Wait, where are you going with all those wings and nachos? The football season isn’t over yet. This weekend, the free-flying league known as the XFL returns to action after a long hiatus — and we have our very own team.
Let’s all meet the Seattle Sea Dragons (no relation to the Targareyans) — and see what this funky pigskin pastime is all about. 🏈
What the F does the X mean?
Er, nobody’s really sure. The league’s original founder Vince McMahon — the pro wrestling mogul — once joked that the XFL was known as the “Xtra Fun League.” He created the first version back in 2001 as a faster-paced alternative to the NFL that also had looser rules, flashier presentation, and more scoring. But it only lasted one season.
Undeterred, the XFL came back for a brief time in early 2020 with a team called the Seattle Dragons — only to have the season scuttled by the pandemic. Now, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson (yes, that guy) has helped revive the XFL yet again.
But it’s still football, right?
Absolutely. Most of the same NFL rules apply, with a few twists like no coin tosses in overtime to keep things spicy. The Sea Dragons even play home games at Lumen Field, just like the Seahawks.
You’ll also notice familiar NFL names. Former New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett is in charge of Seattle’s squad, and the team’s stars include wide receiver Josh Gordon, who was once a Pro Bowler.
When do I pull out my foam finger?
The Sea Dragons kick off their season on the road on Sunday, Feb. 19 and host their first home game on Thursday, Feb. 23 with a pre-party at Lumen Field that includes food trucks, live music, and more.
Tickets start at ~$20 — and you can watch the games on ESPN and FX.
