Jump to content

The Spring League: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
Line 286: Line 286:
|rowspan=3| Week 4<br>
|rowspan=3| Week 4<br>
|rowspan=3| November 17
|rowspan=3| November 17
|| Jousters || - || Conquerors || - || Alamodome || Cancelled || || <ref name="TSL2020"/> ||
|| Jousters || - || Conquerors || - || - || Cancelled || || <ref name="TSL2020"/> ||
|-
|-
|| Alphas || || Blues || || Alamodome || || [[Fox Sports 1|FS1]] || ||
|| Alphas || || Blues || || [[Central Catholic Marianist High School|Bob Benson '66' Stadium]] || || [[Fox Sports 1|FS1]] || ||
|-
|-
|| Aviators || || Generals || || Alamodome || || [[Fox Sports 1|FS1]] || ||
|| Aviators || || Generals || || Bob Benson '66' Stadium || || [[Fox Sports 1|FS1]] || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| Final<br>
|rowspan=3| Final<br>

Revision as of 16:05, 16 November 2020

For a similar but unrelated undertaking in Spring 2000, see Spring Football League.
The Spring League
ClassificationDevelopmental (Pro showcase)
SportAmerican football
Founded2016
First season2017
CEOBrian Woods
No. of teams6
CountryUnited States
Most recent
champion(s)		Las Vegas Hughes
TV partner(s)Fox Sports 1
Related
competitions		Fall Experimental Football League
Official websitewww.thespringleague.com

The Spring League is an American football league and scouting event that began play in 2017 and was founded by Brian Woods. Aimed at professional athletes but not paying a salary or expenses, the league's goal is to "serve as an instructional league and showcase for professional football talent."

The Spring League was the second football property to be established by Brian Woods, following the Fall Experimental Football League (FXFL) from 2014 to 2015. The league consists of four teams and plays an abbreviated four game "season" in April. There is an additional exhibition game called The Spring League Showcase that was first played in July 2017.

Background

The National Football League (NFL) has not had an official developmental league since 2007 with NFL Europe.[1] Several other developmental leagues unaffiliated with the NFL have popped up, the FXFL, Gridiron Developmental Football League and the Rivals Professional Football League.[2] On September 2, 2016, the FXFL, after two abbreviated seasons of operation, announced it had suspended operations in hopes of finding a more effective business model.[3] A developmental league continued to be an internal NFL discussion as of December 2016 with a decision deadline of February 2017.[4]

Business plan

Like the FXFL, The Spring League is built upon the concept of serving as a second opportunity to allow players to advance to more established professional leagues,[5] yet The Spring League has some prominent differences from the FXFL. While The Spring League's core player is around 24 years old, it also took in experienced professionals, which the FXFL discouraged. All four teams are brought to one location, and at first not have distinctive identities or home cities/franchises (this began to change beginning in 2019). Rather, the games are more showcases for the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts in the spring and summer months.[5] Also unlike the FXFL, which paid a per-game stipend for its players, The Spring League paid only for room and board. Woods said that the lack of payment is out of financial necessity.[2] To be eligible to participate in the league, a player may not be under contract with a pro league nor be eligible for the current year's draft. Players must also pay a $350 application fee.[6] (By 2019, the application fee had jumped to $2000, as players now also had to cover room and board as part of the fee.) The league also assists in developing NFL referees.[4] Players must also cover their own health insurance.[7] The Spring League earns revenue from a subsidy that the state of Texas provides to hold its events there, as well as from organizations seeking to test equipment and rules changes. In 2019, the XFL served as The Spring League's largest revenue source, paying the league "six figures" to test-run its rulebook.[7]

History

2017 season

CEO Brian Woods founded The Spring League in early 2016.[8] On December 22, 2016, SiriusXM NFL Radio initially reported the league as being owned by the NFL, but retracted that by the end of the day.[9] The NFL informed its teams of the league's existence and its plans to operate from April 5 through April 26, 2017.[4] The Spring League's 2017 season consisted of a four-team, three-week single round-robin tournament in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia at The Greenbrier resort in April,[5] and a two-team "Showcase" game in Napa, California in July. The teams in each tournament were only identified with vague geographic names such as North, South, East, West and California. A game streamed on Facebook received 60,000 views while a practice received 30,000 views.[5]

