United Football League - The story of the XFL-USFL Merger

[BengalErnst]

WLAF Considers Direct-to-Consumer Option for U.S. Market

November 10, 2022

Berlin, GERMANY - WLAF Commissioner Randy Ambrosie recently said that the league was exploring the possibility of a direct-to-consumer option in the United States. “Do we start building out a small, direct-to-consumer offer?” Ambrosie said. “One of the places that we’re thinking about doing that is potentially in the US market. Get some experience, learn some valuable lessons, understand how it works. We’re not that far away from announcing our U.S. broadcast partner, how do we collaborate with them? What lessons can be learned there?”

The WLAF has been working on a new deal with CBS, which reportedly pays between $100,000 and $200,000 per year. That seems really low, but the goal could be to get more people exposed to the International version of the pro game.

XFL Combine Presented by New Era Heading to Paris

November 12, 2022

Paris, FRANCE - The XFL will invite approximately 200 national and global prospects to Paris for an expanded and restructured XFL Combine presented by New Era. The new five-day event will take place from October 22 to 26. "For the past few years, we have been exploring different ways to restructure and improve the format of the XFL Combine to be more productive for teams in terms of evaluation and observation. Our event in Paris will be the realization of those efforts and discussions," said Greg Dick, Chief Football Operations Officer. "A single larger event will allow teams to gauge prospects' work on the field, while also providing a better understanding of their abilities to learn systems, process information and adapt to feedback."

"The XFL Combine is as much a tool for evaluation, as it is a showcase of prospects' skills and an opportunity for growth and development," added Dick. "An expanded event is better for teams, prospects, and ultimately, the league, as we prepare to welcome the WLAF stars interested in the XFL."

WLAF Reaches Multi-year Broadcast Agreement with CBS Sports Network

November 27, 2022

Berlin, GERMANY - The WLAF has reached a multi-year broadcast agreement with CBS Sports Network, the league announced. The deal will see CBS Sports Network carry 34 games this year. “We’re looking forward to working closely with CBS Sports Network to serve our loyal fans in the U.S. and grow our base there,” WLAF commissioner Randy Ambrosie said. “CBS Sports is synonymous with the finest in sports broadcasting and we’re proud to showcase our product on its network.”

“The WLAF is an exciting brand of football, with a great history that has long included some of the stars of the game,” said Dan Weinberg, executive vice-president, programming, CBS Sports. “We are excited for the WLAF to join our robust lineup of live events on CBS Sports Network and we look forward to showcasing the current generation of WLAF stars.“

“We’re confident that, working together, we can serve our American fans and continue to grow their numbers,” Ambrosie said. “We’re looking forward to a partnership that brings together the best of International football and one of the great brands in American sports television.”


XFL and Under Armour Announce Exclusive Uniform Partnership for 2023 Season

December 7, 2022

New York, NY - The XFL announced it has selected Under Armour as the League's Official Uniform Partner. Beginning in the 2023 XFL season, Under Armour will be the exclusive provider of all on-field uniforms, including jerseys, base layer, sideline and training apparel, for all XFL teams.

"We have built an incredibly strong relationship with Under Armour over the years as our trusted partner with Project Rock," said XFL Owner Dwayne Johnson. "We have become industry leaders in game-changing, innovative products, specifically designed and tested for premium performance, which made them the perfect partners for our XFL brand. For almost two years now, we have been working closely with Under Armour to ensure these new uniforms not only represent the pride and history of each city, but are also designed to withstand the physicality of this sport and each player leaving it all on the field come game day. Now it's time for our players to gear up and ball out XFL style for the 2023 season."

"Uniforms are a unique and important part of the League, our team brands, and our players representing the cities they play for. We think these home and away designs are ones that our fans will be proud to wear. In partnering with Under Armour, we've found a brand that not only shares our love for the game of football, but also our commitment to innovation with the goal of bringing athletes and the game to the next level," said Russ Brandon, President of the XFL.

ZOA Energy Named Official and Exclusive Energy Drink of the XFL

December 15, 2022

New York, NY - The XFL announced a partnership with ZOA Energy, the delicious, better-for-you energy drink, establishing ZOA as the Official and Exclusive Energy Drink of the XFL. Throughout the season, ZOA and the XFL will roll out curated fan-first experiences and activations, both in and out of the stadiums. From pregame tailgates and fanfests to branded giveaways, tastings, and engaging promotions, loyal fans will have access to exclusive ticket offers for all home games. Further, every end zone in each stadium will be transformed into the official "ZOA Energy Fan Zone," where the most spirited fan will be honored as the "ZOA Energy Fan of the House."

"We are thrilled to add ZOA Energy, a rapidly growing and exciting brand, to our list of League partners," said Russ Brandon, President of the XFL. "XFL fans always bring the energy on game day. In partnership with ZOA, we can ignite that energy and their passion for football with exclusive experiences and events throughout the season. The ZOA brand aligns strongly with ours, purpose-driven, fan-focused and innovative - and to collaborate in a way that connects with fans and players alike is exactly what we look for in a partner."

Defenders Send Cardale Jones to IFL Massachusetts Pirates

December 29, 2022

Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates have been sent QB Cardale Jones for the 2023 season from the XFL's Washington Defenders. Pirates Co-Owner, Jawad Yatim said "Cardale is a winner. He has the ability to create and improvise, obviously has a live arm and has competed at the highest levels of football. We're excited to insert his skill set and abilities within our organization. We want a locker room full of enthusiasm this year and my conversations with Cardale have only reflected that sentiment. We're really glad to have him."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Takes Ownership of Montreal Alliance

January 15, 2023

Montreal, ONTARIO, CANADA - The ownership of the Montreal Alliance franchise has been transferred to the XFL. Mario Cecchini has been appointed the team's interim President and will lead the management of the organization's day-to-day business operations under the direction and supervision of the league office. General Manager Danny Maciocia continues to focus on the important work of building the team's roster for the upcoming 2023 season. The league has initiated an accelerated and formal sales process, which is being led by its investment banking partner, Park Lane, a leading sports-focused advisory firm whose clients include major league sports properties around the world. Multiple parties have already expressed serious interest in purchasing the Alliance, including individuals, groups and businesses that reside or operate in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec.

This step concludes the team's association with the estate of the late Sid Spiegel and Gary Stern. The XFL wants to express its deep gratitude for their stewardship of the Alliance. Sid Spiegel and Gary Stern brought the Montreal Alliance to the UFL in 2020 at a critical time in the league's history. They put in place a strong leadership team on both the business and football sides of the franchise. Following Sid's sad passing in 2021, his estate and Gary continued the mission to deliver winning and entertaining football. The franchise is stronger for all these contributions, a fact which is reflected in the interest currently being shown in the Alliance's future. The XFL would also like to thank the Alliance staff, players and coaches for their continuing professionalism, dedication and hard work and, of course, the Alliance fans for their ongoing support.

XFL and Virtual Tables Announce Partnership

January 23, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL and Virtual Tables, the leader in providing virtual venues of fandom, today announced a partnership to incorporate their DigiSign product into the League's fan engagement offerings. Through DigiSign, the XFL and Virtual Tables will create a set of exclusive fan events that will allow participants to engage with players and coaches in either a one-on-one or group experience. These unique meet-and-greet experiences will feature virtual autographs and personalized digital keepsakes with participation from players and coaches from all eight teams.

"As a league, we promised to break down the barriers between fans and players by being forward-thinking and accessible," said Janet Duch, XFL Chief Marketing and Team Business Operations Officer. "DigiSign's technology will help us connect and interact with our fans while our teams spend the season practicing in the XFL Hub in Arlington."

XFL and BCL Unveil New Fan Loyalty Program

February 2, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL and Blockchain Creative Labs, FOX’s Web3 media and creative technology company, are launching an all-new fans loyalty program in conjunction with the league’s twenty-third season. Fan Passes will allow members to participate in weekly in-season predictions on game outcomes to show off their football knowledge, accumulate points and receive commemorative Game Passes for attending games in any of the league’s host cities. Pass holders also will have the opportunity to participate in challenges to earn additional points and level up to higher tier passes.

XFL and ESPN Announce Debut for Original Docuseries Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream

February 5, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL announced the debut of its original, nine-part docuseries, Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream, in partnership with broadcast partner ESPN. Directed by Peter Berg, the series follows the creation of the League under new ownership and highlights the unique stories and development of its players and coaches throughout the entire season. With 32 teams, 1600 players, 300 coaches, Player 54 is a visual manifestation of the League's motto: where dreams meet opportunity. The original series takes fans behind the scenes of what it takes to grow a league, showcasing the human stories that exist within the XFL on and off the field. It is a character-driven look at the inspiring, unconventional, and even heartbreaking journeys of the players and head coaches whose professional aspirations are just beginning or getting a second chance. "The opportunity to use our partnership with ESPN to showcase these dynamic stories and demonstrate the XFL's potential is a pivotal aspect of our mission," said Vince McMahon Owner. "Player 54 is the culmination of many of the things that make the XFL special, but, most importantly, it focuses on our players and coaches, the soul and heartbeat of our league. Since the beginning, we've been committed to elevating these players, providing them with a platform to share their stories, cultivate their individual brands, and establish themselves as professional athletes. This docuseries is a powerful tool in telling these athletes narratives, connecting with our fans, and building a 'League of Tomorrow'."

"Player 54 is a deeply personal reality for me," said Dwayne Johnson, Owner. "There are 53 players on an NFL roster. I was number 54. I was good, but not good enough. I was ready, I was hungry, and I waited for that NFL phone call that never came. I never got that shot to prove myself and that seminal moment in my life put a chip on my shoulder that has never and will never go away. Years later, life has brought me to the XFL and I'm grateful to share my experience with our players all of whom have that same chip on their shoulders. I hope everyone enjoys watching the XFL process as much I've enjoyed this 'life comes full circle' ride."

EA Ships All New XFL Video Game

February 7, 2023

Redwood City, CA - Electronic Arts announced that XFL Football, the newest game under the EA Sports brand, has shipped to stores nationwide. With XFL Football, gamers can now experience the excitement of the gridiron with fast-paced, high-scoring offenses and the ability to play with the unique XFL specific rules. "EA is the premiere sports videogame developer and we're thrilled to have worked with them on this project," said Doug Whaley, XFL Senior Vice President. "EA Sports XFL Football captures the passion of our sport and gives fans an opportunity to experience the action for themselves."

"The XFL was an amazing league to work with and we strived to create a game that accurately depicts their unique brand of football," said Mike Taramykin, Senior Producer, EA Tiburon. "XFL Football has features that will appeal to both XFL fans and sports fans alike."

XFL to Hold First-Ever College Draft

February 10, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL announced details for its first-ever College Draft. The 3-round traditional draft takes place on February 22. Head Coaches and General Managers for all thirty-two XFL teams will remotely draft the rights to 96 players who are eligible to join professional football. The XFL will provide real-time coverage of the 2023 College Draft through its social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To allow for the increased number of players, XFL team rosters expand from 55 to 90 players during the offseason. Drafted rookies will be placed on XFL rosters with players who finish the 2023 season on active and reserve lists. All players who sign an XFL contract, including players who remain under contract from the 2023 season, will have an "NFL Out" until the conclusion of Week 16 of the NFL season.

"We are building the XFL for long-term success and our first-ever College Draft demonstrates our clear focus on building winning teams for 2023, 2024 and beyond," said Russ Brandon, XFL President. "The XFL will continue to search for and evaluate the best players to join our league. We are excited to see who the next XFL star will be to turn an opportunity with the XFL into a springboard for success. Conducting our inaugural College Draft shows that the XFL is committed to providing these talented players an alternative route to pursue their professional football dreams."

XFL Announces Bolt6 as Official Instant Replay Partner

February 11, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL announced Bolt6, an innovative sports software developer, as its Official Instant Replay Partner. Bolt6's industry-leading technology will capture all the game-day angles and make them centrally available thanks to its new collaborative and infinitely scalable replay platform, making the XFL the first American football league to utilize a fully cloud-based replay system. Bolt6 will be used by departments across the XFL including football operations, officiating, health and safety, and broadcasting - to leverage its real-time video capture to make key decisions on the sidelines and in the booth. Video feeds from all broadcast and specialist cameras are encoded and sent into Bolt6's cloud-based platform, which is then aggregated and disseminated to on-field officials, coaches on the sidelines and the XFL Command Center, virtually capturing a 360° video for instant play review. Bolt6's technology will enable collaboration across the league and allow the XFL to better support its athletes' training and development through easily accessible and readily available video playback.

