XFL Xtra - The XFLBoard.com Podcast

In this podcast, Mark Nelson speaks to Kenneth Farrow, a former San Diego Chargers, San Antonio Commanders, and Seattle Dragons running back, and current chairman of the United Football Players Association (UFPA). They talk about how the UFPA is working to support USFL players currently in Birmingham, and the intention to unionize USFL  players under the United Steelworkers.

Kenneth explains how they hope to help create a work environment so that leagues like the USFL, who have been historically short-lived, can survive and strive. In doing so, his hope is to assure players are dealt with transparently, respectfully and professionally is the means to that end.

Also, we asked Kenneth about the possibility of him coming back to play with the XFL.

We call this episode “Better Together.” It’s about football players looking at more playing opportunities, and making sure those playing opportunities lead to stronger football leagues.

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.

With the XFL under the new ownership group of Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Jerry Cardinale with the RedBird Capital group, the league is planning to kick off in 317 days, on 18 February 2023. Meanwhile, fans who are awaiting solid news of league progress were excited to hear the league planned a big announcement today. However, once the announcement was released it consisted of a new league logo and a description of the over-arching tenets of the league. While the league’s overall plans seem exciting, and curiously ambitious, the lack of real information had fans perplexed.

In this episode host Mark Nelson speaks to Greg Parks. Greg is a correspondent with XFLBoard.com, and if you visit the XFLBoard.com discussion forums you will be sure to read his posts as he is very active. Greg is also a prolific wrestling fan, and you can find him as a Podcast host and columnist on Pro Wrestling Torch (http://pwtorch.com).

Greg spoke about the new XFL logo, the possibilities of which cities will be involved in XFL 2023, and the pool of coaches the XFL might hire. Also, he talked about the possibility of XFL2023 being held in a hub city. Is this possible? What are the pros and cons?

We call this episode Serenity Now! It’s about football fans having the patience to wait on the XFL leadership to make some anticipated announcements.

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.

While the XFL exists in name only, the new ownership group of Dany Garcia, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and RedBird Capital have decided to pause their plan to kickoff in Spring 2022. Instead, the league has entered into talks with the Canadian Football League with hopes of a merger, and creating a new International league. While the many challenges in such a merger are obvious, and the merger talks are tight-lipped, players, coaches and fans await any news of the outcome.

In this episode you will hear two interviews.

First, host Mark Nelson speaks to Steve McShane, a Houston Roughnecks running back the host first planned to interview in the weeks leading up to the XFL 2020 season, until he was injured. With the complication of the injury, Steve's appearance was cancelled, with the thought the interview would be done later. Steve is completely rehabbed now, stronger and faster than ever, and he is here to talk about his plan to capitalize on his next football opportunity.

In the second interview, Mark speaks to TSN journalist Dave Naylor. Dave bills himself as a football insider and he feels he has decoded the clues that point to the underpinning of the merger of the XFL and CFL, being a desire to build a lucrative new international league. Plus, we will talk about a very contentious subject, "Will the new league play 3-down or 4-down football?" The truth, is we don't now the answer, but Dave has a theory that makes some sense. And "The Rock?" Is it his star power that made the CFL take notice of a merger proposal, or does the CFL need this deal to thrive? We cover a lot!

I call this episode Matchmaker, Matchmaker make me a Match. It's about a great running back who is waiting to be matched with a football opportunity, and two football leagues who are doing a courting dance in the hope of a long lasting, and profitable union.

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.

Since the transfer of the XFL to the new ownership group of Dany Garcia, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and RedBird Capital has taken place, the sports world awaits news of when the XFL will return to play. There has been false rumors, which is always frustrating. However, reliable sources have said to expect something soon, and it will be exciting. So, we continue to wait patiently.

In this episode host Mark Nelson interviews Ernesto Lacayo, placekicker for the Seattle Dragons. 

Ernesto talks about his kicking origins through high school and college, and a nine-year career that took him through the indoor leagues, before he was called in to kick for the Seattle Dragons just prior to their first XFL game. Ernesto tells the story of how the Dragons hired him, what it was like to kick in the home opener at Seattle's CenturyLink Field, and remarks about how he is positive toward the XFL's future. 

Plus, how did kickers feel about the XFL footballs? You might be surprised.

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.

A few days ago, the transfer of ownership of the XFL to the new ownership group of Dany Garcia, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and RedBird Capital was completed. As a symbol of taking over the league, Garcia and "The Rock" placed images of "keys" on their social media accounts. The excitement of these new owners taking over the league spread over social media and on fan websites kike wildfire. Surely there are better times in store for the league.

In this episode host Mark Nelson interviews two guests.

First, he speaks with Ranthony Texada, a former New York Guardians Defensive Back. They discuss Ranthony's football upbringing, and the winding path that has taken him from one football opportunity to another.

Second, Mark speaks with Mike Ellison, an XFLBoard.com team reporter for the St. Louis BattleHawks. They discuss the XFL's new ownership group, and break down the process the league may take to rehire staff and put players back on the field. Plus, Dany Garcia promised an XFL that was 24/7/365. What does she mean by that?

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.

XFL fans have received good news in the purchase of the league by Dany Garcia, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and RedBird Capital. We are not yet sure when and how the XFL will hit the field for their next game. This is exactly what we will talk about in this podcast.

First, host Mark Nelson introduces Randy Mueller, former Director of Pro Personnel for the Houston Roughnecks. They discuss the XFL's player recruitment process, the accomplishments of the league, and more specifically the success of the Houston Roughnecks. Then they touch upon how Randy feels the league may continue forward, and whether he might be a part of that process.

Second, you will hear a discussion with Greg Parks, an XFLBoard.com team reporter for the Tampa Bay Vipers, and Mike Mitchell, a writer with XFLNewsHub and XFLBoard.com, as the team reporter for the NY Guardians. They discuss the purchase of the XFL, possible league startup schedules, which XFL personnel will probably return, and the broadcast possibilities that might now be on the table. Plus, Dany Garcia mentioned expansion. What did she mean by this?

This podcast is our longest one yet, at over one hour and forty minutes. We dissect a lot of important topics in this one. Sit back and relax, as you are in for plenty of exciting XFL news and views. 

Music: Are You Ready – Free music archive.