Coaches with long NFL or College experience included quarterback coach Terry Shea, Steve Fairchild, Donnie Henderson, Dennis Creehan and Art Valero (offensive line).[10][5][11] For the April games, the league had four teams and 105 players.[5] Its players included NFL veterans Fred Jackson, Anthony "Boobie" Dixon,[12] Ben Tate, Greg Hardy, Ricky Stanzi, McLeod Bethel-Thompson[5] and Ahmad Bradshaw.[2] The players ranged from two to 10 years out from college. The league indicated two CFL and 10 NFL teams had their scouts visit the league while another 20 made requests for video footage. Following the April games, roughly two dozen players were invited to NFL rookie mini-camps. The Carolina Panthers picked up six for their rookie mini-camp.[5]

After the first season, NFL scouts seemed to like the league structure but otherwise gave mixed responses. Value was perceived by scouts as they got updated information on forgotten players or saw a player with a conditioned arm, but otherwise the talent level was below what NFL teams expected for an established developmental league. Some scouts expected younger players that had been to a couple NFL training camp but in the wrong system. Woods indicated that the older and big names brought attention to the league, which has a secondary purpose of providing a veteran annual showcase.[5]

Games

Date Team score opponent score Notes Ref
April 15 East 6 West 10 [13]
April 16 North 14 South 10 [14]
April 22 South - East - Cancelled [15]
April 23 North - West - Cancelled [16]
April 25 Orange 34 Black 7 Championship Game [17]

The following players signed with NFL or CFL teams following their involvement with The Spring League in 2017:

  • McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a quarterback, signed with the Toronto Argonauts on May 23. During his first year with the team, Bethel-Thompson served as a backup quarterback, and also played as a defensive back and on special teams during the CFL preseason.[18][1] Bethel-Thompson won the 105th Grey Cup with the Argonauts later in the year.[19] Beginning in week 8 of the 2018 season, Bethel-Thompson was named the Argos starting quarterback.
  • Zeek Bigger, a linebacker, signed with the Carolina Panthers on May 30, after participating in OTAs on a tryout basis.[1][20] Bigger was released at the end of the preseason, but spent two weeks on Carolina's practice squad.[21]
  • Manasseh Garner, a tight end, signed with the Washington Redskins on May 15 following their rookie mini-camp.[1][22] Garner was cut following the preseason, but was signed to the practice squad, and was later promoted to the active roster for the final game of the season.[23]
  • Cornerback Tyquwan Glass was signed to the Los Angeles Rams on August 22.[24] Glass was released as part of final cuts.
  • Tight end David Grinnage was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars just prior to the preseason on August 14.[25] Grinnage did not make the team, but was given a spot on Jacksonville's practice squad.[26][unreliable source?]
  • Defensive lineman Calvin Heurtelou was signed by the Green Bay Packers on August 21.[1][27] Heurtelou was waived after the preseason.
  • Daje Johnson, wide receiver, signed with the Ottawa Redblacks.[28] After playing the first three weeks of the regular season on the practice roster, Johnson was promoted to be the starting returner for Week 4.[1][29] After playing two games, Johnson was placed on the injured list, and was later released on August 9.[30]
  • Wide receiver Jalen Saunders signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on May 23. After two weeks on the practice roster, Saunders made his CFL debut in Week 3.[1][31] Saunders finished the 2017 CFL season with over 1,000 yards receiving.
  • Quarterback Ricky Stanzi signed with the Calgary Stampeders on May 16 as a backup quarterback.[5][32]
  • Tani Tupou, a fullback/defensive tackle, signed with the Atlanta Falcons on May 14 following their mini-camp. Tupou was the first Spring League player to be signed by a professional team.[1][33] Tupou was released after the preseason, but was signed to Atlanta's practice squad.[34][unreliable source?] He spent time on the active roster as well this year.
  • Wide receiver Griff Whalen was signed by the Baltimore Ravens on July 21, following his participation in the Summer Showcase game.[35] Whalen was released following the preseason, but later spent two games with the Ravens before being cut again. Whalen then signed with the Oakland Raiders during the offseason.[36]
  • Running back Josh Robinson received a workout with the Detroit Lions in August 2017,[37] but went unsigned until he agreed to terms with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL in January 2018.[38]