"With Bolt6, we are completely revolutionizing how we store, view, and utilize video content and replay, unlocking a new chapter of innovation for not only our League but for the entire sport," said Russ Brandon, XFL President. "Having universal access to instantly replay footage opens new opportunities to educate our organization for key decision-making and elevate gameplay while bringing unique content to our fans. Beyond the impressive technology, Bolt6 shares our dedication to enhancing the game of football. This is an extremely important partnership for the League as it reinforces our ongoing commitment to embracing innovation to advance the future of football."

XFL and Genius Sports Strike Official Fan Engagement Partnership

February 12, 2023

New York, NY - The XFL announced that Genius Sports Limited has been named the Official Free-to-Play Provider of the league. To help the XFL expand its digital audience and drive fan engagement levels, Genius Sports has built a new "XFL Pick'Em" game. This free-to-play game asks fans to predict the outcome of upcoming XFL matchups, including various proposition bets related to games, players, and teams. To gamify the experience, fans are asked to bet with football tokens, creating parlays to increase their potential score and improve their ranking on the league-wide leaderboard. Weekly winners will be eligible for a variety of prizes, including XFL Shop gift cards, and a grand prize winner will receive a trip for two to the 2023 XFL Championship Game. "We continue to align ourselves with the best partners in the business to drive innovation and develop new ways to immerse our fans into the action of the game," said Wendy Bass, XFL Chief Business & Legal Officer. "Genius is a leader in exploring the new frontier of next generation fan engagement. By working with Genius, we can leverage their expertise across technology and data management to make the XFL a more compelling and dynamic viewing experience for the benefit of fans, partners, and stakeholders."

"For every sports league, an official data strategy that drives both new revenues and fan engagement levels is vitally important," said Sean Conroy, Executive Vice President at Genius Sports. "We're thrilled to partner with the XFL, connecting their games with the media and betting sectors while creating meaningful fan interactions through the bespoke XFL Pick'Em solution."

[BengalErnst]

Initial XFL Rosters Announced

February 14, 2023

San Francisco, CA –


2023 Orlando Apollos - HC Steve Spurrier, OC Shane Matthews, DC Ron Zook, GM Tim Ruskell, QBs Garrett Gilbert, Connor Cook and Brandon Peters, RBs Akeem Hunt, D'Ernest Johnson, AcaCedric Ware and Tre Harbison, WRs Antonio Callaway, Jalin Marshall, Cody Core, Kalija Lipscomb, Khalil McClain, Jaydon Mickens and Jerreth Sterns, TEs Dominique Dafney, Ben Koyack and Isaac Nauta, OL Blaise Andries, Grant Hermanns, Ben Ijanlana, Brad Seaton, Jonathan Hubbard, KaJohn Armstrong and Leonard Wester, DL Jachai Polite, Tyshun Render, Timmy Jernigan, Dontavius Russell, Kenny Randall, Darius Hodge and Immanuel Turner, LBs Kendell Beckwith, Kobe Jones, Kylan Johnson, Manase Hungalu, Deandre Johnson and Jeff Holland, DBs Jalen Allison, Corey Straughter, DJ Daniel, Jeremiah Dinson, Walt Aikens, Josh Nurse, Keith Reaser and Ashton Lampkin, K Elliott Fry and P Ben Turk


2023 Memphis Express - HC Jeff Fisher, OC Marc Trestman, DC Ted Cottrell, GM John Peterson, QBs Blake Bortles, Tyler Bray and Garrett Grayson, RBs Chris Carson, Jamal Morrow, DeMontre Tuggle and Karan Higdon, WRs Tajae Sharpe, Dillon Mitchell, Terry Godwin, Austin Watkins, Jalen Hurd, Khalil Tate and Mason Kinsey, TEs Ross Travis, Nick OLeary and Cary Angeline, OL Carson Green, Curtis Blackwell, Israel Helms, Anthony McKinney, Pier-Olivier Lestage, Travis Vornkahl and Deion Calhoun, DL Justin Lawler, Hunter Dimick, Kyle Peko, Devaroe Lawrence, Davis Bada, Anthony Rush, Elijah Zeise and Brooks Reed, LBs DeMarquis Gates, Khaylan Kearse-Thomas, BJ Bello, Nick Dzubnar, Peter Kalambayi and Isaiah Kaufusi, DBs Kevon Seymour, Clayton Geathers, Tedric Thompson, Lamont Wade, DCota Dixon, Jacob Thieneman and Rashard Fant, K Greg Joseph and P Ryan Winslow


2023 Birmingham Iron - HC , OC Steve Logan, DC Rick Minter, GM Joe Pendry, QBs Luke Falk, Devlin Hodges and Taylor Cornelius, RBs Trent Richardson, TJ Yeldon and Shermari Jones, WRs Kelvin Benjamin, Geremy Davis, Robert Foster, DeAndrew White, Quan Bray, Javon McKinley, Demetris Robertson and Keric Wheatfall, TEs Jordan Leggett, Antony Auclair and Xavier Grimble, OL Demetrius Knox, Christian DiLauro, Khalique Washington, Tanner Owen and Bryce Hargrove, DL Robert Nkemdiche, Haskell Garrett, Eric Cotton, Braxton Hoyett and DaShawn Hand, LBs Cayson Collins, Dylan Moses, Natrez Patrick, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Deon Lacey and Josiah Tauaefa, DBs Isaiah Langley, Jordan Dangerfield, John Battle, Julius Faulk, Parnell Motley, Blessuan Austin, Hakeem Bailey, Jalen Julius and Dakari Monroe, K Austin MacGinnis and P Colton Schmidt


2023 Atlanta Alphas - HC Mark Richt, OC Ken Zampese, DC Kevin Coyle, GM Tony Softli, QBs JT Barrett, Nate Stanley and Jamie Newman, RBs Isaiah Crowell, Peyton Barber, Josh Caldwell and Ito Smith, WRs Rashad Greene, Charone Peake, Taysir Mack, Kameron Brown, Rico Bussey, Jaleel Scott and Malachi Jones, TEs Brayden Lenius, Carson Meier and Orson Charles, OL Xavier Sua-Filo, Cornelius Edison, Devon Johnson, Evin Ksiezarczyk, Jack Batho, John Wetzel, William Sweet, Lakayus McNeil and Ulrick John, DL RaShede Hageman, Jordan Brailford, Deadrin Senat, Zac Dawe, Pat Afriyie, Alani Pututau, Barkevious Mingo and Tracy Sprinkle, LBs Khalil Bass, Connor Strachan, Kuony Deng, Rashad Smith, Blake Lynch and Logan Tago, DBs Taveze Calhoun, JR Pace, Duke Thomas, Shyheim Carter, Devon Key, Tre Webb, Drew Hartlaub and Kemal Ishmael, K Rodrigo Blankenship and P Lachlan Edwards


2023 Washington Defenders – HC Gregg Williams, OC Reggie Barlow, DC Jamie Sharper, GM Von Hutchins, QBs Jordan Ta'amu, DEriq King and Geremy Hickbottom, RBs Ryquell Armstead, Abram Smith, Pooka Williams, Artavis Pierce and CamRon Harris, WRs Jazz Ferguson, Chad Hansen, Josh Malone, Josh Hammond, Lucky Jackson, Brandon Smith and Chris Blair, TEs Briley Moore, Ethan Wolf and Kahale Warring, OL Mike Maietti, Tommy Champion, Ty Clary, Liam Fornadel, DMarcus Hayes, Kyle Murphy, Bruno Reagan, Dare Rosenthal, Liam Ryan and Gunnar Vogel, DL Jesse Aniebonam, Niles Scott, Fadol Brown, Jarrell Owens, Jacub Panasiuk, Caraun Reid, Joseph Wallace and Gabe Wright, LBs Davin Bellamy, Francis Bernard, Jamal Brooks, Ferrod Gardner, Anthony Hines, Andre Mintze and Reggie Northrup, DBs Isaiah Johnson, Nydair Rouse, Kentrell Brice, Michael Joseph, Anthoula Kelly, DeJuan Neal, Reggie Robinson, KJ Sails, DJ Swearinger and Travon Fuller, K Matt McCrane and P Daniel Whelan

2023 Columbus Battlehawks - HC Johnathan Hayes, OC Pep Hamilton, DC Jay Hayes, GM Trey Brown, QBs Taylor Heinicke, Brian Lewerke and Brad Kaaya, RBs James Butler, Keith Ford, Aaron Shampklin and Tarik Cohen, WRs DeMornay Pierson-El, DaMarkus Lodge, Jaivon Heiligh, Savon Scarver, Cyrus Holder and Talolo Limu-Jones, TEs Devin Funchess, Graham Adomitis and Troy Fumagalli, OL Hjalte Froholdt, Malcolm Pridgeon, Matt McCants, Korren Kirven, Brandon Bowen, Anthony Fabiano, Cordel Iwuagwu, Jake Campos and Kevin Bowen, DL Gimel President, Kawann Short, Austin Larkin, Drew Jordan, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, Treyvon Hester, Channing Ward and Khryi Thornton, LBs Terence Garvin, Jonathan Celestin, Daniel Bituli, Josh Watson, Kamal Martin, Jason Ferris and Jordan Kunaszyk, DBs Harold Jones-Quartey, Delano Hill, David Vereen, Denzel Williams, Iman Marshall, Kevin Toliver, Tre Boston, Quin Blanding and Dominique Hatfield, K Andrew Franks and P Jake Schum


2023 New York Guardians - HC Kevin Gilbride, OC, DC, GM Alan MacCracken, QBs Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and Anthony Gordon, RBs Paul Perkins, Christian Wade, Derrius Guice and Wayne Gallman, WRs John Ross, Diontae Spencer, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Jordan Williams-Lambert, DaMari Scott, Quincy Enunwa and JonVea Johnson, TEs DeShon Williams, Pharoah McKever and Levine Toilolo, OL George Asafo-Adjei, Garrett Brumfield, Syrus Tuitele, Trey Adams, Derek Kerstetter, Will Ulmer, Brant Weiss, Zac Kerin and Avery Young, DL Marquiss Spencer, Sterling Johnson, Akeem Spence, Daniel Joseph, Elijah Qualls, Woodrow Hamilton, Alex Tchangam and Joey Mbu, LBs Devante Downs, Terez Hall, Justin Hilliard, Omari Cobb, Bryce Hager and James Skalski, DBs Shakial Taylor, Kyron Brown, Jordyn Peters, Sam Beal, Montre Hartage, Adrian Colbert, JT Hassell, Jaquarius Landrews and Demetrious Cox, K Matt Ammendola and P Justin Vogel

2023 Montreal Alliance - HC, OC Jason Maas, DC Clayton Lopez, GM Danny Maciocia, QBs Caleb Evans, Davis Alexander and Cody Fajardo, RBs William Stanback, Jeshrun Antwi and Walter Fletcher, WRs Jermaine Wynn, Keshunn Abram, Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, Quartney Davis, Greg Ellingson, Austin Mack, James Letcher, Cole Spieker, Tyler Snead and Chandler Worthy, OL Nick Callender, Joshua Donovan, Darius James, Demetrius Rhaney, David Brown, Sean Jamieson, Gage Cervenka, Jamar McGloster and Landon Rice, DL Israel Antwine, Avery Ellis, Mustafa Johnson, Shawn Lemon, TD Moultry, Almondo Sewell and Marcus Valdez, LBs Tyrice Beverette, Chris Moore, Bryce Notree, Reshard Cliett, Ray Ray Davison, Darnell Sankey and Avery Williams, DBs Raheem Wilson, Wesley Sutton, Reggie Stubblefield, Dionte Ruffin, Kordell Rodgers, JR Reed, Dishon McNary, Kabion Ento, Ciante Evans, Najee Murray and Nafees Lyon, K David Cote and P Joseph Zema


2023 Toronto Argonauts - HC, OC Ryan Dinwiddie, DC, GM Michael Clemons, QBs Chad Kelly, Bryan Scott and Cameron Dukes, RBs Deonta McMahon, AJ Ouellette and Javon Leake, WRs Cam Phillips, DaVaris Daniels, Carlton Agudosi, Kurleigh Gittens, Jeremiah Haydel, RaJae Johnson and Damonte Coxie, OL Isiah Cage, Trevon Tate, Shane Richards, Aron Johnson, Braydon Noll, Tyler Williams, Philip Blake, Ryan Hunter, Dejon Allen and Dariusz Bladek, DL Brandon Barlow, Dewayne Hendrix, Jared Brinkman, Shawn Oakman, Thomas Costigan, Folarin Orimolade, Sam Acheampong and Damontre Moore, LBs Shane Ray, Henoc Muamba, Ray Ray Davison, Nick Temple, Kyle Quiero, Jonathan Jones and Wynton McManis, DBs Tarvarus McFadden, Jamal Peters, Adarius Pickett, DaShaun Amos, Maurice Carnell, Robertson Daniel, Robert Priester, Mason Pierce and Qwantez Stiggers, K Boris Bede and P John Haggerty


