Here Are Some Innovations You'll See In The USFL
The USFL's first season is kicking off and fans can expect some innovative enhancements while watching the inaugural season.
Fox News reports that Daryl Johnston, the executive vice president of football operations for the USFL, touted some of the new things in an appearance on "Fox & Friends" earlier this week.
"We’re creating access for the view that’s unprecedented. And for me as a player, to be able to share some of these experiences with the fans – and that’s what they want to do, they want to be able to get close as they possibly can and all this technology is providing that," Johnston said.
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"We’ve talked about video with a double sky cam, with some drones, the number of cameras that we got. But the one thing everybody was excited about last week was the audio. They got a steady cam where they’re walking right into the huddle so the camera angle from that shot is going to be like you as a viewer at home standing in the huddle with the quarterback."
1. Helmet Cam
The league will have cameras on the helmets of players and fans will get an inside look at what the players see during the game.
2. Locker Room Access
Fox News reports fans will get to see the interactions between the players and coaches inside the locker room.
3. More Players Mic'd Up Than Ever Before
Not only will 16 players be mic’d up each game, but every USFL game will have two skycams broadcasting.
Two players from each team will also be wearing helmet cams throughout the game, which is similar to the “Ump Cams” FOX used in the early 2000s for games.
4. Two Forward Passes, Overtime, Onside Kicks
The USFL is bringing new rule changes to the playing field this spring, like two forwarded passes behind the line of scrimmage, shootout-style overtime, a new option to get the ball back after scoring and a few other things.
5. Ball Tracking Technology
The USFL will have chips implanted in footballs that can determine if the ball has reached the first-down marker.
The season will begin April 16 and run through July 3, and all eight USFL teams will play this weekend.
Week 1:
New Jersey Generals at Birmingham Stallions, April 16, 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX, NBC, Peacock
Houston Gamblers at Michigan Panthers, April 17, noon ET, NBC, Peacock
Philadelphia Stars vs. New Orleans Breakers, April 17, 4 p.m. ET, USA
Tampa Bay Bandits at Pittsburgh Maulers, April 17, 8 p.m. ET, FS1
The USFL will put toe to leather on its 2022 season when the New Jersey Generals and Birmingham Stallions face off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Birmingham, Alabama.
Be sure to tune in as the OutKick crew gets you primed and ready for the kickoff to the USFL season! OutKick the Tailgate can be streamed live on OutKick.com, Twitter and YouTube.