Spring League Showcase

On July 15, 2017, the Spring League Showcase was held at Napa Memorial Stadium in California between Spring League California, coached by Terry Shea and Spring League East, coached by Donnie Henderson.[39] Flofootball.com's FloPRO subscription service streamed the game.[40] David Ash started the game for the California roster and lead several scoring drives. He had 96 passing yards and 9-of-13 passing, including a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Dixon with an interception and 3 runs for a total of 10 yards with his longest for 9 yards. For the East, two quarterbacks, Casey Pachall and Trenton Norvell, made touchdown passes. Pachall completed 4-of-6 passes for 84 yards and a 67-yard touchdown. The game's top rusher was Paul Harris of the East team, who rushed twice for 74 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. East defeated California 23–19.[41][42]

Notable players for each team:[8][43]

2018 season

The league had try-outs in various cities in October and November 2017 and February 2018.[45] On December 7, 2017, The Spring League announced it would play its second season in Austin, Texas beginning in late March 2018. The league was also to have a football-specific tech forum and a joint internship program with the University of Texas’ Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation.[28] Turner Sports announced in mid-January 2018, while the league games would be on its new streaming service B/R Live, the league was also finalizing a deal to practice and play games at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.[46] On February 14, the league announced the signing of Heisman Trophy winner and former Cleveland Browns first round pick Johnny Manziel to the league playing on the South team. Games to be played on April 7 and 14.[47] Other former NFL commitments to the league were former Cleveland Browns first round pick Kellen Winslow Jr. and former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro.[48] On March 3, the league did not execute on the contract to play the 2018 season at the Circuit of the Americas and instead announced events to take place at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock, Texas.[49] Following the April games, the another Summer Showcase was announced for June 2018.[50]

Games[51]

Date Team score opponent score Ref
April 7 North 13 West 30
South 7 East 11
April 12 South 17 West 34 [52][53]
North 27 East 10
Spring League 2018
Team W L PCT PF PA
West 2 0 1.000 64 30
North 1 1 .500 40 40
East 1 1 .500 21 34
South 0 2 .000 24 45

The following players signed with NFL, CFL or AAF teams following their involvement with The Spring League in 2018:

Fall Showcase

The Spring League announced a "Fall Showcase" for Miami, Florida to take place November 6–9, 2018, which the league intends to prepare players for the AAF and XFL, which play winter/spring seasons.[86]

2019 season

File:XFL kickoff formation test in the Spring League.jpg
For 2019, The Spring League tested rules for the XFL. Seen here is the later implemented XFL kickoff formation.

For the 2019 season, The Spring League partnered with the XFL to test rule changes the new league hoped to implement for its own 2020 season. One rule change, originally proposed by Pro Football Talk in 2017, was replacing overtime with a two-point conversion shootout occurring simultaneously at both end zones with five rounds in the TSL.[87] Also tested was the tap rule, which allows a referee to send a player to the sideline for less than a penalty level offense.[88] Both rules and the kickoff formation were later implemented in the XFL.

2019 season practice began March 31, 2019 with double headers on April 6 and 11, 2019. Each of the four teams played two games.[89] For the first time, one of the teams had a brand name; the Austin Generals (formerly South) was named after its host city of Austin, Texas, and used the logo and colors of the former New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League.[89][90] The remaining three teams retained their generic North, East and West brandings.

Games

Date Team score opponent score Notes Ref
April 8 North 6 West 36 [91]
April 9 Generals 13 East 6 Overtime Test Game [92]
April 13 North 31 East 24 [93]
April 15 Generals 32 West 13 [94]
Spring League 2019
Team W L PCT PF PA
Austin Generals 2 0 1.000 45 19
West 1 1 .500 49 38
North 1 1 .500 37 60
East 0 2 .000 30 44

The Spring League was hired by the XFL to hold three mini-camp style tryouts. With this revenue source, the league's revenue exceeded one million dollars and would have its first profitable year. The two leagues are in preliminary discussions of the Spring League becoming the XFL's official development league.[7]