2023 Winnipeg Sea Bears - HC, OC Tanner Engstrand, DC Louie Cioffi, GM Danny McManus, QBs Logan Woodside, Dru Brown and Dakota Prukop, RBs Johnny Augustine, Damian Jackson and Brady Oliveira, WRs Rasheed Bailey, Markeith Ambles, Janarion Grant, Kenny Lawler, Dalton Schoen and Nic Demski, OL Stanley Bryant, Liam Dobson, Geoff Gray, Jermarcus Hardrick, Martez Ivey, Andrew Tiller, Josh Allen, Patrick Neufeld and Drew Richmond, DL Casey Sayles, Jackson Jeffcoat, Willie Jefferson, Ricky Walker, Miles Fox, OBryan Goodson, Celestin Haba and TyJuan Garbutt, LBs Adam Bighill, Malik Clements, KeShun Freeman, James Folston, Brian Cole and Kyrie Wilson, DBs Desmond Lawrence, Greg McCrae, Alden Darby, Winston Rose, Will Allen, Brandon Alexander, Evan Holm, Demerio Houston, Deatrick Nichols and Jamal Parker, K Sergio Castillo and P Jamieson Seahan

2023 Paris Musketeers - HC, OC Robert Ford, DC Tony Carter, GM Larry Lee, QBs Paxton Lynch, Deondre Francois, Quinton Flowers and Quinten Dormady, RBs Kelvin Taylor, Devin Darrington and JahMaine Martin, WRs Dan Williams, Eli Rogers, Charleston Rambo, Dontez Byrd, Cody Latimer, Lance Lenoir, Andrew Jamiel and KD Cannon, TEs Ryan Becker, Jaylen Smith and Jordan Thomas, OL Abdul Beecham, Brett Boyko, TJ Bradley, Jordan Ighofose, Zeveyon Furcron, Fred Lauina, TJ Storment, David Moore and Jalen Spady, DL Josh Harvey-Clemons, JaQuain Blakely, Nick Coe, JaCoby Jones, Stansly Maponga, Caeveon Patton, Dalyn Wade-Perry and Gerald Willis, LBs Lakia Henry, Jeremiah Gemmel, Terrance Plummer, Tegray Scales, Terrance Smith and Erroll Thompson, DBs Matt Elam, CJ Holmes, Baylen Buchanan, Najeem Hosein, Marcus Murphy, Tye Smith, Trumaine Washington, Shaq Wiggins and Justin Rogers, K Jose Borregales and P Johnny Townsend

2023 London Crusaders - HC, OC Anthony Becht, DC Donnie Abraham, GM Dave Boller, QBs AJ McCarron, Vincent Testaverde, Manny Wilkins and Nick Tiano, RBs Mataeo Durant, Brian Hill and Kareem Walker, WRs Marcell Ateman, Hakeem Butler, George Campbell, Gary Jennings, Steven Mitchell, Austin Proehl and Darrius Shepherd, TEs Jovani Haskins and Jake Sutherland, OL Shane Carpenter, Vadal Alexander, Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Steven Gonzalez, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Eric Magwood, Christian Olmstead, Mike Panasiuk and Dallas Warmack, DL LaCale London, Kevin Atkins, Freedom Akinmoladun, Eric Hansen, Elorm Lumor, Damion Daniels, Gelen Robinson and Tani Tupou, LBs Travis Feeney, Willie Harvey, Silas Kelly, Mike Rose, Tre Watson, Carson Wells and Lakiem Williams, DBs Ben DeLuca, Chris Cooper, Lukas Denis, Elijah Hamilton, Mike Hampton, Mister Harriel, Tim Harris, Lavert Hill and Nate Meadors, K Donny Hageman and P Sterling Hofrichter

2023 Munich Ravens - HC, OC Bruce Gradkowski, DC Jim Herrman, GM Jose Jefferson, QBs Jack Coan, Jawon Pass, Reid Sinnett and Kurt Benkert, RBs Kalen Ballage, Jon Hilliman, Jaylen Samuels and Jacques Patrick, WRs Landen Akers, Fred Brown, Emmanuel Butler, Jalen Tolliver, Nick Holley, Travis Toivonen and TJ Vasher, TEs Jamal Pettigrew, Alize Mack and Deon Yelder, OL Norman Price, Kai Absheer, Damien Mama, Malcolm Bunche, Roubbens Joseph, Luke Juriga, Derrick Kelly, Kohl Levao, Chidi Okeke, Maea Tuehema and Dwayne Wallace, DL Kobe Smith, Drew Beesley, DaSean Downey, Matthew Gotel, PJ Hall, Delontae Scott, Shakir Soto, Kamilo Tongamoa and Mike Tverdov, LBs Ben Davis, Terrill Hanks, Riko Jeffers and Jordan Williams, DBs Tenny Adewusi, Luq Barcoo, Terrell Bonds, Divine Buckrham, Jameson Houston, Kameron Kelly, Ranthony Texada and Sean Williams, K John Paker Romo and P Brad Wing


2023 Las Vegas Vipers - HC, OC Ray Sherman, DC Chris Dishman, GM Joey Clinkscales, QBs Luis Perez, Brett Hundley, Jalan McClendon and DAngelo Fulford, RBs Rod Smith, DeAndre Torrey, John Lovett and Brian Burt, WRs Geronimo Allison, Jeff Badet, Saeed Blacknall, Martavis Bryant, Mathew Sexton and Cinque Sweeting, TEs Brandon Dillon, Sean Price and Cam Sutton, OL Jamil Demby, Tony Adams, Kahlil McKenzie, Chad Broome-Webster, Daishawn Dixon, Quinterrius Eatmon, Fernando Frye, Jovann Letuli, Isaiah Williams, Larry Williams and Dohnovan West, DL Robert Windsor, Bryant Jones, JahSheem Martin, LaRon Stokes, Destiny Vaeao and Cavon Walker, LBs Paul Dawson, CJ Avery, Vic Beasley, Max Roberts, Jawuan Johnson, Martrell Spaight and Pita Taumoepenu, DBs Jamar Summers, Adam Sparks, Maurice Smith, Antonio Phillips, Keylon Kennedy, Marwin Evans, Kevin McGill, Deontay Anderson and Stephen Roberts, K Sam Sloman and P Michael Carrizosa


2023 San Diego Fleet - HC Mike Martz, OC Jaime Elizondo, DC Donnie Henderson, GM Dave Boller, QB Colin Kaepernick, Kai Locksley and Austin Davis, RBs Kapri Bibbs, Kylin Hill, Jalen Richard and Tyler Ervin, WRs Marqise Lee, Justice Liggins, Omar Bayless, Jeremiah Haydel, Travis Jonson, Scotty Washington, Justice Shelton-Mosley and DaiJean Dixon, TEs Donald Parham, Dax Raymond and Marcus Santos-Silva, OL Daniel Brunskill, Jeremiah Kolone, Ryan Roberts, John Montelus, Kyle Spalding, Tyree St. Louis, Jordan Mills and Sam Schlueter, DL Shilique Calhoun, Azur Kamara, Obum Gwacham, Benson Mayowa, Zeandae Johnson, Joe Ozougwu, Eddie Vanderdoes and Jamell Garcia-Williams, LB Dante Olson, Derrick Moncrief, Riley Cole, Kadofi Wright, Kanai Mauga and Sutton Smith, DBs Roderic Teamer, Cameron Kinley, Augie Contressa, Lawrence White, Abu Daramy-Swaray, Brendan Radley-Hiles, Raven Greene, Bradford Lemmons and Rodney Randle, K Younghoe Koo and P Sam Irwin-Hill


2023 St. Louis Stallions - HC , OC Tim Lappano, DC , GM Matthew Hayes, QBs DeShone Kizer, Chase Litton and Josh Woodrum, RBs Tre Mason, Tayon Fleet-Davis, Javian Hawkins and Daryl Richardson, WRs Kevin White, TJ Jones, Daurice Fountain, Kekoa Crawford, Samson Nacua, Josh Imatorbhebhe and Neil Pauu, TEs Rysen John, Jerell Adams and Ian Bunting, OL Frederick Mauigoa, Lo Falemaka, Martinas Rankin, Wyatt Miller, Austin Droogsma, JMarcus Webb, Ben Petrula, Tyrell Crosby and Jeremiah Poutasi, DL Kamalei Correa, Tenny Palepoi, Karter Schult, Cassius Marsh, Ledarius Mack, Caushaud Lyons, Hamilcar Rashed and DeShawn Williams, LBs Stephone Anthony, Devante Bond, Manti Teo, Jaylan Alexander, Michael Pinckney and Frankie Griffin, DBs Isiah Swann, Kahani Smith, Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Sojourn Shelton, Chris Westry, Troy Pride, Allie Green, Greg Stroman, Marqui Christian, Sherrick McManis and Donovan Olumba, K Austin Seibert and P Cory Carter


2023 San Antonio Commanders – HC Marvin Lewis, OC Kevin Sumlin, DC Chris Woods, GM Daryl Johnston, QBs Josh Rosen, Broc Rutter and Ryan Mallett, RBs Devontae Booker, Gerrid Doaks, Patrick Carr and Raymond Calais, WRs Josh Doctson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Greg Ward, Damion Ratley, Devin Phelps, Damon Hazelton and Malik Taylor, TEs Dylan Stapleton, Ricky Seals-Jones and Kano Dillon, OL Spencer Drango, Derrick Puni, Roderick Johnson, Amon Simon, Drew Himmelman, Jacob Ohnesorge, Josh Kline, Hunter Watts and Shawn Lauvao, DL Adolphus Washington, Demone Harris, Mika Tafua, Kendall Donnerson, Trey Dishon, Garrett Marino and Ashaad Mabry, LBs Mason Foster, Storey Jackson, Barrington Wade, Daren Bates, Hardy Nickerson and DJ Calhoun, DBs Dashaun Phillips, Derron Smith, Josh Valentine-Turner, Mackensie Alexander, KeiVarae Russell, Donatello Brown, Jackson Porter, Davon House and Jomon Dotson, K Ryan Santoso and P Joseph Zema


2023 Mexico City Conquerors - HC Rick Neuheisel, OC Steve Axman, DC Nick Aliotti, GM Phil Savage, QBs Tyrie Adams, Dustin Crum and John Wolford, RBs Devonte Williams, Tyreik McAllister, DJ Foster and Khalfani Muhammad, WRs Justin Hardy, Trevor Davis, Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi, Steven Dunbar, Changa Hodge and Stephon Robinson, TEs Josh Hokit, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Jake Hausmann, OL Haggai Chisom-Ndubuisi, Jean Delance, Joshua Garnett, Jake Benzinger, Elijah Nkansah, Dareuan Parker, Foster Sarell, Jake Brendel and Rees Odhiambo, DL Pasoni Tasini, Clifton McDonald, Leterrius Walton, Darius Kilgo, Stacy McGee, Kylie Fitts, Will Miles and Dylan Wynn, LBs Keishawn Bierria, Caliph Brice, Chauncey Manac, Calvin Bundage, Otaro Alaka and Isaiah Graham-Mobley, DBs Shareece Wright, Lafayette Pitts, Bashaud Breeland, Cortez Davis, Jace Whittaker, Kekaula Kaniho, Javon Hagan, Picasso Nelson, Tariq Thompson and Bejour Wilson, K Quinn Nordin and P Jeff Locke


2023 Dallas Renegades – HC Bob Stoops, OC Chuck Long, DC Bill Sheridan, GM Rick Mueller, QBs Kevin Anderson, Kelly Bryant and Drew Plitt, RBs Leddie Brown, Brian Herrien, DeVeon Smith and Kenneth Farrow, WRs Victor Bolden, Rannell Hall, JaVonta Payton, Caleb Vander Esch, Brandon Arconado, Tyler Vaughns and LuJuan Winningham, TEs Nate Becker, Shaun Beyer and Sal Cannella, OL Willie Beavers, Brian Folkerts, Mike Horton, Cameron Hunt, Garrett McGhin, George Moore, Teton Saltes and Jake Stetz, DL TJ Barnes, Josiah Coatney, Doug Costin, Will Clarke, Bruce Hector, DaVonte Lambert and Tomasi Laulile, LBs Aaron Donker, Ryan Mueller, Donald Payne, Edmond Robinson, Bunmi Rotimi, Darnell Sankey, Colin Schooler and Willie Taylor, DBs Josh Hawkins, Shakur Brown, DeVante Bausby, Jamal Carter, Javaris Davis, Will Hill, CreVon LeBlanc, Jordan Miller, Joe Powell and Brandon Rusnak, K Taylor Russolino and P Marquette King


