The Markcast®

It is time to panic XFL fans? With the February kickoff of XFL 2023 quickly approaching and LOTS of information still needing to be revealed publicly from the XFL, should fans be concerned? Plus lots of CFL talk this week as we look ahead to CFL week 18 with CFL Hall of Famer Jon Cornish and Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun.

Time is running out as we approach the November XFL draft and February kickoff. With the “delay” of XFL 2023 team name announcements and the radio silence from the league that’s followed, should XFL fans be panicked? We bring on “The Professor” Andrew Murray to do a deep dive into where the XFL 2023 is compared to XFL 2020 and USFL 2022 during the same timeframes. We also chat about the “leak” from IFL team owner Kathy Treankler about a potential working relationship between the IFL and the XFL when it comes to scouting players and allowing IFL players to “move up” to sign with XFL teams.

CFL Hall of Famer and 2x Grey Cup champion Jon Cornish makes a long-awaited appearance on the show to chat through the state of the CFL in week 18 of the 2023 season. We chat about improving CFL fan demographics, the state of CFL quarterbacks, and the overall health of the CFL in 2023.

Finally, CFL journalist Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun returns to the program to run down the latest chaos coming out from the Ottawa REDBLACKS. We talk about the firing of head coach Paul LaPolice, the elevation of interim head coach Bob Dyce, and what the REDBLACKS can do (if anything) to “right” their franchise as we approach the end of the 2023 CFL season.

0:00 The Markcast Show Promo
2:28 Show Intro
8:12 Should XFL Fan Be Worried? XFL 2023 vs. XFL 2020/USFL 2022 Timeline Breakdowns
50:18 IFL to “Align” With the XFL?
1:03:05 Jon Cornish, CFL Hall of Fame, 2x Grey Cup Champion Interview
1:29:22 Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun, CFL Week 18 Interview
1:58:10 Show Outro

Andrew Murray’s IFL to XFL Player Pipeline Article -
https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/ifl-team-owner-hints-at-player-pipeline-to-xfl/

The XFL has their first batch of quarterbacks allocated for the 2023 season, we are still reeling from the leaked XFL team names and delayed “activations” this week and we have XFL “Insider” Mike Mitchell joining us for a long overdue “therapy session” to break it all down. We talk about the “state of the XFL” as we approach its 2023 February kickoff and get Mike’s thoughts on a crazy week of XFL news, plus Fan Controlled Commissioner Ray Austin drops by the program to preview FCF season 3 and we catch up with Scott Radley of 900CHML to talk CFL Week 17.

The last 2 weeks of XFL news and “non-news” has been a LOT for even the most die-hard of XFL fans to process. We welcome back to the program Mike Mitchell our own XFL “Insider” to get his thoughts on everything coming out from XFL 3.0. We react to the 9 quarterbacks seen training with XFL Director of Quarterback Development Jordan Palmer via his recent Instagram videos and talk about the 8 XFL teams and coaches they are currently “allocated to” heading into the 2023 XFL season. We also get Mike’s thoughts on the delayed XFL local “activations” this week due to hurricane Ian, the leaked XFL team names (not logos) that were found last week on the XFL shop, and talk about the general “state of the XFL” and how fans should be feeling about the third iteration of the XFL brand.

Ray Austin, commissioner of Fan Controlled Football stops by the show courtesy of the league to preview and talk up the league’s upcoming third season in the spring. Ray touts the success of former FCF players in the NFL, talks about potential team expansion heading into season 3 and we even talk a little Fan Controlled Hoops, the next creation to come out of Fan Controlled Sports.

Finally, Scott Radley makes a long, long overdue appearance on the show to preview CFL Week 17 and talk through the major storylines he sees in the Canadian Football League headed into October. We talk about the CFL’s broken playoff system, Hamilton’s disastrous season, the BC Lions’ chances of making it to the Grey Cup either with or without Nathan Rourke, and why he thinks the divisional system of the CFL needs to go by the wayside.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:29 Show Intro
8:31 XFL “Insider” Mike Mitchell on XFL 2023 QB Allocations
43:06 XFL “Insider” Mike Mitchell on XFL 2023 Team Leaks and “State of the XFL”
1:10:58 Fan Control Football Commissioner Ray Austin Interview
1:30:36 Scott Radley, Hamilton Spectator Columnist, CFL Week 17 Interview
1:58:39 Show Outro

We're going LIVE taking your calls and reactions to the potentially LEAKED XFL 2023 team names ahead of their announcement next week. The XFL shop had several screenshots taken from XFL diehards potentially spoiling some of the new and returning team names that will be taking the field when the XFL kicks off in February of 2023. The feeling amongst XFL fans is "mixed" to say it lightly and we want to hear from you!

