Here at the FCFL, we are trying to create the most immersive fan experience ever delivered by a professional sports league, tailoring every element of action (from team design to player selection to in-game strategy) to match how fans in 2018 want to consume their football. We want to merge the best elements of video-gaming, like control over outcomes and tangible reward systems, with the best elements of pro football, like high-skilled competition and captivating personalities and storylines.
We also understand that this concept is bold, wild, and weird. It is sometimes confusing to those learning about it for the first time, and even for those who understand it conceptually, it seems almost too futuristic (like Black Mirror doing a football episode). But what we have found from listening to the thousands of active play-callers from the 2017 season of the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles is that once you give it a try, once you are at the helm calling plays in real-time, you immediately get it. A little taste of the good stuff, and there’s no going back.
Given the integral role fans will play in the FCFL, it is crucial to understand what is so appealing to the user. What is it like to be a fan-controlled football fan?
So, I think it best to introduce you, the loyal FCFL supporter, to some of the most impassioned fans who supported the FCFL’s proof of concept, the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, that played in the Indoor Football League during the 2017 season.
Today we hear from a Screaming Eagle original and power fan – Jesse Schwartzman.
How did you first learn about the Screaming Eagles?
I first found out about the Screaming Eagles from a sponsored Facebook post (yes, those actually work).
What is your most fond memory as a digital coach/manager/play-caller?
My fondest memory is calling a play that turned into a touchdown from my seat at the first Screaming Eagles home game ever! I jumped on the field after that first touchdown and high fived some of the players and Co-Founder Ray Austin!
When did you realize you were hooked? What made you realize this?
I realized I was hooked after that first home game. I thrived on the passion in the stands and on the message board. I called plays every game during the season!
What changes would you like to see with the FCFL from the Indoor Football League experience?
No more kickers! We lost some games due to multiple kickers. 1 minute max on instant replays. The pace of the game is important and should not be disrupted!
Special teams: keep them or ditch them?
DITCH THEM
When the FCFL kicks off, are you going to stick with the Screaming Eagles, or choose to support a new team?
The Screaming Eagles have one of the coolest logos in sports and I feel attached to them but I love to build and develop teams from scratch. I look forward to joining one of the new teams front office!
Which player would you most want to see join the FCFL?
We need to bring back at least one of the superstars of last year’s Screaming Eagles! I would love to see Verlon Reed in the FCFL!
What is your favorite sports video game?
MADDEN
Thanks for the input, Jesse!
If you have any interesting questions you’d like to have answered by fans in subsequent interviews, or if you are a Screaming Eagles fan who would like to lend your voice to our blog, please let us know!