2023 Houston Roughnecks – HC Wade Phillips, OC AJ Smith, DC Brian Stewart, GM Marc Lillibridge, QBs Cole McDonald, Brandon Silvers and Kaleb Eleby, RBs Max Borghi, Dejoun Lee, Bryce Alleyne and Garrett Owens, WRs Jontre Kirklin, Michael Bandy, Deontay Burnett, Cedric Byrd, Travell Harris, Ben Putman and Tavonn Salter, OL Jachai Baker, Dylan Pasqualli, Ryan Pope, Alex Mollette, Sage Doxtater, Dareuan Parker, James Stanley, Jack Snyder and John Yarbrough, DL Austin Edwards, Derick Roberson, Tim Ward, CJ Brewer, Jack Heflin, Glen Logan, Trevon Mason and Chauncey Rivers, LBs Duke Ejiofor, Tavante Beckett, John Daka, Emmanuel Ellerbee, Trent Harris, Drew Lewis, Chauncey Rivers, Charles Wiley and Ellis Brooks, DBs Sean Davis, John Brannon, Stephen Denmark, Ajene Harris, AJ Hendy, William Likely, Kary Vincent, Raleigh Texada and Jordan Mosley, K Austin Jones and P Race Porter


2023 Los Angeles Legends – HC, OC Norm Chow, DC, GM Joey Clinkscales, QBs Josh Johnson, Levi Wallace and Riley Neal, RBs DeAndre Washington, James Wilder, Josh Adams and Trey Ragas, WRs DeAnthony Thomas, Tre McBride, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Trevon Bradford, Justin Hall, Tre Turner and Seth Roberts, TEs Jeremy Sprinkle, Scott Orndoff and Evan Rodriguez, OL Lene Maiava, Storm Norton, Kofi Amichia, Matt Gono, Roy Mbaeteka, Jacob Capra, Eric Kush, Cameron Clark, Patrick Vahe and Damian Prince, DL Daeshon Hall, Marcell Frazier, Oluwole Betiku, Emeke Egbule, Jamal Davis, Ty Shelby, Jonathan Kongbo, Dana Levine and Latarius Brady, LBs Asmar Bilal, Andrzej Hughes- Murray, Dorian ODaniel, Tuf Borland, Romeo Finley and Bryan London, DBs Jerome Couplin, MarSean Diggs, Harlan Miller, Donte Vaughn, Dayan Lake, Jaylen Watkins, Brontae Harris, Arrion Springs and Roman Tatum, K Giorgio Tavecchio and P Shane Tripucka


2023 Seattle Dragons – HC, OC June Jones, DC Jim Haslett, GM Randy Mueller, QBs Ben DiNucci, Harrison Frost and Steven Montez, RBs Morgan Ellison, Phillip Lindsay, Brenden Knox and Darius Bradwell, WRs Josh Gordon, Juwan Green, TJ Hammonds, Blake Jackson, Kelvin McKnight, Jahcour Pearson, Jordan Veasy and Damion Willis, OL Colin Kelly, Liam Jimmons, Tejan Koroma, Michal Menet, Chris Owens, Josh Seltzner, Jared Thomas and Barry Wesley, DL PJ Hall, Austin Faoliu, Antwuan Jackson, Daniel Joseph, Niko Lalos, Sama Paama, Tariqious Tisdale and Markell Utsey, LBs Jordan Evans, Emmanuel Smith, Tyrell Adams, Sharif Finch, Shareef Miller, Elijah Ponder, Tre Walker and Tuzar Skipper, DBs Antoine Brooks, Qwynnterrio Cole, Shabari Davis, Rojesterman Farris, Olaijah Griffin, Alijah Holder, Chris Jones, Linden Stephens, Bryce Thompson and Mykael Wright, K Dominik Eberle and P Cameron Nizialek


2023 Vancouver Otters - HC, OC Rick Campbell, DC Winston Moss, GM Neil McEvoy, QBs Dominique Davis, Chase Brice, Dane Evans and Vernon Adams, RBs Michael Warren, Taquan Mizzell, Shaun Shivers and JaQuan Hardy, WRs KaVontae Turpin, Jevon Cottoy, Keon Hatcher, Alexander Hollins, Dominique Rhymes, Lucky Whitehead and Terry Williams, OL Jarell Broxton, Sukh Chungh, Isame Faciane, Kelvin Palmer, Sebastian Tretola, Kent Perkins, Alex Balducci, Phillip Norman and Chris Schleuger, DL Nick Usher, Amir Siddiq, Josh Banks, Woody Baron, Mathieu Betts, Azuoyah Alufohai, Marcus Moore and Sione Teuhema, LBs Boseko Lokombo, AJ Tarpley, Gerald Rivers, Nyles Morgan, Josh Woods and Brooks Parker, DBs Mike Jones, TJ Lee, Quincy Mauger, Thakarius Keyes, Benjie Franklin, Cedric Boswell, Garry Peters, Jalon Edwards-Cooper, Emmanuel Rugamba and Marcus Sayers, K Sean Whyte and P Stefan Flintoft


2023 Calgary Greys - HC, OC Jim Zorn, DC Mike Singletary, GM Dave Dickenson, QBs Logan Bonner, Jake Maier and Tommy Stevens, RBs KaDeem Carey, LeVante Bellamy, Dedrick Mills and Peyton Logan, WRs Malik Henry, Reggie Begelton, Marken Michel, Floyd Allen, Tre Odoms-Dukes and Tommylee Lewis, OL Hugh Thornton, Bryce Bell, Julian Good-Jones, Joshua Coker, Jamal Campbell, Rodeem Brown, DAntre Demery, Sean McEwen, Brandon Weldon and Zack Williams, DL James Vaughters, Terrell McClain, Julian Howsare, Alex Tchangam, Mike Moore, Mike Rose, Damontre Moore and Toby Ndukwe, LBs Micah Awe, Cameron Judge, Silas Stewart, Perry Young, Adarius Taylor and Darius Williams, DBs Titus Wall, Brad Muhammad, Brandon Dozier, Michael Griffin, Tae Daley, Natrell Jamerson, Shaq Richardson, Jonathan Moxey, Tre Roberson, Nick Taylor and Kobe Williams, K Rene Paredes and P Cody Grace

[BengalErnst]

XFL Today: ESPN Further Expands XFL Coverage with Weekly Digital Studio Show

February 15, 2023

New York, NY - ESPN announced it is further expanding it's XFL 2023 kickoff season coverage with the addition of an XFL studio show, XFL Today. The weekly show will be led by signature digital hosts Jason Fitz and Skubie Mageza with regular appearances by former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. All three bring vast football expertise, passion, and expansive digital show experience across ESPN. XFL Today premieres Sunday, Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m. ET, leading up to ABC's coverage of the St. Louis Battlehawks opening their schedule against the San Antonio Brahmas. The show will be available every week across ESPN's social channels, YouTube and the ESPN App. After Week 1, XFL Today will primarily air leading into the final game of the week.

"XFL Today will be yet another opportunity to provide innovative access with our coverage of the league," said Mike Foss, ESPN vice president, digital production. "We can't wait to bring fans pre-game coverage in an engaging and interactive way and Fitz, Skubie, and Hawk are the perfect trio to accomplish that on a weekly basis."

XFL Week 1: Hot Start, Stifling Defense, and Plenty of Calgary Miscues

February 16, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA - It was the perfect start. The middle needed some work and the end wasn’t great either, but the Vancouver Otters’ hot start to Thursday night’s UFL curtain-raiser led to a 25-15 victory in front of a surprisingly sparse crowd in Calgary. QB Vernon Adams hit WR Dominique Rhymes for two touchdowns in the first quarter, going a perfect 9-of-9 on his first drive, putting Vancouver ahead from the beginning. The Otters outgained the Greys 403-243, harassing QB Jake Maier into a tough night — just 19-of-35 for 160 yards, one touchdown and one interception. K Rene Parades missed his first two field goal attempts for Calgary, as they fell behind 13-0. “Starting fast was big,” said Otters' Offensive Coordinator Rick Campbell. “Obviously it’s a 60-minute game, but playing Calgary here is tough. If they get momentum early, you fight an uphill battle. It was good to get ahead on the scoreboard and Vernon and our offense was a big part of that.”

-- (0-0)Otters 25 - 15 Greys(0-0)
(VAN): QB Adams - 28/36 300 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Mizzell - 12 carries, 81 yards, WR Rhymes - 8 catches, 109 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hollins - 6 catches, 85 yards
(CAL): QB Maier - 20/36 165 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Carey - 7 carries, 43 yards, WR Dukes - 7 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1:

February 17, 2023

Winnipeg, MANITOBA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)31 - 42 Sea Bears(0-0)
(): QB - 17/33 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB - 11 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR - 4 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD, WR - 3 catches, 56 yards
(WIN): QB Woodside - 21/30 354 yards, 3 TDs, RB Oliveira - 22 carries, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Demski - 6 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD, WR Schoen - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Wolitarsky - 3 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1: Renegades Flex Defensive Muscle to Hold off Vipers

February 18, 2023

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Renegades opened the 2023 XFL season with a dramatic 22-20 win over the Vegas Vipers on Saturday at Choctaw Stadium. The Vipers started off the game with a 12-play, 69-yard possession that resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass from QB Luis Perez to WR Jeff Badet. The Renegades ended their first possession with a 38-yard field goal conversion by K Taylor Russolino, and it would be his first of many on the day. The next scoring drive wouldn't come until late in the second quarter, when Perez threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to a wide open Badet and converted on the two-point attempt, giving the Vipers a 14-3 lead. Right before the end of the first half, Renegades QB Drew Plitt threw an interception to Vipers LB CJ Avery. The Vipers would head into the locker room after a 49-yard missed field goal by K Bailey Giffen. The Renegades came out strong to start the second half with a 22-yard interception for a touchdown by DL Tomasi Laulile, but would fail on the two-point attempt. On the very next possession Vipers RB John Lovett would fumble the ball on an 8-yard run, which was recovered by Renegades DB Jamal Carter. The Renegades could only capitalize with a 32-yard field goal by Russolino, keeping the game still within reach at 14-12.

The Vipers second half woes continued when they turned the ball over on downs after a fake punt attempt inside their own zone. Russolino would give the Renegades the first lead of the day, 15-14, on a 25-yard field. That would be his third made field goal on the day. The Renegades chewed up much of the fourth quarter with a 9:50, 16-play, 58-yard drive but failed to score on a fourth and goal attempt when Plitt was sacked for a 2-yard loss by DL LaRon Stokes. Three plays later, the Vipers would turn the ball over for the third time of the game, on another interception thrown by Perez. Which was returned for a touchdown by DB De'Vante Bausby and extended the Renegades lead to 22-14. With only 58 seconds left in the game and down by 8, the Vipers would worry the Renegades on an impressive last-minute drive. Perez began the possession with a 30- yard pass to WR Cinque Sweeting. Perez continued the drive on the very next play with a 10-yard pass to WR Martavis Bryant, setting up the Vipers inside the Renegades 20-yard line. After Perez threw two, back-to-back incompletions he found Sweeting on a touchdown pass to set up for a game deciding two-point conversion. The Vipers failed to tie the game, giving the Renegades their first win of the season.

-- (0-0)Vipers 20 - 22 Renegades(0-0)
(LV): QB Perez - 22/36 249 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Lovett - 4 carries, 10 yards, WR Badet - 6 catches, 81 yards, 2 TDs
(DAL): QB Plitt - 19/25 172 yards, 1 INT, RB Smith - 15 carries, 42 yards, TE Cannella - 7 catches, 70 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 1: Musketeers Fall 33-12

February 18, 2023

Houston, TX - The Paris Musketeers dropped their XFL season opener, suffering a 33-12 loss to the Houston Roughnecks Saturday night at TDECU Stadium. Paris opened the scoring when QB Paxton Lynch threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to WR Cody Latimer less than five minutes into the contest. Paris' 2-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Guardians on top 6-0. Houston answered with a touchdown drive of its own with under three minutes left in the first quarter when QB Brandon Silvers located WR Jontre Kirklin for a 10-yard touchdown pass that evened the score at 6-6. The Roughnecks added 15 points in the second quarter and 21 straight after Paris took a 6-0 lead. Silvers connected with WR Deontay Burnett for a 48-yard touchdown and RB Max Borghi scored on a 27-yard run before a 33-yard field goal extended the Roughnecks' lead to 21-6 going into halftime. The Roughnecks made it 24 straight points with another 33-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Musketeers looked to mount a comeback. With 6:40 left in the game, QB Quinten Dormady fired a 51-yard touchdown pass to WR Andrew Jamiel to cut Paris' deficit to 24-12. But Houston added another touchdown and a field goal en route to a 33-12 victory over the Musketeers.

