be back for a 2021 season had this season played out as expected. Fan interest was constantly being peaked week by week.

What else did I learn?

That there are so many sports stories out there. So many stories that are deeper than just that of the game play on the field. Stories of perseverance like the aforementioned Darius Victor. Stories of redemption and resilience, as so many of the XFL players exhibited.

There are so many takeaways from the season that was. The XFL gave it another shot, and damned if they didn’t do everything they could. Now as soon as the world open field tackles this pandemic, who knows…maybe 3rd time’s a charm for Vince McMahon…