Summer Showcase

The league held its second Summer Showcase on July 30, 2019 in Mission Viejo, California with 100 pay to play players in a four-day camp and a six quarter scrimmage.[95] XFL executives and coaches and ESPN and Fox staff were on had to view rule tests and in-game technologies with the broadcaster giving feedback on how it would effect broadcast coverage.[7]

2020 Spring season

For 2020, TSL played a showcase game against the Japan national American football team at the Ford Center at The Star March 1,[96] and the main competition March 7 and 11 at Sam Boyd Stadium.[97] The designated home team (formerly West) was dubbed the Las Vegas Hughes, named after Howard Hughes, who spent much of the end of his life as a recluse in Las Vegas.[98] Mettenberger agreed to return as a quarterback.[99] The league was able to get its abbreviated 2020 season completed just before social distancing mandates tied to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States took effect, shutting down effectively all in-person sports in the United States.

Games

Date Team score opponent score Notes Ref
March 7 Las Vegas 14 North 7[100]
North 14 East 7[101]
Las Vegas 3 East 0[102]
March 11 Las Vegas 17 East 6[103]
Las Vegas 0 North 7[104]
North - East - Cancelled
Spring League 2020
Team W L PCT PF PA
Las Vegas Hughes 3 1 .750 34 20
North 2 1 .666 28 21
East 0 3 .000 13 34

Summer Showcase

The league held its annual Summer Showcase on July in Glendale, Colorado with a total of 85 players and another 25 staff members and medical personnel participated. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic all players had to go through 14-day self-quarantine before camp and all meetings were conduct in a video conference.[105]

2020 Fall season

In October 2020 FS1 reached a multi-year agreement to televise The Spring League along with the option to acquire a minority stake in the league, with initial agreement to play a 6-team fall-season in late October and November 2020.[106] The league began its fall season on Oct. 27 with six teams competing in a 12-game format over four weeks in a bubble environment, based out of the San Antonio Alamodome. Fox Sports 1 aired games on Tuesday and Wednesday. The league stated that this time the players did not pay to attend, [107] but Woods later explained that some players did pay, while select others did not.[108]

All six teams will have brands and names, including the returning Generals[109][110] (originally from Austin), Aviators[111][112] (re-branded from Las Vegas Hughes), and four new teams the Blues[113][114] (modified from the FXFL Blacktips), Alphas[115][116] (a wolf motif), Conquerors[117][118] and Jousters.[119][120]

Coaches

All of the league teams are coached by coaches with vast experience in college or minor-league and all, except Chuck Bresnahan, has a head coaching experience, while all apart from Steve Fairchild were involved in the United Football League during its four-year existence:[121]

* Returning coach from previous seasons

Some of the more recognizable assistants were June Jones[122] (Conquerors) who was later replaced by Kevin Gilbride,[123] Mike Singletary and Jeff Reinbold (Generals)[124][125], Drew Tate (Alphas)[126], Robert Ford (Jousters)[108] and Eric Hicks (Aviators).[127]

Players

With the cancellation of the XFL 2021 season and the CFL not playing in 2020, The Spring League featured more recognizable name from years past. Some of the bigger names were NFL veteran and former alumni QB Zach Mettenberger (Generals), The CFL's 2019 passing touchdowns leader McLeod Bethel-Thompson (Aviators), former Ohio State Buckeyes QB J. T. Barrett (Alphas) and 2018 TSL MVP Bryan Scott (Generals). The league also featured players from smaller schools, that didn't get an NFL opportunity after the 2020 draft with the cancellation of the preseason and mini-camps.

