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Dan Campbell thinks it would be great for the UFL to become an official NFL farm system

Saturday, 26 July 2025 at 10:16 am

Dan Campbell thinks it would be great for the UFL to become an official NFL farm system
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, known for his candid and often insightful commentary, recently voiced a compelling vision for the future of professional football: the integration of the United Football League (UFL) as an official farm system for the NFL. While the UFL, a spring league formed from the merger of the XFL and USFL, struggles to capture widespread viewership during its nascent seasons, Campbell firmly believes it harbors a significant reservoir of untapped talent, offering a unique opportunity for player development and evaluation that the NFL currently lacks.
Campbell's assertion stems from a practical understanding of the professional football landscape. He sees the UFL not merely as an alternative entertainment product but as a crucial proving ground for athletes who possess NFL-caliber skills but might be on the cusp, needing more game reps, specific development, or simply a consistent platform to showcase their abilities. For players who are just outside of NFL active rosters or practice squads, the UFL provides invaluable competitive experience, keeping them sharp and ready. This active development contrasts sharply with the often-limited opportunities for fringe players within the NFL's current structure, where practice squad roles primarily focus on simulating opponents rather than extensive individual growth in live game scenarios.

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The potential benefits of such a formalized system extend far beyond individual player
Source: profootballtalk