The XFL is a start-up football league that made their debut in 2001 which lasted one season but is back now and has the sports world tuning in to it. The first run Vince McMahon had it similar to WWE and was more for its gimmick than actual football. This time around its legit football and all about there slogan for the love of football. The XFL is unique with their different rules like their own kickoff rule, double pass, for extra points teams have a choice to go for 1-2-3 and their kind of ball. These 8 teams each have former college stars or NFL players that didn’t make it but still wanting to continue to play football. Going through each team I will highlight guys to watch or that you may have heard of that will be important for this league to grow. I will also make a list of 10 guys these XFL teams should sign that will give more recognition to the league as while as help raise the level of competition in the league.

Dallas Renegades

• Coach: Bob Stoops- Biggest coaching name in the league Stoops won 1 national Championship and 10 big 12 titles during his time at Oklahoma who came out of retirement to coach in the XFL.
• Landry Jones (QB)- Jones played for Stoops at OU and had a superior career throwing for over 16,000 yards and 123 touchdowns which got him drafted in the 4th round by the Steelers (2013) becoming Ben Roethlisberger back up for many years. Jones was the 1st player to sign to the XFL and after Ben Roethlisberger season ending injury the Steelers try to sign Jones but were blocked by the XFL.
• Jazz Furguson (WR)- Jazz ran a 4.45 40 at the combine but was undrafted and signed with the Seahawks practice squad (2019). Jazz played for Northwestern State and should be able to showcase his speed in Stoops offense and Jones at QB.
• Brogan Roback (QB)- Brogan the HBO Hard Knock star (2019) when he was with the Browns recently signed with the Renegades. He played at Eastern Michigan where he had 8,653 yards, 57 touchdowns and saw some time as the punter.
• Cameron Artis-Payne (RB)- The Former 1st-team SEC back from Auburn where in his senior year he ran for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cameron was selected in the 5th round by the Panthers (2015)where he spent 4 season seeing limited snaps. Artis-Payne career looked over until the XFL came together.
• Jeff Badet (WR)- Badet has been flying under the radar since he played at Kentucky and transferred to Oklahoma in Baker Mayfield offense. Badet went undrafted and was signed by the Vikings where he saw limit time and was cut in 2019. Badet was the 4th skilled player taken and will be a star in the XFL.
• Lance Dunbar (RB)- The North Texas Hall of Fame holding many records including career yards (4,224), career rushing touchdowns (41), and 3 consecutive season of 1,000 yards. The Cowboys signed Dunbar (2012) and he saw limit snaps but played special teams staying on the team for 5 years. Dunbar still has the juice and should help the Renegades run the ball.

DC Defenders

• Coach: Pep Hamilton- Pep has been coaching all over the coaching QB, OC of the Colts/Stanford, passing Coordinator for Michigan and know is gotten a opportunity to be a head coach of a team.
• Cardale Jones (QB)- The biggest player in the league MR. “Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play FOOTBALL, we ain’t come to play SCHOOL, classes are POINTLESS”, 12-Gauge, Neva lost in college, National Champion. Cardale was part of history at Ohio State where his first start came in the Big Ten Championship after JT Barrett was injured in the game prior. After beating Wisconsin went on to beat Alabama then Oregon to become Champions (2015) and then beat out Barrett and Braxton Miller for the starting job but only for 7 games before being bench. He then declared for the draft and only with 11 starts was drafted in the 4th round by the Chargers and has bounce around practice squads. Jones is the star of the XFL and have shown in so far.
• Tyree Jackson (QB)- The 6’7 QB product from Buffalo showcased his arm and running ability in college, despite his potential he went undrafted (2019). He was signed by the Bills for training camp but was cut and hopes to do another in the XFL to get another chance in the NFL.
• Scooby Wright (LB)- Scooby was the PAC-12 defensive player of the year as a sophomore in 2014 and won many awards. He was injured his junior year but still entered the draft being selected in the 7th round by the Browns. From the Browns to the Cardinals to AAF Hotshots to the Pats never making the teams final roster. Scooby hopes to have a bright future in the XFL and return to his college form.
• Matt Elam (S)- The former Florida Gator, 1st team All-American and 1st round pick by the Ravens thought he had a bright future in the NFL but after a promising rookie season in 2013 Elam struggled. After missing the entire 2015 season with a torn bicep and legal trouble in 2017 he was let go by the Ravens. After a short stint with the Saskatchewan Roughriders Elam landed in the XFL and also hope to return to his Florida Gators days.
• Donnel Pumphrey (RB)- The D1 all-time rushing leader Pumphrey was a star for San Diego State and was drafted in the 4th round by the Eagles. After a torn hamstring he missed his entire rookie season which the Eagles won the super bowl (2017) so he earned a ring but was waived the next season. Pumphrey didn’t make the Lions team or the Eagles the 2nd team and hope to show he can still be a great back with the Defenders.
• Rahim Moore (DB)- You may know Moore as the 2nd round pick by the Broncos from UCLA in 2011 or the guy that gave up the Hail Mary against Joe Flacco and the Ravens on their Super Bowl run. After the Broncos run Moore bounce around the league for a while and even played in the AAF before landing in the XFL.