Games

Week Date Team Score Opponent Score Site Notes TV Ref Stats
Week 1
[128][129][130] 		October 27 Alphas 0 Blues[131] 19 Alamodome [132] [133][134]
Aviators 28 Jousters 0 Alamodome [135] [136][137]
Conquerors 19 Generals 33 Alamodome FS1 [138] [139][140]
Week 2
[141][142] 		November 4 Blues 17 Aviators 23 Alamodome Overtime FS1 [143] [144][145]
Alphas[146] 22 Conquerors[147] 17 Alamodome FS1 [148] [149][150]
November 5 Generals 18 Jousters 15 Alamodome [151] [152][153]
Week 3
[154][155][156] 		November 10 Conquerors 42 Aviators 19 Alamodome FS1 [157] [158][159]
November 11 Jousters 0 Alphas 2 Alamodome Cancelled [160]
Blues 28 Generals 42 Alamodome FS1 [161] [162][163]
Week 4
 November 17 Jousters - Conquerors - - Cancelled [108]
Alphas Blues Bob Benson '66' Stadium FS1
Aviators Generals Bob Benson '66' Stadium FS1
Final
 December 2 TBD TBD Alamodome Championship Game
Spring League Fall 2020
Team W L PCT PF PA
Generals 3 0 1.000 93 62
Aviators 2 1 .666 70 59
Alphas 2 1 .666 22 36
Conquerors 1 2 .333 78 74
Blues 1 2 .333 64 65
Jousters 0 3 .000 15 46

Controversy

Before the week 3 games rumors started to arose that the coaches have discussed boycotting after not getting payed for their work, while agents of players have also come forward with allegations in the past that the Spring League failed to cover lodging costs as promised.[164] Wood would later argue that "the payroll system had to verify checking accounts before issuing the direct deposits, which delayed the payments".[108]

