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Tory BarronESPN Editor
Earlier iterations of the XFL had been eerily reminiscent to the refrain of a George Strait tune — “I am right here for a very good time, I ain’t right here for a very long time.”
However now, beneath a brand new and distinguished possession group (some man named Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is concerned), the 2023 XFL guarantees to be totally different than its predecessors. Because the fledgling league seems to be to realize endurance behind the play of AJ McCarron and Ben DiNucci, it is solely proper we revisit those that obtained it going within the early aughts. For starters, the unique 2001 XFL would have been nothing with out the one and solely, He Hate Me.
Whether or not it was a closing foray into soccer after collegiate success or a stepping stone on the way in which to NFL glory, these gamers left their mark on the XFL:
Rod “He Hate Me” Good, RB/KR, Las Vegas Outlaws
The 2001 model of the XFL famously afforded gamers the chance to put on nicknames on the again of their jerseys. Good opted for “He Hate Me,” and a star was born — together with a best-selling jersey. Good completed the lone season of the unique model of the XFL with 555 dashing yards, good for second within the league, and scored three touchdowns. He went on to change into a particular teamer for the Carolina Panthers, most notably serving as their kick and punt returner in Tremendous Bowl XXXVIII.
Corey Ivy, DB, Chicago Enforcers
Ivy’s time within the XFL was only one chapter in his prolonged skilled soccer profession, however he made it depend. Ivy led the XFL in interceptions throughout its 2001 stint. The following season, he messed round and gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, taking part in in all 16 regular-season video games and making three postseason appearances.
Steve Gleason, S, Birmingham Thunderbolts
Earlier than Gleason performed for the New Orleans Saints and have become an advocate for folks going through ALS, he additionally performed within the first season of the XFL. His time with the Thunderbolts was far much less notable than what he would obtain within the NFL. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2006, when the Saints returned to the Superdome for the primary time in 21 months, Gleason blocked a punt to assist beat the Atlanta Falcons. It has change into one of many iconic moments in franchise historical past.
Landry Jones, QB, Dallas Renegades
The Oklahoma Sooners’ standout quarterback (123 profession TD passes) and Pittsburgh Steelers‘ backup QB turned the primary participant to signal with the short-lived XFL 2.0. The transfer reunited Landry together with his school coach Bob Stoops. The stint virtually did not occur, because the Steelers tried to re-sign Jones after Ben Roethlisberger was injured, however the signing was blocked by the XFL. Landry had 5 TDs and seven INTs in 4 begins earlier than the XFL shut down. He has not, since, performed within the NFL.
PJ Walker, QB, Houston Roughnecks
Temple’s all-time chief in QB wins turned a breakout star for the league. Walker had 15 TDs and 5 INTs in 5 XFL begins. He gained all 5 begins. Walker signed with the Panthers in 2020, and has began seven video games in that point. In Week 7 of the 2022 season, he threw two TDs to beat the Bucs 21-3.
Josh Johnson, QB, Los Angeles Wildcats
Johnson, who was chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2008 NFL draft, is the epitome of an NFL journeyman. He has been on the lively roster of 11 totally different NFL groups. However he thrived within the XFL. Johnson lead the league in passer score whereas beneath heart for the Wildcats in 2020.
Taylor Heinicke, QB, St. Louis Battlehawks
Heinicke’s time within the XFL? Unremarkable. What he is achieved since? Extra so. The Inexperienced Lizard has began off-and-on for the Washington Commanders ever since changing an injured Alex Smith within the 2021 NFC wild-card sport. In that matchup, he went head-to-head with Tom Brady, throwing for 306 yards and a TD, and almost pulling off the upset to the eventual Tremendous Bowl champion Bucs. Since then, he has remained in Washington and proven some flashes of greatness. In 4 begins this season, he’s 3-1 with 5 TDs, most not too long ago handing the Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) a loss on “Monday Evening Soccer.”
Keenan Reynolds, WR, Seattle Dragons
Reynolds ended his school profession at Navy holding dashing information upon dashing information. Regardless of an tried change in place, he could not catch on within the NFL. In 2020, he signed with the XFL and have become a star on particular groups and as a large receiver for the Dragons.
Matt Jones, RB, St. Louis BattleHawks
Jones was chosen by the Commanders within the third spherical of the 2015 NFL draft. After a profitable NFL profession that included stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Eagles, he took his skills to the XFL. Jones was named to the midseason All-XFL workforce after dashing for 314 yards and a landing on 80 rushes, and having 25 receiving yards and a landing earlier than the league was shut down.
Cardale Jones, QB, DC Defenders
Whenever you suppose Cardale Jones, you seemingly suppose Ohio State. Jones’ XFL profession wasn’t almost as profitable as his collegiate tenure with the Buckeyes. He obtained off to a robust begin with the Defenders, successful his first two video games as a starter. However then he went on a four-game stretch during which he threw 2 TDs to 7 INTs, and watched his yards per try fall every sport. By the point the league folded, Tyree Jackson had changed him as QB1.
