UFL is outperforming NFL in one key area
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL reviewed several rule changes this offseason. As football continues to evolve, the league has looked to other leagues for ideas in the past.
The XFL — now merged with the USFL to form the UFL — introduced the “dynamic kickoff” that the modern NFL now uses. On Sunday night, in several crucial moments, the UFL demonstrated what else it gets right.
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Late in the fourth quarter, the Houston Gamblers drove down the field against the Birmingham Stallions, needing only a field goal to win.
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During that drive, officials conducted three replay reviews. The booth initiated two, while Gamblers head coach Kevin Sumlin challenged the third.
May 8, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; Houston Gamblers head coach Kevin Sumlin paces the sidelines during the first half at Protective Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
In all three instances, the television audience could hear and see exactly what the officiating crew reviewed. UFL head of officiating Mike Pereira delivered a masterclass, clearly walking viewers through the replay process.
On that same drive, the Gamblers converted a fourth-and-16. The play looked strikingly similar to the controversial interception involving the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
The UFL provided a glimpse into the chaos officials face as they determined whether the play resulted in a catch or an interception. Officials originally ruled it a catch and ultimately upheld the call.
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Regardless of whether fans at home agreed, the league offered valuable insight that added clarity. Imagine if the NFL had provided that same level of transparency during January’s divisional matchup.
Louisville Kings’ Tarik Black couldn’t hold onto the ball for against Birmingham Stallions’ Tre Norwood (21) and Steven Gilmore in a United Football League game at Lynn Family Stadium. March 27, 2026
As sports gambling rises and fans demand more transparency, the NFL needs to adapt. Even a modest increase in this kind of openness could significantly benefit the league.
The NFL doesn’t need to implement it for every review. However, if the league finds a way to incorporate it, perhaps it can quiet claims that games are rigged.
Or the NFL may choose to ignore the idea. It has already adopted one concept from the UFL — why not another that could provide a major benefit?