Houston Roughnecks

• Coach: June Jones- Jones has been coaching at every level after playing in the NFL and CFL the QB went on the coach at Hawaii (QBs) then coach in the USFL. After that he became the head coach of the Falcons, Hawaii, SMU, and then went down to HS as a AD and OC in St. Louis. Before coming to the XFL Jones was an assistant coach in the CFL, Jones is know for his pass happy offense and rarely having full-contact practices.
• PJ Walker (QB)- The current MVP of the league has been the the QB out of Temple University (2016) After breaking many schools record Walker went undrafted and has been on and off the Colts practice squad. Walker should catch the eye of some NFL teams looking for a backup QB.
• Connor Cook (QB)- The former Michigan State Star that won 2 Big Ten Championship has never gotten his chance to shine. After being drafted by the Raiders in the 4th round Cook only start came in the playoffs in 2016 his rookie season. After being on and off some practice squads Cook sign in the XFL and lost the QB battle to Walker.
• Sammy Coates (WR)- The Auburn Wide out who won a SEC championship and lost in the National Championship (2014) was drafted in the 3rd round by the Steelers. He never could be the guy in Pittsburgh despite Martavis Bryant suspensions and personally injuries. Coates found himself traded to the Browns and then signed by the Texans where he had 1 catch in 12 games. Coates is hopefully to get another shot in the NFL after the XFL season.
• Cam Phillips (WR)- The Virginia Tech wideout has been the league best wideout this season with back to back weeks with 3 touchdowns. Phillips was signed by the Bills (2018) after being undrafted and was on and off the practice squad. If his play keeps up he will be back in the NFL soon.
• Andre Williams (RB)- The Boston College product who finish his senior year with 2,117 yards 5th best in a single season and became a Heisman finalist. Williams was drafted in the 4th round by the Giants (2014) and after a decent rookie season his production went down and he was cut after two season. He then spent a year on the Chargers practice squad where he played in the week 17 game before getting cut. Andre hopes to get back to his 2,000 yard form in the XFL.
• Kony Ealy (DE)- The Missouri pass rusher who had 9.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL, and 3 force fumble Ealy looked to be a 1st round draft pick. Ealy fell into the 2nd round to the Panthers where he became a immediately force finishing the season with a sack in each of the last 3 games. During Carolina Superbowl lost to Denver (2015) Ealy had 3 sacks, an interception, a force fumble in only 23 snaps. After that Ealy production started going down and bounce around the league hoping to become a force in the XFL.

LA Wildcats

• Coach: Winston Moss- The Miami linebacker that played 10 years in the NFL and went into coaching in the NFL for 20 years is finally a head coach in the XFL.
• Josh Johnson (QB)- The NFL journey man that has been sign by 12 NFL teams, UFL team, AAF team gets to add another team to the list with the Wildcats. The QB from University of San Diego was drafted in the 5th round by the Bucs (2008). Johnson played in a game in 2018 for the Redskins when Sanchez got injured and probably his last time in the NFL. Johnson can still throw the ball well and a great QB for the Wildcats.
• Nick Novak (K)- Novak has been kicking field goals for many teams in the NFL since 2005 with a career 82% rate and 94th on the All-time scoring list. Novak is a big name kicker for the XFL league where they don’t kick extra points.
• Shawn Oakman (DE)- The internet sensation after a picture of him went viral after the Cotton Bowl. After many believe he was going to be the number 1 pick after his junior year of 25.5 TFL and 11.0 sacks he returned for his senior year and only had 4.5 sacks. Oakman was deemed undraftable after his was arrested for sexual assault (3 years later in 2019 found not guilty). Oakman has bounce around differently leagues and hope to get a shot at the NFL not his legal troubles are over.
• Dujaun Harris (RB)- Dujaun from Troy has never found his spot in the NFL going from one practice squad to the next, he had 2 touchdowns for the Packers 2012 playoff run but injured his knee and miss all of the 2013 season. Harris looks at the XFL to get some productive carries.
• Bucky Hodges (TE)- Currently on their IR, The Virginia Tech TE that was drafted in the 6th round by the Vikings (2017) and been on few different practice squads looking for his chance to be the threat he was in college.