-- (0-0)Musketeers 12 - 33 Roughnecks(0-0)
(PAR): QB Dormady - 12/18 142 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Martin - 9 carries, 41 yards, WR Latimer - 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
(HOU): QB Silvers - 26/42 272 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Borghi - 8 catches, 42 yards, 1 TD, WR Burnett - 8 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1: Crusaders Rally in Final Minutes for Improbable Win at Munich

February 19, 2023

Munich, GERMANY - The London Crusaders completed a furious fourth-quarter comeback Sunday to beat the Munich Mercenaries, 18-15 to open the 2023 season. The Crusaders produced 16 points in the final 1 minute, 25 seconds of the game to erase a 15-3 deficit. QB AJ McCarron delivered his first touchdown pass of the season to WR Hakeem Butler to draw the Crusaders to within six points, 15-9. He then found WR Austin Proehl in the end zone for a 3-point conversion from the 10-yard line to cut the Mercenaries lead to 15-12. Head coach Anthony Becht then called for a 4th-and-15 attempt from the London 25-yard line rather than an onside kick to take advantage of a rule unique to the XFL, and McCarron connected with Proehl for 22 yards to get the Crusaders to their own 47-yard line. A 15-yard roughing the passer penalty and three more McCarron pass completions from put the Crusaders 14 yards from the end zone. McCarron again found Proehl on the next play to give London the deciding score with 16 seconds remaining in regulation.

The Crusaders produced 173 total yards of offense in the fourth quarter. McCarron was 11- of-14 with 133 yards and two touchdowns in the quarter. He finished the game 18-for-27 with 190 yards and two touchdowns. Proehl led the team in receiving with four catches for 49 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. RB Brian Hill led the rushing attack with 55 yards on six attempts, including a 40-yard rush on the Crusaders' first play of the fourth quarter that was the longest play of the game for either team. Munich had built its 15-3 lead with three field goals and a touchdown. The Mercenaries scored their only touchdown with 10:42 left in the fourth quarter to complete a 10-play, 63-yard drive that expanded their lead to 12-3. K Parker Romo put Munich up by 12 when converted a 48-yard field goal for his third successful kick of the game and left the Crusaders with 3:02 to make their comeback. The Crusaders recorded their first points of the season with a 32-yard field goal by K Donny Hageman with 8:04 left in the first half to tie the game, 3-3. LB Travis Feeney put London in position for the field goal when he strip-sacked Mercenaries QB Jack Coan. Feeney recovered the fumble himself and returned it 32 yards to the Mercenaries' 29-yard line.

-- (0-0)Crusaders 18 - 15 Mercenaries(0-0)
(LON): QB McCarron - 18/26 190 yards, 2 TDs, RB Hill - 6 carries, 55 yards, WR Proehl - 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(MUN): QB Coan - 25/36 207 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Ballage - 24 carries, 84 yards, WR Akers - 7 catches, 35 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 1: Dragons Fall Just Short in DC

February 19, 2023

Washington, DC - For the season opener of the 2023 XFL season, the Seattle Dragons journeyed to Washington DC to take on the Washington Defenders. Seattle received the opening kickoff and scored on their first series of the season when QB Ben DiNucci scrambled and flipped a 6-yard touchdown pass to WR Josh Gordon to put the Dragons up 6-0 and to cap off a 11-play, 71-yard drive following the missed three-point conversion. On the next offensive possession for the Dragons, DiNucci helped extend the drive after converting a fourth down conversion to WR Jahcour Pearson, setting up a 36-yard field goal for K Dominik Eberle to increase the Dragons lead to 9-0. Heading into the second quarter, Washington Defenders QB Jordan Ta'amu, rushed for a 1-yard touchdown run and completed a 2-point conversion to WR Lucky Jackson, to trim the lead to 9-8. With time winding down in the first half, the Dragons failed to tack on three more points after a missed 40-yard field goal by Eberle.

As the second half rolled around, the Dragons marched down the field on their first possession where RB Brendan Knox, finished off the series with a 13-yard touchdown run. Soon after, DiNucci helped his offense convert a 3-point conversion and expand the lead to 18-8 with the help of an offsides penalty by the Defenders. On the ensuing possession for the Dragons, DiNucci was picked off by DB Michael Joseph where he returned it back for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 18-16 after a successful 2-point conversion rushing attempt by RB Kyle Murphy. Both teams went into the fourth quarter neck and neck, but the Defenders were able to gain the early momentum in the fourth quarter after Joseph intercepted DiNucci for the second time this game. The Defenders capitalized off the turnover when QB DEriq King rushed for a 5-yard touchdown to put the Defenders up 22-18, their first lead of the game following the failed 2-point conversion attempt. The Dragons looked to regain the momentum back after CB Bryce Thompson intercepted Ta'amu, giving the ball right back to the Dragons. After a series of turnover on downs committed by both teams, the Dragons looked to retake the lead on the final drive but fell short after DiNucci coughed up the ball on the Defenders' four-yard line and was scooped up by LB Jamal Brooks, sealing the first victory of the XFL season to the Washington Defenders

-- (0-0)Dragons 18 - 22 Defenders(0-0)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 35/54 282 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Knox - 11 carries, 31 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 12 catches, 95 yards
(DC): QB Ta'amu - 8/19 86 yards, 1 INT, RB Armstead - 8 carries, 30 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 25 yards

-- (0-0)Argonauts W - Fleet(0-0)
(TOR): QB Kelly -
(SD): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 1: Defense Shines in Alliance Opening-night Victory over Pesky Conquerors

February 20, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - It was a good start by the Alliance. And they did what was necessary at the end to defeat a stubborn Mexico City team that have been a roller coaster ride the last few seasons. The Alliance launched their 2023 regular season with a hard-fought 19-12 victory over the Conquerors before 30,865 spectators, a surprisingly high opening-night total. We’re not sure how many of them came to actually watch football or Our Lady Peace perform at halftime. Nonetheless, this was hardly an exquisite performance by Montreal, at least not offensively. New starting QB Cody Fajardo did what was required, completing 14 of 21 passes for 261 yards. He didn’t throw for any touchdowns, but opened the scoring with a one-yard run less than three minutes into the match, capping an impressive four-play, 62-yard drive. Fajardo also didn’t throw an interception, although he fumbled once on a fourth-down gamble, when the ball appeared to be kicked out of his mitts. But after the Alliance made it 10-0 less than nine minutes into the opening quarter, on the first of K David Côté’s four field goals, there was little to be impressed by offensively. “That’s what a Week 1 offense would look like and should look like,” Fajardo said. “We’re going to get better from there. When we look back at it nobody’s going to talk about the score. They’re just going to see how many wins and losses we got. This is a big way to get us momentum. We found a way to win this one.”

The Alliance had 12 offensive possessions after being staked to that 10-point lead. Seven of them ended in punts. While their time of possession totaled nearly 33 minutes, Montreal produced only 14 first downs and 264 yards’ net offense. The first order of business is the offensive line. While Fajardo is a healthy 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, he was sacked a mind-boggling six times and his body simply won’t hold up to this duress over an 18-game season. Rookie WR Austin Mack is definitely a keeper. He caught four passes for 120 yards, including a 61-yarder on the Alliance opening drive. While the Alliance made a concerted effort to run the ball, as promised, RB William Stanback only generated 42 yards off 16 carries. His lack of success left the offense in second-and-long scenarios too frequently. Stanback, however, ripped off one run for 18 yards late in the fourth quarter, when it was required, and also caught four passes for 46 yards. Defensively, the Alliance limited Mexico City to four field goals. And, while they intercepted QB John Wolford three times, they only generated one sack. That isn’t good enough. Wolford completed 19 of 35 passes for 176 yards, while the Conquerors had a paltry 220 yards net offense.

-- (0-0)Conquerors 12 - 19 Alliance(0-0)
(MEX): QB Wolford - 19/35 176 yards, 3 INTs, RB Williams - 11 carries, 36 yards, WR Davis - 3 catches, 58 yards, WR Seferian-Jenkins - 5 catches, 46 yards
(MON): QB Fajardo - 14/21 261 yards, RB Stanback - 16 carries, 42 yards, 4 catches, 46 yards, WR Mack - 4 catches, 120 yards, WR Julien-Grant - 2 catches, 62 yards

XFL Week 1:

February 20, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA -

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB - 20/33 179 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB - 14 carries, 80 yards, WR - 3 catches, 51 yards
(): QB - 13/25 202 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB - 11 carries, 59 yards, WR - 5 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD

XFL Draft Stockpiles HBCU Talent Ahead of Legacy Bowl

February 22, 2023

New York, NY - During this week's XFL draft, all teams selected at least one player from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Chicago Enforcers led the charge by grabbing a league-high three players from HBCU schools in Tuesday's draft. Daryl Johnston, executive director of football operations for the XFL, and James Popp, director of player administration, were both on hand for the HBCU combine at the New Orleans Saints' indoor facility in Metairie, Louisiana, which included 30 scouts from most NFL teams to evaluate 100 draft-eligible players on hand. The HBCU Legacy Bowl, an all-star game showcasing draft-eligible players from HBCUs, takes place at Tulane University's Yulman Stadium.

The Enforcers talked with every player they drafted about exhausting their NFL options before figuring out what awaits them in the XFL, including potential inclusion in this year's upcoming NFL draft. "I had a conversation with every last guy, explaining to them that we're not trying to take away their NFL opportunity," Popp said. "What we want them to do is go through the process - every young man deserves that because it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal and once they go through the process, if something doesn't go the way they want it to go, we let them know that they will have a home with the Enforcers, to be able to come in and compete for a spot."

San Antonio to Host 2023 XFL Championship Game

February 23, 2023

San Antonio, TX - The XFL announced that the Alamodome, home of the San Antonio Commanders, has been selected as the host site of its 2023 XFL Championship Game. "We are thrilled to announce that San Antonio and the Alamodome will be the host of this season's Championship Game," said Russ Brandon, XFL President. "I have been so impressed by the level of enthusiasm and commitment from the fans in San Antonio. We can't wait to bring together the best two teams to compete for the Championship title in an event that will celebrate our players, coaches, and the revival of professional football in San Antonio."

"San Antonio is the perfect spot for the championship game and we are more than ready to host this exciting event," said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "From the Alamo to the Riverwalk to the city's burgeoning culinary scene, XFL fans will have an array of fantastic entertainment options for championship weekend in San Antonio. The Alamodome is built for sports' biggest championships, from Final Fours to bowl games, so hosting the XFL title game here is a perfect fit. For 30 years, the Dome has been home to many of football's biggest moments and memories, and we couldn't be happier to host so many more on one of the sport's biggest stages."

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 2: Home Woes Continue as Mistakes Sting Conquerors in Loss to Calgary

February 23, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO - Frustratingly enough, it was more of the same old, same old for the Mexico City Conquerors. Same struggling offense, same mistakes, same interceptions and turnovers and same home-field struggles. The Conquerors fell 26-15 to the Calgary Greys. At least it was close at the half. QB John Wolford completed 12-of-21 passes for just 72 yards before being replaced by QB Tyrie Adams, who completed 8-of-15 for 88 yards. After marching the ball deep into Greys’ territory on the opening drive of the game, the Conquerors elected to gamble, instead of attempting a short field goal, and it backfired. With the ball on the four-yard line, Arbuckle had three straight incomplete passes.

What looked like a long touchdown pass to WR Malik Henry was called back for offensive pass interference. On a P Cody Grace punt, WR Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi was stripped of the ball and Calgary DB Darius Williams picked up the fumble at the 21-yard line. Calgary took an 8-0 lead on the final play of the first quarter with a rushing touchdown by RB Dedrick Mills and the two-point convert catch by WR Tre Odoms-Dukes. Mexico City finally got some momentum when DB Alonzo Addae sped down the field and stripped the ball from RB Peyton Logan. It was picked up by Mexico City DB Adam Auclair on the Calgary 11-yard line. Mexico City settled for a 13-yard field goal and it was 15-3. Bad tackling by the Conquerors gave the Greys a 30-yard completion to WR Reggie Begelton. The Conquerors got a boost from their defense when Auclair picked off a QB Jake Maier overthrow and gave Mexico City the ball on the Calgary 40. But, on the next play, Wolford tossed a pass directly into the hands of Calgary DL Micah Awe. Adams replaced Wolford for Mexico City’s next offensive series. Midway through the third quarter, Calgary was successful on a fourth-and-one gamble from the 10. Two plays later, Maier pushed into the end zone and the convert made it 22-11. After scrambling and running for 11 yards and a first down, Adams found WR Trevor Davis downfield for a 50-yard gain and then a 45-yard goal attempt was wide left. Adams avoided a couple of tackles and, scrambling to his right, found Davis for a 24-yard gain. Mexico City had a first-and-goal from the Calgary eight with a bit more than five minutes left. A short field goal made it 22-14. A big stumble by Mexico City’s defense left Henry open with nobody within 30 yards of him and he ran 56 yards to the 19. A Calgary field goal made it 25-14. On the kickoff, RB Jackson Bennett ran the ball past midfield. Two penalties, facemasking and unnecessary roughness, moved it up 30 yards to the Calgary 24. But, on the next play, Adams was intercepted by DB Tre Roberson.