XFL team names are coming NEXT week and we’re getting you prepared for the XFL’s big announcement! Plus we’re doing a deep dive into the XFL and NFL Alumni Academy’s partnership with Andrew Murray and talking CFL with Jason Gregor, Andrew Peirson of America’s CFL team the BC Lions, and Mike Moore of the Montreal Alouettes.

Rod Woodson, head coach for the XFL Las Vegas franchise leaked some spicy details about the XFL unveiling its 2023 team names and colors on the Pat McAfee show this week. With 5 2020 XFL cities returning and 3 new cities joining the group for its 2023 kickoff, which XFL 2020 franchises (if any) will be making a return appearance for the 3.0 version of the XFL? We discuss.

Andrew Murray returns to the program to discuss his potential theories about the XFL team name announcements next week and to run down the nuts and bolts of the XFL’s newly formed partnership with the NFL Alumni Academy. We’ve known since April about the XFL’s partnership with the NFL and specifically the Alumni Academy, but what does that mean? With hundreds of players attempting to get onto NFL rosters, how do the NFL’s Alumni Academy and a spring XFL season fit into the mix? The NFL Alumni Academy recently held a Zoom call to discuss these details and more with pro football agents and we bring you the very latest plus discuss how the XFL’s February to April timeline might be better equipped for certain types of players trying to make it back to the NFL as compared to the USFL’s late spring start.

Jason Gregor, a long-time friend of the show returns to chat all things CFL week 16. We run down Garett Marino’s signing to the USFL, the BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders' recent “brawl” following the BC Lions’ road win last Saturday, talk about Hamilton’s upset victory over Winnipeg, and the state of the Edmonton Elks franchise.

Then, we are fortunate to be joined by two player interviews on this week’s program. Andrew Peirson makes a return appearance courtesy of the BC Lions, and Mike Moore stops by on behalf of the Montreal Alouettes.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:28 Show Intro
7:47 XFL 2023 Team Name Announcements Coming Next Week! Analysis, Predictions
41:18 XFL-NFL Alumni Academy Partnership Deep Dive, How the XFL Can Get Players to the NFL
1:05:22 Jason Gregor, CFL Week 16 Interview
1:37:07 CFL BC Lions’ Andrew Peirson Interview
1:52:35 CFL Montreal Alouettes’ Mike Moore Interview
1:59:27 Show Outro

NFL Alumni Academy Zoom Session with Dean Dalton 9.13.22 -
https://youtu.be/RUYnlhK2RtM

The XFL has announced its FULL 8 team coaching staffs for the 2023 XFL teams and we’re doing a full breakdown and analysis of each XFL coach’s team with XFL Board’s Greg Parks PLUS we have two CFL all-time greats with CFL on TSN’s Rod Smith and the voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Derek Taylor joining us to talk all things CFL Week 15.

Greg Parks of XFL Board returns to the show to do an in-depth breakdown and analysis of all 8 coaching staffs that were just announced this week for the upcoming February kickoff of the XFL 3.0. He details connections between the coaches, gives background insights into who is comprising each staff, and we pontificate about what these hires mean to the makeup of each team and the personalities they will bring when their players hit the field. Although not as “sexy” of an announcement as XFL team names or uniforms, these full staff reveals just how robust the XFL’s hiring has been ahead of its 2023 launch and the quality of football they hope to bring when they return in 2023. For more information on all 8 XFL team staff reveals with even more breakdown and analysis, please be sure to check out Greg’s article on XFL Board linked below!

CFL on TSN lead commentary Rod Smith stops by the show to give his thoughts and expertise on every CFL as we approach week 15 of the CFL season. We chat through the recent BC Lions trade of Vernon Adams Jr., the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ dominance, struggles in the east, Bo Levi Mitchell’s future, and whom Rod sees as the two likely teams facing off in Regina for the 2022 CFL Grey Cup.