New York Guardians

• Coach: Kevin Gilbride- The long time Giants OC where he won 2 Super Bowls started his coaching career at Idaho State University in 1974 and “retired” in 2014. He had a short run as head coach of the Charger in 1997 and 1998 before getting fired going 6-16.
• Matt McGloin (QB)- McGloin left Penn State as the school record holder for touchdown and 2nd for yards in 2012 with a career efficiency ranking of 130.2. Going undrafted McGloin was signed by the Raiders where he started 6 games throwing 8 touchdowns and 8 picks. With Pryor and Flynn as the other 2 QB the Raiders drafted Carr and McGloin became his backup for 3 years. After a couple other stops McGloin found his way to the XFL.
• Joe Horn Jr (WR)- Son of 4-time pro bowler Joe Horn, Jr played at Missouri Western State and was cut by the Ravens on the final cut down last season (2019). Joe Horn Jr. hopes to live up to his father name in the XFL this season.
• Nick Deluca (LB)- Deluca won 4 FCS Championships with the North Dakota State Bison and was first-team All-American as a senior. Deluca was signed by the Titans after going undrafted but was cut in training camp and spent his rookie season on the Jags practice squad (2018). The XFL is the perfect league for Deluca to have a successful career.
• Luis Perez (QB)- The man that didn’t play football in high school walked on to Southwestern college and eventually became the starter he then transferred to D2 Texas A&M Commerce. There he won the Harlon Hill (Best D2 player) and led the Commerce to an National Championship in 2017 throwing for 5,000 yards with 46 touchdowns. Going undrafted was signed by the Rams and made their practice squad before getting cut, he then played in the AAF before it folded. Few other NFL stops before getting signed to the XFL where he was traded from the Wildcats to the Guardians and now has taken over as QB1.

Seattle Dragons

• Coach: Jim Zorn- Zorn was the starting QB for the Seahawks for 8 years. After he retired he got into coaching mostly as a QB coach in the NFL the longest with Seattle for 7 years and was the head coach for the Redskins for 1 year. Zorn last coach for the Chiefs in 2012 as QB coach.
• Brandon Silvers (QB)– Silvers played college ball at Troy where he had 10,677 passing yards with a 65% completion percentage. Silvers went undrafted and unsigned by the NFL where he then signed to the AAF Memphis Express (2019). After some injuries he split some time with Johnny Manziel where Silvers threw 4 touchdowns and 2 picks in 2 games. Silvers hopes to shine in the XFL.
• Kenneth Farrow (RB)– Farrow went to Houston University where he had 2,980 rushing yards, 5.6 per carry and 34 rushing touchdowns. After going undrafted Farrow signed with the Chargers (2016) where he started week 15 and 16 with injuries. A shoulder injury put him on the IR eventually getting him cut and signed to the AAF. During week 4 against the 2nd ranked defense Farrow had 142 yards, 4.7 per carry earning him player of the week. Farrow then was signed by the Dolphins before being cut in camp and now with the Dragons hoping to get another chance in the NFL.
• Kennan Reynolds (WR)– Kennan Reynolds holds the FBS record for rushing yards with 4,559 yards and had 88 rushing yards as the Navy QB his #19 is retired by Navy. Reynolds currently serves in the United States Naval Reserve with the rank of lieutenant junior grade. Reynolds was drafted in the 6th round by the Ravens (2016) and remained on their practice squad. Then went to the Redskins practice squad and then the Seahawks practice squad where he lost the battle to John Ursua. Kennan now is the “swiss army knife” of the dragons and the receiver, returner and emergency returner.
• Will Sutton (DL)– At Arizona State his junior year in 2012 Sutton had 13 sacks and 23 1/2 TFLs. Sutton became a 3rd round pick for the Bears seeing some time as a rookie. After a few ankle injuries he was cut in 2016 where he signed with the Vikings then the 49ers. Sutton then signed to the AAF Hotshots where he had 15 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 pass knockdowns in 8 games. Now Sutton hopes to be the wall of the Dragons defense.
• BJ Daniels (QB)– The South Florida star 10,501 total yards and 77 total touchdowns and finished his career second on the all time Big East yardage leaders (despite his senior year getting cut short with injuries). The Dual threat QB was drafted in the 7th round by the 49ers (2013) then went to Seahawks practice squad for a few seasons and even switched to WR. He then went to the Texans where he completed 1 pass for 7 yards. After a couple other stops he signed to the CFL and then the AAF where he was on the IR. Last week Daniels came in the second half and led the Dragons to a win and hopefully to show off his skills in the XFL.

