By John Ceravino

Most people who have ever played a pickup game of any sort have played shirts vs. skins, but how about skins vs. skins?

That is exactly what Lingerie Football League founder Mitchell Mortaza is trying to capitalize on. Spun off from the wildly popular alternate Super Bowl halftime show that originated in 2004, the LFL undressed its inaugural season this year.

Consisting of ten teams playing in major NFL cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to name a few. The league prides itself on being a “true fantasy league.”

The players’ uniforms consist of bra and panties, elbow and knee pads, shoulder pads and a roller hockey style helmet. Also, player selection is strict and focuses more on looks first than talent.

“We’ve in essence taken models or beautiful women and transformed them to football players, and I think their level of play is going to take everyone by surprise,” Mortaza said to a reporter from the San Diego News Network.

Numerous leagues have sprouted up throughout the years trying to go up against the overwhelming popularity of the National Football League. None of them have succeeded in their goal as the NFL remains a fan favorite nation wide. The LFL is not shy about attacking the NFL, setting up shop in the major NFL demographics and hoping to expand to all 32 cities in the coming years.

The talent level for the league remains in question. The Women’s Professional Football League remains the standard. Actually focusing on talent and not focusing on looks, women in this league can actually be more than 150 pounds (the heaviest LFL player being 148) and age is no matter (most LFLer’s are 25 and under).

When asked about other professional women’s leagues Mortaza exclaimed, “No offense to them, but they couldn’t be further from what we’re doing here. Women’s athletics haven’t been that popular primarily because they’re not the most attractive people in the world, usually, and in this day and age your brand has to be marketable.”

Jackie Roebuck, third baseman for the Mercy College softball team says she would never consider playing a sport in her underwear.

“I take softball seriously,” said Roebuck, “in lingerie I wouldn’t be able to focus on the game not to mention feeling self-conscience.”

The players are realizing that not all of the fans are coming to see a football game.

Michelle Stevens of the Miami Cliente talked to a blogger from In Game Now, saying “I would be lying if I said I didn’t think that the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction draws in the crowd, in fact, that’s probably the most asked interview question I’ve been subjected to.”

They didn’t have to wait long for that. During the first official game, Miami quarterback Anonka Dixon had her bra purposely removed by the opposing Chicago Bliss defense. It was clear they were targeting her but the crowd loved it as the screamed for a replay.

Some are pointing a finger at the NFL. Stating that the Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show was a direct attack against the Lingerie Bowl.

“The NFL burned because it consciously decided to compete with pay-per-view’s Lingerie Bowl by aligning with the roguish MTV,” said Mike Imrem, columnist for the Daily Herald.

The site itself is packed with photos of half naked players, some even posing as if it were a Play Boy spread. It is hard to see this league as a serious threat to the NFL or any other league, but they have capitalized on televisions greatest motto – sex sells.

Just ask Danika Patrick or Anna Kournikova. Sometimes looking good is better than having skill.