The XFL means jobs and second chances, but also a warning

The new XFL is going to offer jobs and second chances for NFL players. However, it's not likely to be as profitable as the NFL. The NFL's health and safety protocols are often the butt of jokes. The league issued a statement Wednesday asking everybody to lighten up about it. NFL is stodgy but still profitable. NBA and MLB players have better conditions. They practice and play on high-quality fields. Their lives aren't all pay cuts and torn ACLs. It's possible that some NFLers might not find it worth their while. Vince McMahon is a fan of WWE.

The new XFL is going to be fun for players, but it's also a warning for them. It's important for the players to keep an eye on the league. McMahon strongly indicated his league would require players stand for national anthem and take a hard line against players who got in trouble off the field. It might be exciting and fun and new, and it might offer an opportunity commensurate with the NFL. But it won't offer the same opportunities. The league might not be as competitive as the current one. There's going be no shortage of players for whom this is worth a shot. Some of them might have to take jobs they don't love.