Scott Daly Chasing NFL Dream & Putting Notre Dame Degree to Use
The XFL got a few eye rolls when it announced its return to professional football, but after five games, it was hard to say they didn’t get it right the second time around.
It was a better product with organization and it allowed the players to have fun while making the game more exciting for the fans.
One of the most significant changes was the new rules for kickoffs. The teams line up five yards facing each other with the defense at the opponents 35 and the offense at their own 30.
The kicker still kicks from the 30-yard line and must kick the ball in the air and in play between the opponent’s 20-yard line and the end zone.
No player, but the kicker can move until the ball is caught by the returner and if the ball is kicked into the endzone, the offense gets to start at the 35-yard yard line.
“I think the fans definitely took to it,” New York Guardians long snapper Scott Daly said. “Through a couple rumors, I know a couple of colleges were going to use the XFL kickoff rules during their spring games. I think a lot of teams have taken to it and I’d be surprised if the NFL didn’t take some of those rules in the future. It reduced the head-on collisions and made the kickoff more exciting, but also engaging for the fans.”
The new rules didn’t impact Daly’s job too much, but he did notice an uptick in his tackles on punt due to a minor rule change.
“The only thing I can really say that changed for me is the punt rules,” explained Daly. “Our gunners on punt can’t release until the ball is punted, so it gives guys like myself and our guards more opportunities to make tackles. I saw an increase in my tackles as I made four tackles in five games. That’s probably the only difference I could tell. It made punt return more exciting and reduced fair catches.”
Another change was off the field as teams celebrated and celebrated hard at times in the locker room following a victory. The XFL encouraged players to let loose a little bit with beer celebrations and it took players a few games to embrace it.
“It was definitely interesting,” laughed Daly. “I’d never been involved in anything like that. At first, it was it kind of took me back me back just not being used to it. It made the wins a little more exciting for the guys I know. They had something to look forward to and it made the postgame celebration a lot more fun.
“It made the experience that much more enjoyable. I was glad we were able to soak up a few wins.”
The XFL was commended for a few media stunts throughout the season and Daly was part of one of the biggest. PFT Commenter is a host on Barstool’s Pardon My Take podcast and he received a tryout as a kicker for the D.C. Defenders.
It was a move you wouldn’t see in the NFL and it brought good publicity to the league as the players fully embraced it.
“I didn’t take offense to it,” explained Daly. “I’ve listened to Pardon My Take for a while now, so I had a feeling it was going to happen. He actually did it during our joint practice with D.C., so it was a lot of fun to chat him up a bit. He was really hyped up about it and excited. I didn’t know much about his kicking background, but seeing bang a few out there at the end of practice, the guys took to it well and enjoyed it.
“I think more than anything; it helped get the buzz out for the league. He has a massive following with the No. 1 sports podcast, so if anything, it helped create a media buzz. I think the league did a really good job of taking those controversial or funny things, but use it in the best way possible and a benefit for the league’s growth.
“He was over on our sideline and chatting us up. He was asking about the wind and everything. They filmed everything, so it was hilarious. The players knew who he was and all took to it.”
Away from football, Daly has seen his life change in a few ways as he is planning a wedding and working in the financial industry when he’s not in season.
“I’m engaged and we’re actually getting married at Notre Dame, so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Daly. “I’m excited for it and it will be a special day.
“Before the season started, I got a license to be a financial advisor. I had something to fall back on with the season-ending sooner than expected, but I’m keeping the NFL dream alive.”
Free agency did start for the NFL this week and Daly will patiently be waiting for a shot, but he’s grateful to work for a company that has allowed him to chase his football dreams.
“I’ve been smart and proactive to work on the business side of things, so when football ends, I’ll be able to step right into it with no delay,” Daly said. “I’m tied to Wells Fargo and they’re pretty flexible in what I’ve been able to do. I took a hiatus for a couple months and then jumped back into it. I was able to work a little bit during my time in the XFL, but obviously, my schedule was pretty busy in season.
“I can go more full-time now, but I’m staying in shape and training while waiting for the next opportunity. I’m excited about the future and taking my opportunities whenever they come. Whatever the future holds, I’m ready to take advantage of it.”