Memphis Showboats/It's Showtime

Former Memphis Showboats Interim HC Jim Turner Hired At Rutgers Read more via @JamesLarsenPFN... pfnewsroom.com/news/former-sh…

If you don't believe the #UFL has a marketing/branding problem, I present to you this clip from the @PatMcAfeeShow today, where the league was briefly discussed. In less than two minutes, one of sports most popular shows had the following things to say: - Multiple references calling the league the "XFL/UXFL" - "Is it still going on?...Is it still happening?" - "They're bleeding like a sucker. They have to figure something out." - "It's been publicly stated they lost $40+ million dollars." - "Their quarterbacks did a holdout." (referencing the legal issues w/ union in training camp) - Blasts the league for not keeping the XFL name - Joking about Samson Nacua slapping a Battlehawks fan, and Deestroying "breaking his back" - "That was terrible to watch...it's a tough brand to watch." Pat McAfee, who was once a sideline reporter for ESPN during the XFL's 2020 season, gives a simple "I don't" when asked if he still watches the league. Mind you, Pat works for ESPN right now. ESPN is a major broadcasting partner - and stakeholder - in the UFL. Yet, Pat proceeds to comment on how tough of a brand of football it is to watch, while live on ESPN (Let's be honest...the football product is NOT THE PROBLEM this league has). Sure, there's a couple short positive comments about Jake Bates and KaVontae Turpin - but those are clearly an afterthought. They talk about/treat this league like its a joke. They have ZERO idea if the UFL is still playing, and all they can continue to harp on is the poor branding, the legal chaos, the financial losses, etc. - it's ALL negative. Why? Because the casual fan only catches tidbits of negative press about the UFL every so often. That's all they remember, because that's all that mainstream media picks up. That's why this short bit on McAfee's show is so negative. The UFL does not efficiently push their positive storylines (via press, social media), and it's killing their brand. There is SO MUCH GOOD that the UFL does every single year for the professional football space. It constantly gets overlooked by mainstream media (including ESPN & FOX, their partners!). This narrative has to change - but it starts with the UFL themselves setting the tone. For the most part, this negative press is the result of self-inflicted wounds.

.@fred_warner is in the building 🗣️ @49ers | #TNFonPrime

News: The Memphis Showboats have re-signed TE Thomas Burke, per source. @th0masburke was a late season addition to the @ShowboatsUFL, following a RMC opportunity with the #Seahawks. Had an outstanding 1,763 yards & 15 TD's at The College of New Jersey.