(31 August 2000) – The seed was planted on July 3, 2000.
It was then that the announcement was made for Orlando to become one of the eight franchises of the inaugural season of the XFL, a creation of World Wrestling Federation CEO/Chairman Vince McMahon.
On August 24th, the league announced that the Orlando team would be called the Orlando Rage, as well as unleashed the teams helmet and uniform colors. The helmet is a white base, with a maroon and gold stripe through the middle. On each side of the helmet resides the face of a “rage-ing” man. The uniforms will be a combination of the maroon, gold, and black colors seen on the helmet.
The team’s name of “The Rage” is amazingly fitting: Spend rush hour on I-4, or take a stroll through many of the tourist destinations and you’ll know why.
The Orlando Rage will be run by Tom Veit, who will take on dual roles as General Manager/Vice President. Veit is best known for his unique marketing moves as GM of the Tampa Bay Mutiny, a professional soccer team across the state. The Rage will be led by Galen Hall, Head Coach and Director of Football Operations. Hall, originally a coach at University of Florida, was coach of the two-time NFL Europe Rhein Fire the past two seasons.
As the XFL will integrate territorial rights to college players, the Rage seems to be in the prime breeding ground. They have first call for players from University of Miami, UF, University of Central Florida, and perhaps even Florida State. Not too mention the Arena Football League Champion Orlando Predators are here as well…
