In a recent interview on FOX 4's "Free For All," United Football League (UFL) Head of Football Operations Daryl Johnston shared insights on the league's inaugural season. The discussion covered the UFL's viewership and attendance figures, player signings to NFL teams, and Johnston's thoughts on the Dallas Cowboys' current backfield situation.
Attendance Challenges
When asked about the UFL's first-season performance, Johnston acknowledged some disappointment with attendance numbers:
"I think we were all probably a little bit disappointed, especially in the attendance. The TV numbers are fantastic, and I think that that's one of the things. I think we were insulated with TV because of the merger coming together late. I think we were an entity for 72 days when we kicked off on our first game. The fact that we were late, the fact that we had competition in the market for people to attend the games was challenging."
Johnston goes on to say that the UFL owns the responsibility in the attendance problems in the first season. Talks about navigating the spring sports market and Caitlin Clark's impact.
Getting people to go to the games this year was a bit of a challenge, and I think we need to own a little bit of that because we were late with the merger, we were late with the schedule. There were things that go on. We're in a very competitive environment. When you talk about spring sports, soccer continues to grow in this country. Caitlin Clark is the phenome that swept the spring athletic scene. There's a lot of different things out there challenging and competing for eyes.
He also goes on to talk about 2025 and the importance the new Friday Night slot on FOX.
We think that this year we'll be a better judge because we're going to be ahead of the curve. We've got a longer runway. Let's stay off of competitive events inside our marketplaces. Let's get favorable time slots. We are adding a Friday night component to our schedule, and we think that that will lighten the load on the weekend.
UFL to NFL Transitions
Johnston highlighted the success of UFL players signing with NFL teams:
Gareon Conley is a former first-round pick who's fallen off the radar a little bit. It gives him an opportunity to go out and showcase his skills and get back on everybody's radar, change the narrative that's out there about him. Willie Harvey is one of those guys that when you see him, you think he's small and undersized, and he is not. He's 230 pounds."
UFL Player Showcases
Johnston announced upcoming player showcases for the UFL:
We're going to be bouncing around across the country. The closest one here is going to be July 28th down in Houston, but we'll be up in the St. Louis area. We'll be in DC, we'll be in Atlanta. We're going to be bouncing around the central part of the country moving east.
Johnston's interview provided a candid look at the UFL's first season, highlighting both successes and areas for improvement. It is refreshing to hear leadership be honest and not spin places for improvement.
He discussed the league's impact on player development and its role as a pathway to the NFL. Johnston also shared valuable insights on the Dallas Cowboys' current roster situation. The UFL's commitment to growth is evident in their planned player showcases across the country.
Fans can listen to the full interview on FOX 4's "Free For All" program for more details on the UFL's inaugural season and Johnston's perspectives on professional football.