Derek Taylor, the voice of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers makes a long-awaited return to the show to give a status update on all 8 CFL franchises as we approach CFL week 8. Derek chat’s through BC’s decision to trade for Vernon Adams Jr., grades the rest of the CFL’s remaining pivots through 2/3rds of CFL gameplay this season, reminisces over Gary Stern’s recent Twitter antics, and gives his thoughts and predictions on the health of the CFL moving forward through 2022 and the years beyond.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:28 Show Intro
7:32 Jason Gonella joins XFL as Senior Vice President, Ticket Sales
9:39 XFL St. Louis to keep BattleHawks name? First home St. Louis Game in March?
13:12 Greg Parks, XFL Board Interview, XFL Full Coaching Staffs Break Down
57:07 Rod Smith, CFL on TSN Commentator CFL Week 15 Interview
1:28:29 Derek Taylor, Winnipeg Blue Bomber Commentator CFL Week 15 Interview
1:55:17 Show Outro, Giveaway Photos

Greg Parks’ Full XFL 2023 Coaching Staffs Breakdown -
https://xflboard.com/news/xfl-head-coaches-show-differing-philosophies-in-filling-out-their-staffs/

Whom should the XFL and USFL be targeting to sign for their upcoming seasons, how can the XFL and USFL be both entertaining football leagues as well as developmental systems for their players, and where the HECK are our XFL 2023 announcements? We answer these questions and more on this week’s episode with guests Emory Hunt, Eric Merrida of FA Showcase, and David Boles of the Edmonton Elks.

Emory Hunt, CBS Football Analyst and football draft expert joins the show to give his analysis and thoughts of this spring football landscape heading into 2023. Whom should the XFL and the USFL be looking to sign? Should the two competing alt-football leagues be targeting different types of players? We answer these questions and discuss the very real dilemma facing both the USFL and the XFL ahead of their 2023 seasons, how can a football league market itself as a developmental league whilst also providing high-quality content and talent continuity for fans of the league and individual teams? Emory sits down for an extended interview you won’t want to miss!

Eric Merrida, one of the creators behind the upcoming FA Showcase in Texas stops by the program to preview their upcoming showcase next week. We chat about the difficulties that non-NFL players have when it comes to getting necessary reps and looks from pro football scouts, the importance of alt-football leagues like the XFL and the USFL, and why showcases like his are paramount in helping CFL, USFL, and XFL hopefuls get a chance to shine.

Finally, David Boles sideline reporter for the Edmonton Elks sits down to chat all things in a chaotic and entertaining CFL Week 14. We cover the Edmonton Elks’ upcoming match at home against the Calgary Stampeders, react to Garrett Marino’s CFL release, and chat about other major storylines from the CFL season thus far including what the Elks can do (if anything) to right the ship of their subpar 2022 season.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:28 Show Intro, “Where are the XFL announcements?”
9:07 Emory Hunt, XFL vs. USFL Scouting/Talent Acquisition Interview
54:52 Eric Merrida, FA Showcase for XFL, USFL, and CFL Hopefuls Interview
1:17:02 David Boles, CFL’s Edmonton Elks Sideline Reporter, CFL Week 14 Interview
1:42:14 Show Outro

FA Showcase Player Registration Form:
https://forms.gle/PuPqkqfKYYLkEPYj9

The XFL is looking for money, but whom should they get to invest? What’s next for the latest cuts from the NFL and which league between the XFL or the USFL should those players be targeting for their next stop? What’s next for the CFL after this crazy week with Gary Stern’s departure from the Montreal Alouettes and the trade of Vernon Adams Jr. to the BC Lions? We tackle all of those questions and more with our slate of guests which includes Brendan Coffey from Sportico, Ric Serritella from NFL Draft Bible, TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, and Cody Grace from the Calgary Stampeders.

Brendan Coffey of Sportico stops by the program to chat through his latest article coming out regarding the XFL looking for investors ahead of its 2023 launch. Brendan fills us in on why the XFL might be seeking money from outside investors, what types of partnerships they might be looking to form with these new investors and why the XFL needs to give up such a high stake (potentially) of the league to entice new investors.

Ric Serritella from NFL Draft Bible makes a long overdue appearance on the show to recap some of the latest USFL cuts and signings as NFL teams completed their 53-man rosters this week. We talk about the success of the USFL season 1 by having at least one of its players on an active NFL roster, talk about what’s next for players cut by the NFL potentially heading to an XFL or USFL roster and the differences Ric sees in the scouting and talent potential for both XFL and USFL.

TSN’s Matthew Scianitti sits down from his hotel room getting ready to cover the REDBLACKS at Montreal Alouettes game this week to run down all the craziness that was CFL Week 13 thus far. We discuss Gary Stern’s abrupt departure from the Alouettes’ day-to-day operations, discuss the big BC Lions acquisition of Vernon Adams Jr., commiserate Randy Ambrosie’s unenviable task of seeking out a new potential owner for the Alouettes, and pontificate over what’s next for Trevor Harris as the (potentially hesitant) face of the Montreal’s CFL franchise.

