Developing Story
IN DECEMBER, REPORTS surfaced that a developmental league made up of unsigned NFL veterans would take place this spring, and last week brought news of a new league to develop players who did not suit up after high school. The Pacific Pro League was founded by Don Yee, Tom Brady's agent; retired receiver Ed McCaffrey; and former Fox Sports executive Jeff Husvar, and the board includes coach Mike Shanahan, former VP of NFL officiating Mike Pereira and ESPN's Adam Schefter. The idea—creating a path to the NFL that does not require college—is not a new one. At least two other developmental leagues exist. Here's how they stack up.
[This article contains a table. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]
PACIFIC PRO LEAGUE | RIVALS | GRIDIRON | |
FIRST GAME | 2018 | 2012 | 2010 |
WHERE | Southern California | Detroit (four teams), Miami (four) | East Coast to Midwest |
SEASON | Summer | Detroit, spring; Miami, fall | Spring and summer |
PLAYERS | High school grads, younger than 22 years old | 18 and older | Post--high school |
TEAMS | Four | Eight | 32 (although it varies) |
GAMES | Eight | 8--10 | Eight |
ROSTER | 50 players per team | 45--60 players per team | 60--80 players per team |
SALARY | $50,000 per year plus community college tuition | $500 to $1,500 per game; performance-based for rookies | Varies (not everyone gets paid) |
FOUNDERS | Yee, McCaffrey, et al. | Quentin Hines | Charles Thompson |
CFL ALUMNI | N/A | Keith Franklin, Roughriders, RB | Tyron Carrier, Alouettes, WR |
NFL ALUMNI | N/A | None | Delvin Breaux, Saints, CB |