Life's a Beach: Former Patriots Launching Sand Football League
The NFL has long withstood challengers to its throne. Whether it be outdoor (USFL), indoor (AFL) or radical (XFL), there have consistently arisen alternatives to the professional football product that dominates American sports.
Now, thanks in part to four former New England Patriots - and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Terrell Owens - the next league to throw its helmet in the ring will be one that plays its games on ... sand.
The Beach Football League - tackle football played on sand - plans to launch with a draft and inaugural game at a "surprise location" in February 2024, with league play scheduled to begin June 2024. Former Patriots' linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is the league's founder. Ex-Pats linebacker Jamie Collins, running back Corey Dillon and recently retired safety Devin McCourty are on the list of former NFL players scheduled to participate, along with Owens, Pacman Jones, Patrick Willis, Bryant McKinnie, Prince Amukamara and Tre Williams.
“I am so excited to play in the Beach Football League and offer this new experience to football fans everywhere," said Collins in BFL's press release. "We are filling a huge void in the sport by introducing a whole new playing field - replacing turf with sand. To me, the BFL is really about getting back to the basics of football and focusing on the fun of it.”
Said T.O., "Looking forward to taking my talents and popcorn to the beach. Getcha popcorn ready!”
In light of what happened to rising star running back Robert Edwards, Patriots fans might cringe at the idea of combining football and sand. New England's first-round draft pick in 1998, Edwards rushed for 1,115, ran for a touchdown in his first six games and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. But during a flag football game on the beach in Hawaii he suffered a catastrophic knee injury that almost forced his leg to be amputated. He didn't return to the NFL until 2002 with the Miami Dolphins.
Banta-Cain, who played college football at the University of California, won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, while Collins won one and McCourty three. Last Summer, Banta-Cain gained notoriety for singing on the show America's Got Talent.
“Minority ownership is rare among leagues so I’m extremely proud to be embarking on this journey with my teammates, friends, and other players from the NFL," Banta-Cain said. "Tackle beach football has never been played on a pro level in history, and I’m so thrilled to offer it for the first time through the Beach Football League. We are creating a safe and lower-impact alternative for the players while giving fans an interactive opportunity to be involved with a new inclusive league.”
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