The Rock marks the 54th player to be signed by the NFL

[He Hate Me]

XFL owners seem to be all about symbolism as The Rock marks the "54th" player to be selected by the NFL

[GregParks]

Hopefully he lasts longer than one day, which is how long Victor Bolden lasted after the XFL sent out a release touting him as the 50th player signed.

[MarkNelson]

Hopefully he lasts longer than one day, which is how long Victor Bolden lasted after the XFL sent out a release touting him as the 50th player signed.

Yikes, one day. Still, it’s all about getting an opportunity that may not have existed without a spring league showcasing the players.

How hard is it to break into an NFL roster when even a talented muscle bound MF like The Rock never even came close?

[BattleHawks]

why do they think this stupid stuff means anything, to anyone?

it sure as hell doesn't help sell any tickets

[johnnyangryfuzzball]

why do they think this stupid stuff means anything, to anyone?

it sure as hell doesn't help sell any tickets

It keeps people talking. And, I suppose, indirect advertising.

[FootballYoda]

why do they think this stupid stuff means anything, to anyone?

it sure as hell doesn't help sell any tickets

You’re probably right, and “league of opportunity” probably doesn’t directly lead to any ticket sales.
So, what does the league get? Media recognition? They sure push it hard, though and it’s all over the season one games, mentioned every time.

The last XFL pushed “For the Love of Football.” It spoke directly to both fans and players.

[4th&long]

why do they think this stupid stuff means anything, to anyone?

it sure as hell doesn't help sell any tickets

You’re probably right, and “league of opportunity” probably doesn’t directly lead to any ticket sales.
So, what does the league get? Media recognition? They sure push it hard, though and it’s all over the season one games, mentioned every time.

The last XFL pushed “For the Love of Football.” It spoke directly to both fans and players.

Yoda, has it right. XFL 2.0 was talking to both fans and players. We're here because we love FB and fans love to watch and engage.

This player 54 stuff has zero appeal to me and most fans I would imagine. It's an appeal to the players. Just like DG being a PR talking point of the (falsely) first woman part owner of a FB league. No one cares.

Beer snake, in stadium fun. TD's, big passes. Sacks etc... that's what its about. Player 54 snooze fest. Not that acknowledging getting players moved up to the at least sign with the NFL isn't showing the talent level. But its not why people watch.

[MGB01]

So is that why you're keeping the running tally of USFL to NFL signings?

[Firecop]

Once again the XFL is missing the mark fan engagement- wise. Everyone in this thread is blasé about 54, we care about the game. While I am happy for the players who get their NFL shot, I watch the games for the excitement of football itself. It is the fans who go to the games, watch on TV, buy the merch, and hang on the latest news regarding their favorite team(s). It is the fans who are ultimately the engine of success or failure for the league, and yet, it seems we are the last group considered and thought about. I was hoping for more engagement this offseason but that does not seem to be the case - at least not yet. The XFL is missing another golden opportunity to engage fans and to get them fired up.

[4th&long]

So is that why you're keeping the running tally of USFL to NFL signings?

That's not marketing. USFL isn't using "Player 54" as a marketing - PR campaign. Its not a good one to get people to watch/care etc... "For the Love of Football" was.

As Firecop says...

Once again the XFL is missing the mark fan engagement- wise. Everyone in this thread is blasé about 54, we care about the game. While I am happy for the players who get their NFL shot, I watch the games for the excitement of football itself. It is the fans who go to the games, watch on TV, buy the merch, and hang on the latest news regarding their favorite team(s). It is the fans who are ultimately the engine of success or failure for the league, and yet, it seems we are the last group considered and thought about. I was hoping for more engagement this offseason but that does not seem to be the case - at least not yet. The XFL is missing another golden opportunity to engage fans and to get them fired up.