After week 3, Bresnahan stepped down as head coach of the Jousters, because of a miscommunication with the league resulting from COVID-19 outbreak in the team. The Jousters had several unspecified players test positive, resulting in a forfeit game against the Alphas,[165] and cancellation of the scheduled broadcast. Offensive assistant Robert Ford was supposed to take over the head-coach duties, but as some of the other coaches had to leave as they were considered at high-risk, the Jousters final game was cancelled,[166] making them the only team whose games were not broadcast.[108]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Inabinett, Mark (April 9, 2017). "Spring League's roster shows variety of backgrounds for players trying to catch NFL's eye". al.com. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Weiner, Natalie (May 10, 2017). "In the Shadow of Dak Prescott: Welcome to the NFL's League of Last Chances". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  3. ^ "Hudson Valley Fort will not return". Poughkeepsie Journal. September 2, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c Clayton, John (December 23, 2016). "Spring league kicking off 4-team, 3-week development plan in April". ESPN. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Is Spring League an NFL springboard? It's at least a shot". ESPN. May 6, 2017.
  6. ^ Jones, Lindsay H. (March 22, 2017). "Greg Hardy headlines NFL castoffs headed to Spring League". USA Today. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d "Unique Revenue Streams, Elimination of Costly Expenditures Keys to The Spring League's Success". Sports Illustrated. John Wall Street. Maven. July 30, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  8. ^ a b James, Marty (July 8, 2017). "County Football Insider: Spring League Showcase July 15 at Napa Memorial Stadium". Napa Valley Register. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  9. ^ "Report: NFL Free Agent Spring League Starting in 2017". FOX Sports. December 22, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  10. ^ "Donnie Henderson, Terry Shea among Spring League coaches".
  11. ^ Digby, Matt (April 14, 2017). "Coaches Expect Players to Capitalize in Spring League". woay.tv. Archived from the original on 2017-08-29. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  12. ^ Filipowski, Nick (June 19, 2017). "Former Bills RB Fred Jackson to participate in Spring League". WKBW-TV. Retrieved June 20, 2017.
  13. ^ "The Spring League: Game 1".
  14. ^ "The Spring League: Game 2".
  15. ^ "Today's game has been cancelled due to inclement weather".
  16. ^ "Sunday's game here at the Greenbrier has been cancelled".
  17. ^ "Play of the day nominee".
  18. ^ "Toronto Argonauts: Sorting through the final roster cuts". June 19, 2017.
  19. ^ "Change of Course: Argos stun Stamps to win Grey Cup". November 26, 2017.
  20. ^ Richard Walker (2017-05-30). "Gastonia's Zeek Bigger signs 3-year contract with Carolina Panthers - Sports - Gaston Gazette - Gastonia, NC". Gaston Gazette. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  21. ^ Richard, Walker. "Zeek Bigger released by Carolina Panthers". Gaston Gazette. Gaston Gazette. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  22. ^ Princiotti, Nora (May 16, 2017). "Nico Marley, grandson of Bob Marley, signs with Redskins". The Washington Times. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  23. ^ http://www.redskins.com/news/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Manasseh-Garner-To-The-Active-Roster/e7863842-3ccd-42e3-bc52-46b2275af6ab
  24. ^ Galavizagalaviz, Anthony (2017-08-22). "Tyquwan Glass signs with the Los Angeles Rams". The Fresno Bee. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  25. ^ Crow, Alfie (2017-08-14). "Jaguars waive Josh Johnson, sign TE David Grinnage". Big Cat Country. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  26. ^ Day, Ryan (2017-09-04). "2017 Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad: Live tracker and updates". Big Cat Country. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  27. ^ "Green Bay Packers sign DT Calvin Heurtelou". The Washington Post. AP. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  28. ^ a b Lyttle, Kevin (December 7, 2017). "EXCLUSIVE: NFL Spring League heads to Austin for 2018". Austin American-Statemans. Cox Media Group. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  29. ^ Tim Baines (2017-07-13). "Game Day: Redblacks at Eskimos". Ottawa Citizen. Postmedia. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  30. ^ "Daje Johnson".
  31. ^ "Roughriders defeat Tiger-Cats for 1st win in new Mosaic Stadium - CBC Sports - Football - CFL". Cbc.ca. 2017-07-09. Retrieved 2017-08-29.
  32. ^ Hlas, Mike (June 22, 2017). "Ricky Stanzi is Calgary Stampeders' No. 3 QB". The Gazette. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  33. ^ Patterson, Nick (May 15, 2017). "Archbishop Murphy grad getting a second shot at the NFL | HeraldNet.com". Everett Herald. Everett Herald and Sound Publishing, Inc. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  34. ^ Choate, Dave (2017-09-03). "Falcons reportedly sign 10 of their 11 practice squad players Sunday night". The Falcoholic. Retrieved 2017-12-19.
  35. ^ Zrebiec, Jeff (July 21, 2017). "Ravens sign Griff Whalen, place Michael Campanaro on PUP list amid flurry of roster moves". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  36. ^ Raiders Media Relations Facebook Twitter (2018-03-12). "Raiders Sign Wide Receiver Griff Whalen". Raiders.com. Retrieved 2018-05-02. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  37. ^ "Detroit Lions working out David Cobb, two other RBs on Tuesday". Freep.com. 2017-08-08. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  38. ^ "Alouettes shake up roster with four additions, six releases". Montreal Gazette. Presse Canadienne. 2018-01-22. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  39. ^ Florio, Mike (June 19, 2017). "Fred Jackson is getting his wish, sort of". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  40. ^ Talbot, Ryan (July 15, 2017). "How to watch Spring League Showcase featuring former Buffalo Bills Fred Jackson and Boobie Dixon". NewYorkUpstate.com. Retrieved August 30, 2017.
