XFL 2023 Season Openers Spark Interest

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57. Now it’s time for the XFL, which kicked off its third iteration at Choctaw Stadium (former home of MLB’s Texas Rangers) in Arlington, Texas.

The first of 10 regular-season four-game slates opened with the Arlington Renegades rallying for a 22-20 win over the Vegas Vipers on Saturday and concluded with the DC Defenders’ 22-18 win over the Seattle Sea Dragons on Sunday night. 

The league co-owned by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has a number of rule differences from those in the NFL, and those changes added intrigue to the XFL’s opening weekend.

Not only do football fans have the treat of spring football, but the XFL is treating them to an entirely new TV viewing experience.

The live feeds of both teams’ offensive and defensive coordinators calling plays — and then having announcers break down the terminology — adds a unique dimension for those who monitor the dueling strategies during a game.

Mets Bring Back Fan Favorites For Spring Training

The Mets’ reconnection to their history under owner Steve Cohen will mean an increased alumni presence in spring training.

David Wright, Edgardo Alfonzo, Darryl Strawberry, Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson, John Franco and Al Leiter make up the roster of guest instructors the team will bring to camp, according to manager Buck Showalter.

A notable absentee will be Mike Piazza, who is managing Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

Franco’s appearance at camp will be his first in several years. Johnson returned to the Mets family last season, following a rift with the previous regime that had kept him separated from the franchise following his firing as the team’s hitting coach after the 2010 season.

NY Jets Interested in QB Derek Carr

The New York Jets are going shopping, seeking to purchase or trade for a starting quarterback to add to a roster they see as missing that most critical ingredient. They will bring in free agent Derek Carr for a visit, although it is believed the Jets have their sights set on landing the biggest fish in the sea: Aaron Rodgers. 

Carr, 31, is certainly an option, given his track record during his nine-year stay with the Raiders, the only NFL team he has played for. 

The Raiders released Carr after he declined to waive his no-trade clause. The timing of the release allowed the Raiders to avoid paying Carr more than $40 million on his contract, which would have become guaranteed if he had remained on the roster. 

The Jets have no plans to go into the 2023 season with Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, as their first option at quarterback after his disastrous 2022 showing. Rodgers remains under contract with the Packers, but most likely not for long. If he becomes available, he instantly would be one of the most heralded players to ever hit the trade market and the Jets would be there with an offer.