St. Louis Battlehawks

• Coach: Jonathan Hayes- The former NFL tight end who had 153 catches and 13 touchdowns got into coaching with Bob Stoops Sooners from 1999-2002 coaching tight ends and special teams. He then was with the Bengals from 2003-2018 as the tight end coach and now is the leader of the battlehawks. His son Jaxson was drafted by the Pelicans with the 8th pick.
• Jordan Ta’amu (QB)- Ta’amu started at New Mexico Institute then transferred to University of Mississippi. Taking over for Shea Patterson who was injured then transferred to Michigan, Ta’amu senior year in 2018 he had 3,918 passing yards (2nd in SEC behind Tua, 2017), 19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 342 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Ta’amu was with the Texans during camp but was cut and was the first player with the BattleHawks.
• Will Hill (S)-The SEC All-Freshman team (2009) Hill played plenty of plays for the Gators National Championship team (2009). After a solid college career Hill went undrafted and signed with the Arizona Rattlers (AFL) team. Then made the Giants active roster but was cut after the season and ended up on the Ravens. On Monday Night football he picked up a blocked kick and returned it for a touchdown to defeat the Browns as time expired. Hill got suspended for a failed drug test and their went his NFL career. Will Hill then went to the CFL then the AAF and now with the XFL.
• Marquette King (P)- The swaggest punter of All-time King often had on-field celebrations and post punts dances. King played at Fort Valley State where he started out as a wide receiver but after not getting playing time became the team punter. King went undrafted and was signed by the Raiders where he would eventually replaced Shane Lechler. After missing his rookie season being on the IR King beat out Chris Kluwe and went on to led the league in gross yards per punt. The next season he led the league in yardage (2014) and was the Raiders punter for the next 3 years. Then he was cut by the Raiders and signed with the Broncos but after 4 games he got hurt getting him cut and landing in the XFL.
• Nick Fitzgerald (QB)– The former Mississippi State Bulldog that took over for Dak Prescott where he became the SEC rushing yard leading for QBs and tied school record with 45 rushing touchdowns. Fitzgerald could also throw the ball having 6,055 passing yards and 54 touchdowns. Fitzgerald went undrafted last season and signed to the Bucs practice squad and now with the BattleHawks.
• Taylor Heinicke (QB)– The Old Dominion legend threw for a FCS record 730 yards in a game and had a career of 14,959 passing yards, and 1,320 rushing yards. Heinicke went undrafted signing with the Vikings in 2015 for a few seasons. Heinicke eventually was signed by the Texans and made his NFL debut that didn’t last long (1 pass attempt) with getting a concussion. Heinicke played with the Panthers where he filled in for Cam Newton until once again Heinicke got hurted and now in the XFL.
• Matt Jones (RB)– Jones entered the draft after his junior season in 2015 with the Florida Gators where he was drafted in the 3rd round. After a great rookie season Jone was locked in as the starter until he got a knee injury then Robert Kelley and Chris Thompson became productive and Jones was cut after the season. Jones then went to the Colts where he got 5 carries for 14 yards in 5 games before getting cut and again with the Eagles. Jones is the running back with the Battlehawks and ready to carry the load.
• Christine Michael (RB)– The Big 12 freshman of the year Texas A&M back was a 2nd round pick to the Seahawks in 2013. Michael saw limit time in his first 2 seasons with Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin but won the Super Bowl. He then was traded to the Cowboys where he was cut to make room for Robert Turbin. Michael went back to Seattle and was productive in their playoff run and the next season started 7 games but was cut with Thomas Rawls return and emerging rookie backs. Couple of more stops eventually Michael lands with the Hawks of the XFL the BattleHawks.

