Former Buffalo Bills CEO to Lead New XFL

Stop us if you've heard this one before. The XFL is making a comeback!  Yup, the league that was known for faster, simpler play, as well as a few outside-the-box rules, is getting a reboot for a second time.

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With the 2021/2022 NFL season nearly behind us, we all are going to have a football itch that needs to be scratched soon.  Enter the XFL...Again.

The third go-around of the XFL is scheduled to happen in 2023.  Yes, the same XFL that was launched in 2001 by WWE head honcho Vince McMahon.  The Same XFL that featured a shortened play clock, multiple players with speakers in their helmets, black and red footballs, fewer time-outs, a shortened halftime, no coin toss, and no extra points.

The same XFL that is probably best known for letting players wear nicknames on the uniforms.  I mean, who could forget the classic “HE HATE ME” uniform of the Las Vegas Outlaws’ Rod Smart!

Well, the league is set to return, but this time with a Western New York connection.  Former Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon has signed on to be the league's new President.  Brandon spent 21 years in Orchard Park and took on a variety of roles within the Bills organization, including the Chief Executive Title he held when he exited the team in 2018.

Dwayne Garcia, who helped to bring the XFL out of bankruptcy in 2020 said via ESPN;

"These exceptional and talented executives encompass a deep skill set that aligns with our commitment to delivering an exceptional football universe experience, as well as our shared passion for bringing the XFL back stronger than before. Our team's experience across varying professional sports leagues and brands will enable us to deliver an experience for our fans, athletes and partners that represents today's evolution of 'best-in-class.' A tremendous amount of work has already been done with more exciting news to come as we prepare for 2023."

Bandon has the distinction in these parts as being known as the architect of the 17-year Bills playoff drought. Brandon was also President of the Buffalo Sabres from 2015 to 2018, when he resigned from both positions.

Other notable additions to the XFL’s new executive office include former New York Giants personnel evaluator Marc Ross, and former Bills General Manager Doug Whaley.