Finally, Cody Grace courtesy of the Calgary Stampeders makes an appearance to preview the big Stampeders and Elks home and home games coming up. We cover his CFL season thus far, goals for the squad the rest of the year, and if the team can make a deep playoff run under the new (and permanent?) on-field leadership of Jake Maier.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:20 Show Intro
7:34 Sportico’s Brendan Coffey, XFL Investor Interview
24:59 NFL Draft Bible’s Ric Serritella, NFL Cuts to USFL/XFL Interview
54:12 TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, CFL Week 13 Interview
1:15:21 Calgary Stampeders’ Cody Grace Interview
1:25:29 Show Outro, Giveaway Photos

We're going LIVE to talk about today's breaking news of Vernon Adam Jr. being traded to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for the BC Lion's 2023 number 1 draft pick. We'll be talking your calls and reacting LIVE to this and all of this week's big CFL news and USFL news including Gary Stern's departure from the Montreal Alouettes, USFL to NFL player transactions, and more!

We also chat about the XFL's kickoff timeline, when should we expect team names, logos and uniforms to be revealed and if the XFL is becoming too "heavy" with recent executive hires including Brian Westbrook Sr., joining the League today as Director of Player Engagement.

Are the XFL and USFL suffering from identity crises? Is spring football’s player turnover to the NFL sustainable, or interesting for viewers of alternative football leagues? This week on The Markcast we’re talking XFL and USFL player turnover, CFL Week 12, and much more with CFL insider Dave Naylor, Jake Russell of The Washington Post, long-time CFL journalist Marty York and David Côté of the Montreal Alouettes.

Dave Naylor makes a long-awaited return to the program this week to run down the biggest storylines coming out of the CFL headed into week 12. We talk Nathan Rourke’s unfortunate injury, Bo Levi Mitchell being benched in Calgary, the Saskatchewan Roughrider’s dilemma with Cody Fajardo and Mason Fine competing for the QB1 spot, and much more. Dave also shares his thoughts on the USFL’s completion and the struggle that both the USFL and XFL might have in keeping viewer interest long-term with the announced goal of both alt-football leagues to get their players onto NFL rosters.

Jake Russell of The Washington Post stops by to give his thoughts on the XFL’s announced return to Washington D.C. and why he thinks the fans there embraced the 2020 version of the XFL the way that they did. We talk USFL hub vs. XFL hub and the XFL’s need to balance being a captivating sports product while also trying to funnel players into the NFL. Can the XFL and USFL exist being a springboard for players into the NFL? We discuss.

Marty York, a long-time journalist, and contributor to the CFL media landscape sits down to run down some of the biggest stories surrounding the CFL mid-way through the season. We run down the lack of “top-tier” CFL quarterbacks in 2022, talk commissioner Randy Ambrosie’s leadership through the last 3 challenging years, and look at the long-term health of the CFL with diminishing crowds in some of the CFL’s most popular franchises.

Finally, David Côté of the Montreal Alouettes makes an appearance fresh off his game-winning field goal kick against the Hamilton Ticats last week. David talks about the Alouettes’ season thus far, goals for the team after a couple of big wins, and why he enjoys playing in the CFL and living in Montreal.

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:28 Show Intro
6:23 TSN’s Dave Naylor CFL Week 12, XFL and USFL Interview
40:32 The Washington Post’s Jake Russell XFL vs. USFL Interview
1:07:04 CFL Journalist Marty York CFL Week 12 Interview
1:41:21 Montreal Alouettes David Côté CFL Interview
1:56:07 Show Outro, New Giveaway Details!!!

Join us LIVE on Friday, August 19 at 5:30p PST / 8:30p EST for a live CFL pre-game show ahead of America's CFL team the BC Lions taking on the Saskatchewan Roughriders at home in Regina. Football Canada President Jim Mullin, Krown Gridiron Nation on TSN Analyst Gord Randall, CFL reporter Andrew Murray and I will be taking your calls and questions live relating to the CFL, USFL, XFL, and more!

Join the chat or call in, we'll post the link in the chat so YOU can be a part of the show!!

Watch us alongside the Edmonton Elks at the Ottawa REDBLACKS game which is airing in the early timeslot on Friday.