-- (0-1)Greys 25 - 14 Conquerors(0-1)
(CAL): QB Maier - 22/33 332 yards, 1 INT, RB Mills - 19 carries, 102 yards, 1 TD, WR Begelton - 8 catches, 141 yards, WR Henry - 7 catches, 108 yards, WR Dukes - 3 catches, 54 yards
(MEX): QB Wolford - 12/21 109 yards, 1 INT, RB McAllister - 8 carries, 39 yards, WR Davis - 4 catches, 95 yards, WR Hardy - 6 catches, 57 yards

XFL Week 2: Crusaders Rally Again to Topple Seattle on the Road

February 23, 2023

Seattle, WA - The London Crusaders completed their second straight fourth-quarter comeback in the final seconds to improve to 2-0 on the season with a 20-18 win over the Seattle Dragons at Lumen Field in Seattle. After an 18-15, come-from behind victory Sunday at Munich, the Crusaders found themselves down by one point with 1 minute, 21 seconds to play. QB AJ McCarron then led the Crusaders 50 yards down the field, while accounting for 23 rushing yards himself, to set up K Donny Hageman for a 44-yard, game-winning field goal as time expired. London took their first lead of the contest, 17-12, when WR Hakeem Butler caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from McCarron for the Crusaders' longest play of the season with 7:14 left in the game. The Dragons came back with a seven-play, 60-yard touchdown drive of their own two possessions later to take an 18-17 lead, but they were unable to complete a 3-point conversion attempt from the London 10-yard line.

The Crusaders' special teams and defense provided the offense several extra opportunities thanks to three turnovers in the second half. WR Gary Jennings recovered a muffed punt by Seattle WR Jahcour Pearson, and DL Kevin Atkins recovered a fumble by RB Morgan Ellison that London DL LaCale London forced with 10:20 left in the third. Hageman converted his first 44- yard field goal of the night seven plays later to bring St. Louis within one point of Seattle, 12-11. London forced another fumble that Atkins recovered again on the next Seattle drive. The Crusaders forced three fumbles for the game and hold a 5-0 turnover margin for the season. The St. Louis offense got on the scoreboard with its first drive of the second quarter on a 14- play, 72-yard drive McCarron completed with a quarterback sneak from the 1 yard line. He then found WR Marcell Ateman for a 2-point conversion that narrowed Seattle's lead to 12-8. Seattle built a 12-0 lead early with a 29-yard field goal with 4:02 left in the opening quarter and a 54-yard touchdown pass from QB Ben DiNucci to WR Jahcour Pearson on the first play of the second quarter. Seattle elected a 3-point conversion attempt, and DiNucci connected with Josh Gordon in the end zone to extend the Dragons' advantage to a dozen points.

-- (1-0)Crusaders 20 - 18 Dragons(0-1)
(LON): QB McCarron - 22/36 184 yards, 1 TD, 5 carries, 41 yards, 1 TD, RB Durant - 13 carries, 34 yards, WR Butler - 4 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 19/29 196 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ellison - 10 carries, 50 yards, WR Pearson - 4 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 2:

February 24, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (1-0)Sea Bears 45 - 27(0-0)
(WIN): QB Woodside - 23/31 293 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oliveira - 10 carries, 42 yards, WR Schoen - 8 catches, 145 yards, 1 TD, WR Wolitarsky - 5 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Demski - 5 catches, 56 yards
(): QB - 29/41 413 yards, 3 TDs, RB - 6 carries, 20 yards, WR - 9 catches, 121 yards, WR - 6 catches, 132 yards, WR - 7 catches, 78 yards, 3 TDs

XFL Week 2: Defenders, Weather Wear down Vipers in Las Vegas' Home Opener

February 25, 2023

Las Vegas, NV - On a cold, windy evening in the desert, pregame sprinkles before the Las Vegas Vipers XFL home opener with the visiting Washington Defenders turned into a downpour just before the half. After a sloppy and largely uneventful first half, DC created their own deluge of a sort, dominating the second half with an impressive run game and spoiling the Vipers' first game at Cashman Field, 18-6, in front of an announced crowd of 16,023. The Vipers started the game going three-and-out but forced a turnover on DC first possession of the game. RB DeAndre Torrey then punched in a two-yard touchdown to get the Vipers on the board and take an early 6-0 lead after the two-point conversion failed. The remainder of the first half was a defensive showcase. During the middle of the second quarter, DC threatened to close the gap, but a fumble on the Vipers two-yard line, which was recovered by LB PJ Dawson, gave Vegas a 6-0 lead going into halftime. The skies opened up in the second half, as rain poured on Cashman Field, but that didn't phase K Matt McCrane as he nailed a 47-yard field goal to cut the deficit in half early in the third quarter. The Defenders took the lead early in the fourth quarter when backup QB D'Eriq King rushed in a score from 12 yards out, giving DC a 10-6 advantage. About six minutes later, RB Abram Smith ran in a nine-yard score and King connected with TE Ethan Wolf for a two-point conversion to give DC an 18-6 lead that they wouldn't relinquish.

-- (1-0)Defenders 18 - 6 Vipers(0-1)
(DC): QB Ta'amu - 11/23 93 yards, RB Smith - 11 carries, 71 yards, 1 TD, Hammond - 3 catches, 24 yards
(LV): QB Hundley - 11/18 98 yards, RB Smith - 6 carries, 38 yards, WR Badet - 2 catches, 6 yards

-- (1-0)Alliance W - Guardians(0-0)
(MON): QB
(NY): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 2: Mercenaries Pull away in Paris for First Franchise Victory

February 26, 2023

Paris, FRANCE - Despite a strong defensive effort in the first half, the Paris Musketeers fell to the Munich Mercenaries in the Musketeers' home opener. Munich struck first on the game's opening drive when QB Jack Coan hit TE Deon Yelder for a three-yard touchdown pass, giving the visitors a 6-0 lead. The Musketeers matched the Mercenaries' score with a touchdown pass of their own from QB Paxton Lynch to WR Eli Rogers for eight yards to tie the game at 6-6. It was Rogers' first touchdown catch of the season. The Musketeers ran the ball efficiently on the first drive with RB Jah-Maine Martin at the helm, including a 38-yard rush to put the team in scoring position. Lynch went 3-of-3 for 41 yards on the possession en route to his second touchdown pass of the season. Late in the first half, the Mercenaries found the end zone again with a 19-yard touchdown pass to TE Alize Mack. Coan's second touchdown pass of the day and a successful two-point attempt put Munich up 14-6. Paris was bullish on the defensive front tallying seven tackles-for-loss and holding the Mercenaries 0-for-4 on third down. The Musketeers' defense allowed negative seven rushing yards in the first half. The Mercenaries found the end zone six minutes into the third quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Coan to Jalen Tolliver. A successful one-point conversion put the Mercenaries up 20-6 with 8:50 left in the third quarter. A blocked punt set up the next Munich score. A one-yard rush by RB Jonathan Hillman and a successful one-point conversion left the Mercenaries up 27-6. Early in the fourth quarter, Paris QB Deondre Francois found WR Cody Latimer for a 4-yard touchdown pass to pull within 15 points, 27-12. Francois's first touchdown pass of the season resulted in Latimer's second touchdown catch. A fourth-quarter goal from Mercenaries' K Parker Romo accounted for the final score.

-- (0-1)Mercenaries 30 - 12 Musketeers(0-1)
(MUN): QB Coan - 16/24 165 yards, 3 TDs, RB Ballage - 12 carries, 23 yards, WR Roberson - 4 catches, 38 yards
(PAR): QB Lynch - 9/19 79 yards, 1 TD, RB Martin - 9 carries, 46 yards, WR Latimer - 5 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 2: Renegades Can't Keep Pace at Houston in First Loss

February 26, 2023

Houston, TX - The Dallas Renegades were handed their first loss of the season by the Houston Roughnecks on Sunday at the TDECU Stadium in Houston. The first quarter of the contest resulted in an early 13-0 lead for the Houston Roughnecks. An opening drive 42-yard field goal by Houston K Hunter Duplessis is what put them on the board first. Riding the early momentum, Roughnecks QB Brandon Silvers threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to RB Nick Holley to score the first touchdown of the contest. The Renegades bounced back in the second quarter, regaining control of the game, when WR LuJuan Winningham scored the teams first offensive touchdown of the season. Winningham caught a 4-yard pass from QB Drew Plitt to put the Renegades on the board with 9:23 left in the quarter. Plitt continued the team's scoring momentum with a 13 yard touchdown pass to TE Nate Becker. After a successful two point conversion to WR Tyler Vaughns, the Renegades took their first lead of the game. Dallas was up 14-11 headed into the half.

In the second half of the game, Silvers threw a 15-yard pass to WR Cedric Byrd to put up 6 more for the Roughnecks. The next big play of the half happened early in the fourth when Houston DB Sean Davis intercepted Plitt's pass, returning it for 15-yards. Houston's regained possession set them up with a scoring drive. RB Max Borghi had a 4-yard rushing touchdown that increased the Roughneck's lead to 9. The Renegades' special teams and defense provided the offense with several extra opportunities thanks to the three Houston turnovers in the second quarter alone. WR LuJuan Winningham forced two fumbles, the first that was recovered by TE Sal Cannella and the second by LS Antonio Ortiz. DB Josh Hawkins forced and recovered the final fumble of the quarter giving the Dallas offense the ability to put up 14 points.

-- (1-0)Renegades 14 - 23 Roughnecks(1-0)
(DAL): QB Plitt - 15/30 120 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Smith - 7 carries, 16 yards, TE Cannella - 4 catches, 38 yards
(HOU): QB Silvers - 14/28 173 yards, 2 TDs, QB McDonald - 7 carries, 39 yards, WR Putman - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 2:

February 27, 2023

Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)0 - 22 Otters(1-0)
(): QB - 13/22 103 yards, RB - 7 carries, 41 yards, WR - 5 catches, 46 yards
(VAN): QB Adams - 25/35 324 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Mizzell - 18 carries, 93 yards, WR McInnis - 4 catches, 79 yards, WR Rhymes - 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Cottoy - 5 catches, 54 yards, WR Hollins - 5 catches, 53 yards

XFL Week 2:

February 27, 2023

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA -

-- (0-0)14 - 32 Argonauts(1-0)
(): QB - 16/24 161 yards, 2 INTs, RB Butler - 16 carries, 60 yards, 1 TD, 7 catches, 57 yards, WR - 6 catches, 102 yards
(TOR): QB Kelly - 14/23 213 yards, 5 carries, 28 yards, 3 TDs, RB Ouellette - 13 carries, 60 yards, WR Coxie - 6 catches, 131 yards

Uncle Jim Kelly tells QB Chad Kelly to take Fewer Hits

February 28, 2023

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly got some words of advice from his uncle and legendary Buffalo Bills’ passer Jim Kelly going into his first start of the 2023 season. “He just told me to have fun and take what the defense gives me,” Kelly said. “I’m still hearing it from every single uncle already, ‘Get the hell down.’ I guess I gotta learn but they gotta understand, I was trying to get the first down.”

Kelly threw for 213 yards but was surprisingly effective along the ground, rushing five times for 28 yards. His uncle wasn’t the only one who criticized him for taking too many hits as he drew the ire of his head coach late in the game when he kept the ball on a read-option play. “The hit he took at the end there, I’m like, ‘What are you doing, man? I told you don’t take a hit’ and he takes one. Whatever. He’s gotta learn from that and get better,” said offensive coordinator Ryan Dinwiddie. “I called some things a little more conservative just to kind of see where we’re at but Chad’s a gamer, that’s why we chose to bring him in to be our franchise quarterback. We believe in Chad, we knew it from the get-go and we’re continuing to grow together.”

The 29-year-old was the backup to QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson last season but is now the unquestioned face of an XFL franchise. He indicated that he worked on his conditioning this off-season, though he still has a ways to go in order to be prepared for a long 20-game regular season. “You’ve gotta be prepared to play a whole game, your body, your mentality, there’s a lot more that comes with being the face. I had to make sure I trained really hard this off-season to be prepared,” said Kelly. “I feel good. I wish I was a little quicker in the second half but that’ll come with endurance and keep on working hard.”