Tampa Bay Vipers

• Coach: Mark Trestman- The kid that grew up in Minnesota played QB for three seasons with the Golden Gophers, and one season at Minnesota State University Moorhead and went to Vikings training camp. He been head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL and served as the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL and Chicago Bears of the NFL. He led the Alouettes to two consecutive Grey Cup championships and was named CFL Coach of the Year in 2009. Trestman been OC of many NFL/CFL teams since he started coaching in 1981.
• Aaron Murray (QB)– One of college football best All-time the current leader of the SEC passing list (121) and part time commentator for CBS Sports network. Murray threw for 13,166 yards, 158.5 rating and 16 rushing touchdowns. Murray was drafted in the 5th round by the Chiefs (2014) where he was cut then traveled to the Cardinals, Eagles, Rams and then the AAF Legends. Now Murray is assigned to the Tampa Bay Vipers and looks to led them to the playoffs.
• Quinton Flowers (QB/RB) (requested to be traded)- The guy that took over for BJ Daniels at South Florida and became the AAC player of the year (2016), USF All-Time Rushing Touchdowns Leader, USF All-Time Passing Touchdowns Leader, USF All-Time Touchdowns Leader and many other rewards and records. Flowers went undrafted and signed with the Bengals as a running back where he spent his rookie season on the practice squad. Flowers is now in the XFL and looks to be on a new team that could use his abilities better.
• Antonio Callaway (WR)– Callaway has always been a superior receiver but off-field issues have been his problem since his Florida Gators career. Callaway missed his whole junior season being suspended for a sexual assault accusation. Callaway decided to enter the draft where the Browns drafted him in the 4th round (2018) and had a solid rookie season starting a few games. Then the start of 2019 he was suspended 4 game due to the substance abuse policy and then was suspended after that for showing up to meeting late and then faced a 10 game suspension when he was released. Callaway currently on the IR for the Vipers with a lower leg injury hoping to get another chance in the NFL.
• Taylor Cornelius (QB)– The Oklahoma State standout who sat behind Mason Rudolph for two seasons got his chance as a 5th year senior (2018) where he threw for 3,978 yards and 32 touchdowns both ranked top 10 nationally. In his greatest game as a cowboy he came from behind to beat Will Grier number 9 Mountaineers throwing for 338 yards and 5 touchdowns and had 106 yards rushing and 1 rushing touchdown. Cornelius went undrafted and even though he got a offer from the Packers he was cut. Cornelius signed with the Vipers and hope to get to show off his arm like he did his senior year at Oklahoma State.

Players to sign

• Johnny Manziel (QB)- He may be a distraction but he will draw tons of viewers to the league either watching him to see if he fails again or finally have some success in a pro league.
• Antonio Brown (WR)- Similar to Johnny with the media drama Brown will bring in tons of viewers.
• PFT Commenter (K)- The Barstool podcaster tried out for the Defenders and despite being perfect from 35 yard out didn’t get sign. A league that doesn’t use a kicker much the name matter for the guy kicking it.
• Kelvin Benjamin (WR)- The former Florida State star will be a big name for the XFL and with his size should be able to make big plays especially at the goal line.
• Legarett Blount (RB)- The bulldozer that ran over plenty of guys at Oregon and 6 different NFL teams NFL career looks to be close to the finish season and why not take over in the XFL. 3 time Super Bowl champ can look for one more championship.
• Trent Richardson (RB)- The former Heisman finalist and 3rd overall pick never became the man for the Colts. After leading the AAF in touchdown he showed he still got in and any team struggling the run the ball in the XFL should sign him.
• Roberto Aguayo (K)- Another Florida State player a guy that never missed a kick in college will but struggled in the NFL will be a great kicker for the XFL.
• Zach Mettinberger (QB)- The former LSU QB was drafted by the Titans but never got his chance as QB1 and eventually found himself cut trying to get back in the NFL. He played in the Spring League and was a star in the AAF but was passed over but the XFL and currently back in the Spring League. Still has a big arm and with some injuries should be in the XFL.
• Blair Walsh (K)- The former Viking never was the same after the “wide left” kick in the playoff and still holds many NFL kicking records.
• Robert Nkemdiche (DL)- One of the highest recruited players ever out of high school and a great career at Ole Miss Nkemdiche was drafted 29th overall by the Cardinals. After a few season of struggling in the league Robert was cut last season and spent limit time with the Dolphins. Nkemdiche is physically gifted and would be a star in the XFL.