Today on Twitter, the XFL announced who will be in the primary leadership role. Oliver Luck, who has experience as both an NFL and NCAA executive, was named as both the Commissioner and CEO for the brand.
He is also responsible for a football pedigree, as his son, Andrew, plays quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.
You can see the tweet below:
We are proud to announce that former #NFL and #NCAA executive and quarterback @OliverLuckXFL has been named the #XFL Commissioner & CEO. pic.twitter.com/ROzr027Bld
— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 5, 2018
You can see his introductory video below:
According to a report from ESPN, Luck will leave his leadership role at the NCAA, where he oversaw the organization’s regulatory functions, including eligibility requirements, academic affairs, and the eligibility center.
Luck previously served as the president of NFL Europe as well as chief executive officer of the Houston Sports Authority, which helped bring the Texans to Houston as an NFL expansion team in 2002.
He also played quarterback for the Houston Oilers and at West Virginia University, where he was inducted into the Mountaineers’ Hall of Fame and later spent four years as athletic director. Furthermore, he served on the College Football Playoff selection committee in 2014.
Vince McMahon is excited about the appointment, and had the following to say:
“Oliver and I share the same vision and passion for reimagining the game of football,” XFL founder and chairman Vince McMahon said in a statement. “His experience as both an athlete and executive will ensure the long-term success of the XFL.”
Announced earlier this year, the XFL is another attempt to re-imagine the game of football, with the official launch of the league coming in 2020.
Editor’s Opinion:
I like this hire. Bringing in someone with ties to both the NCAA and the NFL will not only give the brand some credibility, but will also help in recruiting players to get the league off and running.
What do you think of Oliver Luck being named commissioner of the XFL? Leave us a comment below, or post a comment on our Facebook page! Also, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and download our App from your favorite App Store!