As families sit down together on a Sunday night to watch the Super Bowl, they may believe that the professional football season has come to a close. However, just six days after the big game, the XFL season kicked off its season, featuring eight teams including the local D.C. Defenders.

Although both the NFL and XFL are professional football leagues, there are key differences between them, including distinctions between even some of the most basic rules. However, these deviations in rules have a purpose, as the NFL uses the XFL to test new and innovative ideas.

One of the most significant differences between the leagues’ rules has to do with the extra point. In the NFL, after teams score a touchdown, they typically elect to attempt an extra point due to its high percentage success rate. In contrast, after XFL teams score a touchdown, they have the option to go for either one, two or three points from the two-yard line, five-yard line and 10-yard line, respectively. “I like the rules in the XFL because teams can take calculated risks and strategize more,” senior Humza Sehbai said.

The XFL also hopes to improve upon the significant criticisms that the NFL faces throughout the system, striving for more transparency for viewers. One such instance, during which NFL fans are usually left in the dark, comes during booth reviews of plays. In the NFL, referees are shown to be looking at the replay, but the rationale behind their decision is not told to the players or the fans, leading to controversial calls with no explanation that viewers sometimes disagree with. The XFL, however, broadcasts inside the review booth and has Dean Blandino, the XFL’s head of officiating, explain why a certain call was made.
The XFL also contains an important difference for DMV football fans, specifically: the league’s best team. While most NFL fans at the school support either the Washington Commanders or the Baltimore Ravens, both teams have been fairly mediocre or worse in recent years. Luckily, when watching the XFL, students can continue to proudly root for their hometown team, as the D.C. Defenders are the league’s only remaining undefeated team, sitting at a perfect 6-0 record. “I’ve enjoyed watching the Defenders play this year, especially because they keep winning,” junior Jai Ahuja said.

For those who don’t feel a connection to the Defenders due to their relative lack of history, the XFL also provides nostalgia and excitement to viewers, featuring well-known former NFL players such as Josh Gordon and Martavis Bryant. “It’s great seeing old players like Ben DiNucci play and have another chance to succeed at the professional level,” senior Calvin Hanway said.