McCarron After Back-to-Back XFL Comeback Wins: ‘This Is Special’

March 1, 2023

London, ENGLAND - AJ McCarron led his team to a second-straight comeback win on Thursday night, as the London Crusaders defeated the Seattle Dragons 20–18 in the XFL’s first game of Week 2. He was emotional last week, as he celebrated his win with his family, and those emotions didn’t go away this week. The former Alabama quarterback threw for 184 yards and a touchdown on Thursday night, including a drive that resulted in the game-winning field goal as time expired. After the game, McCarron told ESPN how much it means for him to be able to prove he can still play and start for a team. “Ever since I came out of college, I’ve been counted out a little bit,” he said. “It’s just fun to come out here and play, I missed playing.”

McCarron was a star at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide win back-to-back National Championships in 2011 and ’12. He then spent eight years as a backup quarterback in the NFL with the Bengals, Raiders and Texans. Now, McCarron has a chance to start again in the XFL and show he is recovered from that injury. At 32-years-old, McCarron has had special moments in the XFL that he would not have in the NFL. “Not always just being a backup, and that’s a great living, it really is and I absolutely love it, but I love playing,” he added. “This is special and I can’t thank the XFL enough.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 3: Vancouver Sacks Woodside 7 Times in Domination

March 2, 2023

Winnipeg, MANITOBA, CANADA - The unbeaten Vancouver Otters knew they were good. The rest of the league thought they were, too. Thursday night in Winnipeg, the Otters came out and did doughnuts on the turf. They dominated on both sides of the ball and won. The Otters, though, are just getting started. “This win don’t mean nothing,” cornerback TJ Lee said. The Championship is what they want, not bragging rights. This defense might just get them there. In three games, the Otters have given up just 21 points, and just a single touchdown in 39 drives. The defense held the league’s top-scoring machine in check, and sacked QB Logan Woodside seven times, three coming from DL Mathieu Betts. LB Ben Hladik also had a fourth-quarter interception that Vancouver turned into a soul-crushing touchdown on the very next play. The Sea Bears had scored 87 points in their first two games, including seven offensive touchdowns, but were put in a chokehold by this defense, finishing with just 234 yards in offense. Their only points came off the boot of K Sergio Castillo, who hit from 37 and 21.

Winnipeg had some early success with RB Brady Oliveira on the ground, but had to abandon the ground game after squandering their scoring chances while the Otters didn’t. Oliveira had 47 yards in the first half, but just five in the second. After holding the Sea Bears to a field goal near the end of the first half, the Otters turned around and marched 70 yards in five plays, capped off with a WR Alexander Hollins touchdown with two seconds left. Instead of it being 17-10 going into half, it was 17-6. Adams tested the Sea Bears secondary with deep shots early and often, drawing two pass interference calls in bombs to Hollins, leading to the game’s opening touchdown from RB Shaun Shivers on a one-yard plunge. Even with WRs KaVontae Turpin, Dominque Rhymes and Keon Hatcher out with injuries, the Otters receivers torched the Winnipeg secondary. Hollins finished the game with eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, while the reactivated and healed WR Lucky Whitehead added five for 72. “We played well start to finish,” said Campbell. “Anytime they tried to get back in it, we wouldn’t let them. We came up with the plays when we needed them. We talked about this not being a make or break football game. It was an important game because it’s a West Division team and it’s on the road, but I like that our guys aren’t celebrating too hard.”

-- (2-0)Otters 30 - 6 Sea Bears(2-0)
(VAN): QB Adams - 20/29 237 yards, 2 TDs, RB Mizzell - 10 carries, 50 yards, WR Hollins - 8 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Whitehead - 5 catches, 72 yards, WR McInnis - 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(WIN): QB Woodside - 15/26 191 yards, 1 INT, RB Oliveira - 10 carries, 52 yards, WR Demski - 6 catches, 55 yards, WR Agudosi - 5 catches, 61 yards

XFL Week 3:

March 3, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (2-0)Alliance 38 - 12(0-0)
(MON): QB Fajardo - 19/25 292 yards, 2 TDs, RB Stanback - 9 carries, 69 yards, WR Julien-Grant - 6 catches, 94 yards, WR Mack - 5 catches, 81 yards, 2 TDs
(): QB - 25/47 345 yards, 2 INTs, RB Butler - 9 carries, 38 yards, WR - 7 catches, 143 yards, WR - 5 catches, 102 yards, WR - 6 catches, 57 yards

XFL Week 3: Seattle Stuns Las Vegas Late

March 4, 2023

Las Vegas, NV - The Seattle Dragons traveled to Nevada to take on the Las Vegas Vipers in a windy Week 3 matchup. Seattle received the opening kickoff, but the Vipers' defense looked to make a stand early after forcing QB Ben DiNucci to fumble on their first offensive series which was recovered by LB CJ Avery. The Vipers capitalized off the turnover after QB Brett Hundley spotted WR Jeff Badet in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown pass, giving the first points to the Vipers and a 6-0 lead following the failed 2-point conversion. A few series later, the Dragons tied up the game at 6-6 after DiNucci found WR Blake Jackson for a 26-yard touchdown pass to cap off a 7-play, 91 yard drive, but failed to complete the three-point conversion. In the second quarter, both teams exchanged field goals with a 39-yard field goal by K Bailey Giffen and a 34-yard field goal by K Dominik Eberle, tying the game at 9-9 going into halftime.

Heading into the second half, the Vipers offense started off the quarter with an explosive 56-yard pass to Badet where Hundley cleaned up the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, taking the lead right back to 17-9 after a successful 2-point conversion to WR Martavis Bryant. On the first offensive series for the Dragons in the second half, DiNucci threw an interception to DB Adam Sparks, leading to a 47-yard field goal by Giffen to increase the Vipers lead to 20-9. The Dragons responded with a 16-yard touchdown pass to WR Josh Gordon from DiNucci, trimming the lead to 20-15 following the missed 3-point conversion. As the fourth quarter rolled around, Eberle cut the Vipers lead to 20-18 after tacking on a 32-yard field goal. On the next series, the Vipers looked to pull away after Hundley converted a 50-yard touchdown pass to RB John Lovett, pushing the lead to 26-18 after a missed two-point conversion. The Dragons came roaring back on their next series after DiNucci darted a 22-yard touchdown pass to WR Juwan Green to cut the lead to 26-24 after failing to convert another three-point conversion. After forcing the Vipers to punt on their next series, DiNucci found Gordon deep downfield for a 65-yard touchdown pass to convert a fourth down and to take a late 30-26 lead after missing a 3-point conversion. The Vipers looked to make one last heroic comeback, but fell short after a failed fourth down conversion, sealing the first victory of the season for the Seattle Dragons.

-- (0-2)Dragons 30 - 26 Vipers(0-2)
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 29/37 377 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, RB Ellison - 17 carries, 103 yards, WR Gordon - 6 catches, 118 yards, 2 TDs, WR Pearson - 7 catches, 99 yards, WR Veasy - 4 catches, 63 yards
(LV): QB Hundley - 13/28 224 yards, 2 TDs, 8 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 10 carries, 41 yards, WR Badet - 4 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 3: Crusaders Fall to DC after Second-Half Struggles

March 4, 2023

Washington, DC - The London Crusaders' third straight fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell short in a 34-28 loss to the DC Defenders in a Week 3 contest at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. A 2-yard touchdown pass and 5-yard, two-point conversion pass from QB AJ McCarron to WR Steven Mitchell Jr. with 22 seconds to play were not enough for the Crusaders to come back from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Defenders took a lead they would not relinquish with 17 straight points in the second half. A 2-yard touchdown run by QB Jordan Ta'amu gave DC a 23-20 lead with 3 minutes, 8 seconds left in the third quarter, and a successful two-point conversion extended the Defenders' lead to 25-20. A field goal and touchdown in the fourth quarter then gave DC a 34-20 advantage. London recovered from a 14-0 deficit in the first half and took its only lead of the game when McCarron completed a 23-yard pass to TE Jake Sutherland with 8:26 left in the third quarter. Sutherland's first touchdown catch of the season gave the Crusaders a 20-17 lead. WR Darrius Shepherd put the Crusaders in position for the go-ahead touchdown with a 72- yard kickoff return. Shepherd also had a 58-yard return in the fourth quarter.

The Crusaders overcame an early 14-0 deficit and tied the score at 14 points apiece on their final drive of the first half. McCarron was 7-for-8 for 67 passing yards on a drive that ended with a 1-yard completion to WR Hakeem Butler with three seconds left before halftime. Butler caught five passes for 58 yards on the drive, including his team-high third touchdown catch of the year. The Defenders stormed to their 14-point lead within the first 5:15 of the game. A 77-yard touchdown drive that included a two-point conversion put DC up, 8-0. DB Michael Joseph then intercepted McCarron two plays later and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. London closed to within six points of DC's lead, 14-8, with its first score of the game when McCarron found RB Brian Hill for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 5:33 left in the first quarter. McCarron then hit Shepherd for a 5-yard pass good for a two-point conversion that completed an eight-play, 73-yard drive.

-- (2-0)Crusaders 28 - 34 Defenders(2-0)
(LON): QB McCarron - 26/42 262 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Hill - 12 carries, 32 yards, 4 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 9 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD, WR Shepherd - 5 catches, 51 yards
(DC): QB Ta'amu - 11/20 196 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 16 carries, 54 yards, RB Armstead - 11 carries, 51 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 89 yards, WR Blair - 2 catches, 62 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 3: Musketeers Come Up Short against Renegades

March 5, 2023

Dallas, TX - The Paris Musketeers dropped a heartbreaker Sunday at Choctaw Stadium, falling to the Dallas Renegades 10-9. Paris opened the contest with a strong drive on its opening possession, embarking on a 12-play, 48-yard march that resulted in a K Jose Borregales 35-yard field goal, giving the Musketeers a 3-0 lead. The drive took nearly half the first quarter. The Musketeers have now scored on their opening possession in all three games this season. Dallas responded with a field goal of its own with under 40 seconds left in the first quarter when K Taylor Russolino hit a 21-yarder to even the score at 3-3. Both teams remained scoreless in the second and third quarters before Paris took a six-point lead on the first play of the fourth quarter. QB Paxton Lynch took a quarterback draw three yards into the end zone for the score. Paris' 1-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the Musketeers on top 9-3.

With 7:58 left in the fourth quarter, Dallas answered with its own touchdown after QB Kyle Sloter connected with WR Tyler Vaughns for a 17-yard touchdown, tying it at 9-9. A successful 1-point conversion run by RB DeVeon Smith gave the Renegades a 10-9 advantage, their first lead of the contest. The Musketeers had two more possessions, but could not penetrate Dallas territory. Lynch was 19-of-31 passing for 219 yards and one rushing touchdown. Sloter finished the contest with 124 passing yards and one touchdown, completing 18 of 23 attempts. Lynch also led the Musketeers with 10 carries for 43 yards, while WR Cody Latimer recorded six receptions for 66 yards.

-- (0-2)Musketeers 9 - 10 Renegades(1-1)
(PAR): QB Lynch - 19/31 219 yards, 10 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD, RB Taylor - 7 carries, 25 yards, WR Latimer - 6 catches, 66 yards
(DAL): QB Sloter - 18/23 124 yards, 1 TD, RB Smith - 18 carries, 49 yards, WR Vaughns - 5 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 3: Roughnecks Hold off Munich to Move to 3-0

March 5, 2023

Houston, TX - The Houston Roughnecks continued their stellar play on Sunday night, defeating the Munich Mercenaries by a score of 22-13 at TDECU Stadium. The Mercenaries struck first with an opening drive touchdown, set up by a 59-yard return on the opening kickoff. After going down 7-0, Roughnecks' QB Brandon Silvers led the offense down the field for a scoring drive of their own, capped off by a 7-yard touchdown by WR Jontre Kirklin. A successful 2-point try from Silvers to Kirklin gave the Roughnecks their first lead of the game at 8-7. Houston's defense would hold the Munich offense to two punts for the remainder of the quarter. The second quarter was controlled entirely by the Roughnecks, as the offense came up with big plays and the defense remained stout. After completions of 27 and 25 yards, Silvers would hook up with Kirklin yet again for a 3-yard touchdown to increase their lead to 14-7. Silvers tossed his third touchdown to cap off the first half, as he connected with WR Deontay Burnett on an 18-yard pass. A successful three-point try by QB Cole McDonald bumped the score up to 22-7 going into halftime.