  41. ^ a b c Travis (July 19, 2017). "Spring League Showcase Player Stats". FloFootball. FloSports. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  42. ^ "Spring League Showcase Full Game Replay".
  43. ^ "Spring League Showcase football game coming to Napa". Times-Herald. July 7, 2017. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  44. ^ Florio, Mike (July 11, 2017). "Glen Coffee will participate in Spring League Showcase". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
  45. ^ Florio, Mike (August 20, 2017). "Spring League to conduct tryouts in multiple cities this fall". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  46. ^ Lyttle, Kevin (January 18, 2018). "Turner Sports will live-stream pro football venture in Austin". American-Statesman. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
  47. ^ Nathan, Alec (February 14, 2018). "Johnny Manziel to Join the Spring League Scouting Event Amid NFL Comeback". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  48. ^ Durkee, Travis (February 14, 2018). "Johnny Manziel commits to The Spring League showcase". Sporting News. Omnisport. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
  49. ^ "Circuit of the Americas punts Spring League". KVUE. March 3, 2018.
  50. ^ "Showcase Registration".
  51. ^ "Bleacher Report Live". live.bleacherreport.com. Turner Sports. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  52. ^ "Johnny Manziel Spring League Game 2".
  53. ^ Middlehurst-Schwartz, Michael (April 12, 2018). "Johnny Manziel runs for two TDs in second Spring League game". USA TODAY. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  54. ^ "TSL DL Roman Braglio signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL!". May 6, 2018.
  55. ^ "TSL DL Harold Brantley signs with Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL!". May 24, 2018.
  56. ^ a b c "Transactions".
  57. ^ "Argos add running back Brandon Burks". April 16, 2018.
  58. ^ "TSL RB Brandon Burks signs with Toronto Argonauts!". April 17, 2018.
  59. ^ "TSL TE Paul Butler invited to the Oakland Raiders mini-camp!". April 30, 2018.
  60. ^ "Raiders' Paul Butler: Signs contract with Oakland". CBSSports.com.
  61. ^ Staff, 3Down. "Riders add former NFL RB David Cobb | 3DownNation".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  62. ^ "TSL DL Breion Creer signs with BC Lions of the CFL!". May 7, 2018.
  63. ^ http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Panthers-sign-four-tryouts-waive-Zack-Sanchez/2d9e6a71-6e1e-41eb-a432-e5f9dde06198
  64. ^ "TSL OL Quinterrius Eatmon signs with Carolina Panthers!". May 17, 2018.
  65. ^ Williams, Charean (2018-04-17). "Falcons sign Tyson Graham, Justin Zimmer". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  66. ^ https://www.thespringleague.com/2018/04/17/congrats-db-tyson-graham-2nd-nfl-signing-spring-leagues-2018-season/
  67. ^ http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/college/mountain-west/boise-state-university/boise-state-football/article210718889.html
  68. ^ "Raiders Sign Guard Cameron Hunt". Raiders.
  69. ^ "TSL OL Cameron Hunt signs with Oakland Raiders!". May 16, 2018.
  70. ^ Tsai, Stephen (2018-04-17). "University of Hawaii alumnus Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea signs with CFL's BC Lions". Staradvertiser.com. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  71. ^ "TSL LB Kani Kema-Kaleiwahea signs with BC Lions!". April 17, 2018.
  72. ^ Boren, Cindy (May 19, 2018). "Johnny Manziel is returning to football, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats". Washington Post. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  73. ^ Reisman, Jeremy (2018-04-18). "Detroit Lions sign cornerback Raysean Pringle". Pride Of Detroit. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  74. ^ https://www.thespringleague.com/2018/04/18/congrats-db-raysean-pringle-3rd-nfl-signing-spring-leagues-2018-season/
  75. ^ "TSL S Keith Reineke signs with the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL!". April 23, 2018.
  76. ^ "Beau Sandland Latest Tight End Addition". Azcardinals.com. 2018-04-16. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  77. ^ "TSL TE Beau Sandland signs with the Carolina Panthers!". April 17, 2018.
  78. ^ "Karter Schult attempting to land another NFL opportunity". The Gazette.
  79. ^ http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article211094464.html
  80. ^ "Giants sign punter Taylor Symmank". www.giants.com.
  81. ^ "TSL P Taylor Symmank Signs with New York Giants!". June 3, 2018.
  82. ^ "TSL DB Dwayne Thomas signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL!". May 21, 2018.
  83. ^ "TSL DL/LB Lynden Trail signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL!". May 5, 2018.
  84. ^ Munz, Jason (August 1, 2018). "Alliance of American Football announces Memphis team has signed 28 players". The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
  85. ^ "Over 40 TSL Alum Sign with the AAF, as Another Exit Opportunity Arises". October 2, 2018.
  86. ^ "The Spring League Expands Showcase Model Amid Record Demand". August 10, 2018.
