The Rock's XFL Agrees to Deal with NFL to Innovate Game, Test Rule Changes for Safety

The XFL has entered into a partnership with the NFL that will see the XFL test out potential rule changes and player safety measures.

The relationship between the leagues was discussed by the current XFL President Russ Brandon and the former Buffalo Bills.

What are the opportunities to look at the game from a player development standpoint? You can go on and on about how you can be an incubator in many different areas.

Any opportunity that the NFL has to advance the game of football, I think they have always been open to, and we have had some really good dialogue, led by our ownership group.

The XFL, which is owned by wrestling legend and Hollywood star The Rock, is set to restart in February of 2023.

The XFL-NFL partnership was announced just over a week ago, but before the Super Bowl, The Rock appeared on the field at Sofi Stadium.

During his time as a wrestler, Johnson was known for his fiery and passionate speeches.

While the XFL and NFL will be working together in certain areas moving forward, there is no goal or intention to make the XFL a developmental league for the NFL.

The XFL is not a minor league system like the NFL Europe used to be. In the spring, we will play at the highest level. There is no anticipation of a player sharing. That is not how we are executing our vision.

The XFL had been looking for a strategic partnership since it was purchased by Johnson, Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners in 2020.

At one point, the XFL and the CFL held discussions about working together, but they were tabled and no deal was reached.

The XFL might be in a better position in the spring football leagues because of working with the NFL.

The revived USFL has television deals with both Fox and NBC. The USFL is the XFL's biggest competition if it can make it beyond one season, but having some backing from the NFL could be what the XFL needs to establish itself as the premier spring league.

Vince McMahon was the owner of the XFL. McMahon brought the league back in 2020.

The revived XFL had TV deals with Fox and ABC, but folded before the 2020 season could be completed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The XFL will have another chapter written next year with Johnson and Co. purchasing the league.