The rule provides that if a quarterback is in the grasp of a defender, the referee must blow the whistle to stop play to protect the showcase players from injury. It eliminated fair catches on punts, although potential tacklers must provide a five-yard circle around the receiver until the punt is caught. It banned kicks on the point after touchdown. To score a point, teams must run or pass from the two-yard line. Players are also encouraged to show emotion during games.
Players also receive bonuses for winning games during the season, the playoffs and the championship.
Players willing to beat on each other for these salaries get good exposure on NBC, a co-owner of the league, and other networks. One commentator is moonlighting Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, formerly a star WWF wrestler. Additional coverage originates with on-field cameramen wearing helmets for protection. Despite media focus on the new wrinkles, participants promise outstanding football. These spokesmen argue that many XFL players have professional experience, including NFL veterans who were dropped for lower-paid players so their teams could stay within the league s salary cap.