Professional football makes somewhat of a grand return to the Florida Citrus Bowl in just over a week’s time as the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League take the field for the first time in the league’s premier season on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Local enthusiasts have patiently awaited the arrival of yet another semi-pro football team, many expecting the team and its league to make its way through this football-starved town much the same way others had before it.

There have been the Orlando Broncos (1962-63), Orlando Panthers (1966-70), Florida Blazers (1974), Orlando Americans (1981), Orlando Renegades (1985), Orlando Thunder (1991-92) and Orlando Rage (2001) calling the Citrus Bowl home.

What many of them had in common were unstable ownership, or league structures, that eventually led to their demise. But even if the United Football League is confident it can do it better, how long will it be before the Tuskers take their swine behinds on over to the Bay Area for good?

Unlike those previous attempts at bringing outdoor football to the area, the fate of the new UFL team in Orlando hinges on an ownership group from within Major League baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. Because of that relationship, one of the three “home” games for the Tuskers will be played at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

Not to worry, Tusker fans. The UFL has struck a deal with the Versus network to broadcast games. Former NFL players Doug Flutie and Kordell Stewart will be in the broadcast booth.

That means while the Tuskers will be downtown Thursday, Oct. 22 for their second and final home game in Orlando, fans may still get to catch their final home regular season game at The Trop on Friday, Oct. 30.

UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue says that the intent is to use the Florida team to bridge football fans from both areas as they move forward and adds potential suitors to the four-team league. Joining the Tuskers are the New York Sentinels, Las Vegas Locomotives and California Redwoods, in San Francisco. Expansion options for 2010 include Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and even cities that already host National Football League teams.

– Who are these Florida Tuskers?

What is unique about the Tuskers, and the United Football League altogether, as compared to the many other upstart football leagues is that a number of players and coaches from each team are likely to be recognized by the average football fan.

Florida Tuskers Head Coach Jim Haslett is preparing to help usher in the United Football League in October. (Photo by J.C. Carnahan)

Florida’s roster includes the likes of Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson and 2004 second-round NFL Draft pick Tatum Bell as well as tight end Jermaine Wiggins and running back Michael Pittman.

“There are a number of players that played in the National Football League that are looking for a second opportunity,” said Tuskers Head Coach Jim Haslett. “They’re guys that were hurt and out of football last year. Guys that ran into some trouble and are some good kids who want another opportunity.”

The rosters will feature some local flavor, too. That’s one reason alone to figure some sort of interest will grow. Among the hopefuls are former Dr. Phillips and UCF wide receiver Doug Gabriel. When the season starts he will likely be suiting up with former Jones High School defensive end Eric Powell and Orlando Predators wide receiver Chas Gessner. Calling the plays on offense will be assistant coach Jay Gruden, an Arena Football League Hall of Famer, and most recently head coach of the Predators.

Haslett is one of four head coaches in the UFL with extensive NFL experience. The others include Jim Fassel, Dennis Green and Ted Cottrell. Each of them are still itching to coach and stay involved in the sport, just like their players. That’s another reason this league may actually work while others faltered.

The fact that these players and coaches still feel they have something left to offer NFL teams means the UFL is the ideal place to audition. Players will be under contract through Nov. 27, where they’ll make on average $6,000 per week. Following that date they will be able to pursue any other interests that may come there way.

With this current pay scale and current stipulations, it’s apparent that these football players will be playing for much more than the zeros at the end of their checks.

“We’re going to put a team together of guys that want to play for the United Football League and then have an opportunity to move on with their careers,” said Haslett.

Call it NFL Rehab, where pro football players get a second chance to make a first impression. Coaches too. Before practices even began – the Tuskers and Sentinels have been holding training camp outside the Citrus Bowl throughout September – several assistant coaches and players had already been called upon by big league teams. What will eventually happen is that these individuals will take with them stories of their time with UFL teams.

“We believe that the more the players are successful in this league and move on to the National Football League that that’ll also helps sell our league down the road,” said Haslett.

Among the players expected to make their debut as part of other teams when the league kicks off are former Osceola High School and Arena Football League standout Bobby Sippio, former Orlando Predators fullback Odie Armstrong, former UCF players Paul Carrington, Steve Edwards and Mike Mabry, and NFL players Quinn Gray, Simeon Rice, Koren Robinson, Az-Zahir Hakim, Tim Rattay and JP Losman, among others.