  87. ^ Florio, Mike (April 7, 2019). "Spring League returns with revolutionary overtime idea". ProFootballTalk. NBC Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  88. ^ Florio, Mike (April 8, 2019). "Spring League tests XFL "tap" rule that sends players to sideline". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  89. ^ a b Halliburton, Suzanne (April 6, 2019). "Ex-Baylor star Shawn Oakman tries to revive career in Spring League". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  90. ^ "The Spring League Brands Team as Austin Generals in Homage to Host City". The Spring League. March 18, 2019.
  91. ^ "The Spring League 2019: North Vs West Game Highlights".
  92. ^ "The Spring League 2019: East Vs Generals Game Highlights".
  93. ^ "The Spring League 2019: North Vs East Game Highlights".
  94. ^ "The Spring League 2019: West Vs Generals Game Highlights".
  95. ^ "Rosters revealed for the Spring League July Showcase".
  96. ^ "2020Japan vs The Spring League".
  97. ^ Simmons, Myles (February 14, 2020). "Spring League coming to Las Vegas in March". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  98. ^ The Spring League Las Vegas @ Sam Boyd Stadium: Tickets ON SALE NOW! - The Spring League
  99. ^ Froyd, Crissy (February 21, 2020). "Former LSU QB Zach Mettenberger looking forward to getting back to football for The Spring League". LSU Wire. USA Today Sports. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  100. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1236396559132061696
  101. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1236414302707277824
  102. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1236429962380316673
  103. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1237824090515226625
  104. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1237847323482288130
  105. ^ "Spring League completed four-day showcase last week".
  106. ^ Fox Sports will televise The Spring League football games this fall
  107. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1326600541330415616
  108. ^ a b c d e Davis, Josh (November 13, 2020). "The Spring League Week 3: Coaching Changes, COVID, Rumors Addressed". XFL News Hub. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  109. ^ "Generals 2020 Roster".
  110. ^ "The Generals Roster Breakdown".
  111. ^ "Aviators 2020 Roster".
  112. ^ "Aviators Soaring High With Expectations".
  113. ^ "Blues 2020 Roster".
  114. ^ "The Blues Roster Breakdown".
  115. ^ "Alphas 2020 Roster".
  116. ^ "The Spring League 2020: The Alphas Roster Breakdown".
  117. ^ "Conquerors 2020 Roster".
  118. ^ "The Conquerors' Roster Breakdown".
  119. ^ "Jousters 2020 Roster".
  120. ^ "Jousters Depth Chart Projections".
  121. ^ "FS1 Announces The Spring League Television Schedule".
  122. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1319429926752321536
  123. ^ https://twitter.com/ByMikeMitchell/status/1323387835320324097
  124. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1318720131351089153
  125. ^ https://twitter.com/Jeff_Reinebold/status/1324725643636998144
  126. ^ https://rodpedersen.com/flame-tech-football-friday-rundown-6/
  127. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1319665486003687425
  128. ^ "Week 1, Final Scores & Highlights".
  129. ^ "Recap of The Spring League's First Week of Action".
  130. ^ "The Spring League – Week One Recap".
  131. ^ "TSL Blues DC Derrius Bell Praises Players for Week 1 Shutout".
  132. ^ "Blues Win TSL Opener 19-0 Over the Alphas".
  133. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321573706565640192
  134. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321572100533006336
  135. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321201018596712450
  136. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321576898816823302
  137. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321578892117921794
  138. ^ "TSL2020: Generals beat Conquerors Highlights".
  139. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321580723283861506
  140. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1321582357778976768
  141. ^ "The Spring League Week 2, Final Scores & Highlights".
  142. ^ "Recap of The Spring League's Second Week of Action".
  143. ^ "TSL2020 Week 2: Aviators vs. Blues Highlights".
  144. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324871162808119302
  145. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324870322621997057
  146. ^ "Week 2, Alphas Review".
  147. ^ "Week 2, Conquerors Review".
  148. ^ "TSL2020 Week 2: Alphas vs. Conquerors Highlights".
  149. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324884979395010560
  150. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324874370695749632
  151. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324559135527047170
  152. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324876500915642369
  153. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1324878307754729472
  154. ^ "Spring League Week 3 Preview".
  155. ^ "Recap of The Spring League's Third Week of Action".
  156. ^ "The Spring League Week 3, Final Scores & Highlights".
  157. ^ "TSL2020 Week 3: Aviators vs. Conquerors Highlights".
  158. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1326984546886283264
  159. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1326981352433078276
  160. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1326599435023998976
  161. ^ "TSL2020 Week 3: Aviators vs. Conquerors Highlights".
  162. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1327011472631853057
  163. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1327010556402950144
  164. ^ "Exclusive: Spring League Coaches Have Discussed Boycotting".
  165. ^ https://www.facebook.com/thespringleague/photos/a.2313705772241192/2844701899141574
  166. ^ https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1327280304562769920
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Spring_League&oldid=989017150"