After a Silvers interception midway through the third quarter by Mercenaries' DB Kameron Kelly, Munich would strike back with a 2-yard touchdown rush of their own, making the score 22-13. While the Houston defense held Munich scoreless in the second quarter, the Mercenaries returned that same favor in the third. An early fourth quarter interception by Roughnecks' DB Ajene Harris gave him his third of the season in as many games. On Munich's next drive, they were held to no gain three consecutive times at the one-yard line by Houston's defensive front. On fourth down, a combined tackling effort by DB AJ Harris and DB Jordan Mosley stuffed the Mercenaries for a four-yard loss and a pivotal turnover on downs. The game would later end in true Roughnecks' fashion, as LB John Daka and LB Chauncey Rivers combined for a sack as the clock ran out, giving Houston the victory over Munich.

-- (1-1)Mercenaries 13 - 22 Roughnecks(2-0)
(MUN): QB Coan - 8/20 64 yards, RB Patrick - 8 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, TE Mack - 3 catches, 27 yards
(HOU): QB Silvers - 24/35 278 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Borghi - 15 carries, 74 yards, WR Kirklin - 6 catches, 77 yards, 2 TDs

-- (0-2)Conquerors L - (0-0)
(MEX): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 3:

March 6, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)29 - 26 Greys(1-1)
(): QB - 20/30 275 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB - 22 carries, 133 yards, WR - 5 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR - 3 catches, 77 yards
(CAL): QB Maier - 18/35 288 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Mills - 14 carries, 74 yards, WR Henry - 4 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, WR Tucker - 5 catches, 60 yards, WR Dukes - 4 catches, 63 yards

XFL Week 3:

March 6, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (2-0)Argonauts 43 - 31(0-0)
(TOR): QB Kelly - 13/23 264 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Ouellette - 18 carries, 84 yards, RB Adeboboye - 13 carries, 80 yards, WR Ungerer - 3 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD, WR Brissett - 4 catches, 63 yards, WR Phillips - 2 catches, 61 yards
(): QB - 9/11 163 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB - 7 carries, 21 yards, WR - 8 catches, 98 yards, WR - 2 catches, 86 yards, 2 TDs

McMahon lauds AJ McCarron for taking less money

March 7, 2023

London, ENGLAND - Former Cincinnati Bengals QB AJ McCarron has hit the ground running in his first season in the XFL, leading the London Crusaders to two thrilling comeback victories for a 3-0 start. McCarron received praise from XFL founder Vince McMahon on Friday for his decision to leave the NFL in order to “create memories” with his two young sons. “Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play,” McMahon said, “Now he’s 3-0 and led his team to back-to-back exciting last minute wins. I’d say he’s creating some memories for his boys. AJ’s decision means a helluva lot to me, personally.” McMahon was referring to comments made by McCarron last week about his decision to pursue a career in the XFL rather than the NFL, where he served as a backup quarterback for teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Las Vegas Raiders.

“My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. That’s a big reason I chose to return this way,” McCarron said. “I probably could’ve tried to come back with an NFL team and had a chance to probably make bigger money, but no one knows what the future holds. I’m enjoying this, and it’s a great way to create some memories for me and my boys.”

Musketeers' DC Buckley Throws Entire Team Under the Bus

March 8, 2023

Paris, FRANCE - There have only been three XFL games so far this season. However, the Paris Musketeers have already proven to be one of the worst teams in the league. Now, tensions are starting to get high. Paris benched starting QB Paxton Lynch in their first game. Paris was dominated in back-to-back-to back weeks by Houston, Dallas and Munich. This led to defensive coordinator Terrell Buckley throwing his entire team under the bus when asked about how his team could try to get back into the game with Munich. “We’ve got to get different guys in there,” Buckley said. “Obviously, we’ve got guys out there that are not competing, that are not making plays. So, we have got to get people in there, young men, that want to play, that want to compete and make plays. I’m seeing guys that are not performing. I tell them, ‘Look at the scoreboard.’ They’ve got to perform.”

Linebacker Darnell Sankey stepping up for Renegades

March 9, 2023

Dallas, TX - Linebacker was supposed to be one of the big question marks for the Dallas Renegades heading into the year. The Renegades had veterans ready to start at most positions, but until camp got started, there was no clear frontrunner for the ever-important middle linebacker spot. Those questions didn’t last long, though. By the end of training camp, it was clear that Darnell Sankey had won the job. A couple of weeks in the season, it’s clear that he isn’t intending on letting it go anytime soon. “I think he’s a good leader, as well. I think our linebackers have been really solid,” said Renegades head coach Bob Stoops. “I think the group’s been solid and we weren’t sure about the mike linebacker, we really weren’t. Sankey’s kind of taken it and ran with it. I think he’s upping his game. He’s young, but he’s a good leader, you can tell. He’s smart and he loves football.”

Sankey has taken an area of perceived weakness and turned it into a position of strength for the Renegades. After Week 3, he’s tied for the fourth-most tackles in the XFL, with 17. “It’s always something I’m proud of, but I try not to look at that,” Sankey said. “I just want to win. I really want to win. I don’t like to lose. I’m not a loser. Defensive accolades are nice, they’re good, but that’ll take care of itself. If we come, we perform as a team, we win the championship, all the defensive accolades I get on the way are great, but I really try not to focus on that.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 4:

March 9, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (0-0)11 - 12(0-0)
(): QB - 17/29 226 yards, 1 INT, 11 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD, RB - 15 carries, 65 yards, WR - 3 catches, 49 yards
(): QB - 19/29 292 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB - 11 carries, 52 yards, WR - 4 catches, 79 yards, WR - 3 catches, 63 yards

XFL Week 4: Winnipeg Pull Ahead in 2nd half to Defeat Greys 24-11

March 10, 2023

Winnipeg, MANITOBA, CANADA - WR Rasheed Bailey’s nine-yard touchdown catch after a Calgary Greys’ turnover broke a third-quarter tie and helped boost the Winnipeg Sea Bears to a 24-11 victory. With the game tied 11-11 late in the third quarter, Winnipeg DB Demerio Houston intercepted Calgary QB Jake Maier to register his third pick of the season. Sea Bears QB Logan Woodside then engineered a seven-play, 54-yard drive capped by Bailey’s touchdown with 1:37 remaining in the third to give the team its first lead of the game. Winnipeg then capitalized on Calgary K Rene Paredes’s missed 47-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth. Sea Bears WR Greg McCrae returned the ball 82 yards, leading to Sergio Castillo’s 27-yard field goal and a 21-11 lead. The victory in front of 40,561 fans at IG Field bumped up Winnipeg’s record to 3-1.

Parades put the first points on the board with his 30-yarder 4:09 into the first quarter. Winnipeg appeared to force a turnover when DB Evan Holm knocked down a pass in the end zone on fourth and two that was intended for WR Rysen John. However, Winnipeg was called for illegal contact. Calgary continued from Winnipeg’s 11-yard line and RB Dedrick Mills finished the drive with his three-yard touchdown run to go up 11-0. He had seven carries for 74 yards in the opening quarter. The energy in the stadium improved after Castillo connected on his 47-yarder, then McCrae got behind coverage and scored his touchdown with a minute and a half to go in the half. After both teams traded punts and couldn’t find the red zone, Houston intercepted Maier. Winnipeg ensured its victory with a 15-play, 99-yard drive that used up almost 10 minutes on the clock and ended with Castillo’s 22-yarder.

-- (1-2)Greys 11 - 24 Sea Bears(2-1)
(CAL): QB Maier - 14/25 122 yards, 1 INT, RB Mills - 14 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, WR Begelton - 4 catches, 51 yards, WR Dukes - 5 catches, 44 yards
(WIN): QB Woodside - 20/28 231 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oliveira - 15 carries, 73 yards, WR McCrae - 2 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD, WR Bailey - 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 4: Roughnecks Cruise to Win at Paris, Remain Undefeated

March 11, 2023

Paris, FRANCE - The Houston Roughnecks remain undefeated on the season as they took down the Paris Musketeers on Saturday night by a score of 44-16 at Camping World Stadium. The Roughnecks got off to a quick start in this one, thanks to RB Dejoun Lee's 41-yard kick return on the opening kickoff. The opening drive would end with a 21-yard touchdown pass from QB Brandon Silvers to WR Travell Harris, giving them a 6-0 lead. Houston's defense came up big on Paris' opening drive of the game, as DB William Likely came up with a 42-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. A successful two-point try pass from Silvers to WR Jontre Kirklin put the visitors up 14-0. Later in the quarter, Kirklin would connect with fellow WR Deontay Burnett on a double pass, 49-yard touchdown to go up by 20 points after 15 minutes of play. Paris avoided a first half shutout early in the 2nd quarter, as they saw a 33-yard field goal go through the uprights to put them on the scoreboard. The Houston defense was doing its thing in the first half, seeing LB Emmanuel Ellerbee and LB Trent Harris each pick up a half sack, DL Trevon Mason and OLB Tim Harris each getting a sack, DB Jordan Mosley forcing a fumble, and DB Sean Davis recovering a fumble. The defense faltered at the end of the half, however, allowing a 31-yard touchdown pass to make the score 26-10 going into halftime.

After giving up an 81-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter, the Roughnecks would later respond with a 1-yard touchdown by RB Dejoun Lee on the ground. This score was set up by a pass interference penalty on the Paris secondary in the endzone, placing the ball on the goal line. After three quarters of play, Houston led 32-16. The Roughnecks kept up their air attack on offense in the fourth quarter, as Silvers connected with Harris on a 59-yard touchdown. Though now up by 22 points, the Houston defense stayed hungry, as DL Trent Harris came up with a 1-yard sack later on in the quarter. The Roughnecks offense wasn't quite done yet, as they ended the final quarter with another 1-yard touchdown rush by Lee to go up 44-16.

-- (3-0)Roughnecks 44 - 16 Musketeers(0-3)
(HOU): QB Silvers - 24/30 239 yards, 3 TDs, RB Lee - 6 carries, 45 yards, 2 TDs, WR Harris - 3 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs, WR Burnett - 3 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD
(PAR): QB Lynch - 18/30 267 yards, 2 TDs, RB Darrington - 12 carries, 40 yards, WR Latimer - 4 catches, 57 yards, WR Rambo - 2 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD

-- (3-0)Argonauts W - Guardians(0-0)
(TOR): QB Kelly -
(NY): QB

XFL Week 4: Mercenaries' Offense Stalls at Seattle

March 11, 2023

Seattle, WA - Munich is held without a touchdown for the first time this season in a low-scoring affair that resulted in a 15-6 Seattle victory. For the first time since week one, Seattle was held to just one passing touchdown. The Mercenaries defense held Seattle's number one ranked passing offense in check, allowing just 264 passing yards, more than 20 yards less than their season average. For the fourth straight game, Munich drew first blood and put points on the board first. K Parker Romo made a 38-yard field goal with 0:38 left in the first quarter to give the Mercenaries a 3-0 lead. The field goal capped off an 11 play, 60-yard drive. To end the second half, Parker Romo nailed a 57-yard field goal to tie the game at 6-6. Romo's 57-yarder is the longest made field goal in the XFL this season. It also was Romo's fourth made field goal of 40+ yards.

DB Luq Barcoo held the XFL's leading WR Josh Gordon to just two catches and 12 yards throughout the first half. Barcoo had three pass break-ups and only allowed one first down reception. He had a crucial interception with 1:44 left in the fourth quarter to give the Mercenaries a second chance at a comeback. Barcoo has not allowed a touchdown reception, nor committed a defensive penalty this season. In his Mercenaries debut, WR Travis Toivonen set a new game-high for receiving yards with 54. In the third quarter, Toivonen hauled in the Mercenaries longest reception of the season for a 30-yard gain. Toivonen set two new game highs in his season debut. The Mercenaries offense relied on moving the ball through the air more than usual. Munich had a season-low 11 rushing attempts, which was 15 less than their previous low. The Mercenaries threw the ball a season high 39 times for 189 yards. WR Jalen Tolliver set a new game-high for receptions with six catches for 39 yards.

-- (1-2)Mercenaries 6 - 15 Dragons(1-2)
(MUN): QB Coan - 20/39 189 yards, RB Ballage - 5 carries, 5 yards, WR Toivonen - 3 catches, 54 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 28/41 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Ellison - 16 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR Pearson - 8 catches, 76 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 59 yards, WR Gordon - 5 catches, 57 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 4: Crusaders Top Dallas, 24-11 in London

March 12, 2023

London, ENGLAND - The London Crusaders opened their home schedule with a 24-11 win Sunday over the Dallas Renegades before a record-setting crowd of 48,310 fans. With the largest crowd in the history of professional spring football league games on hand, the Crusaders took a lead they would not relinquish when QB AJ McCarron found WR Darrius Shepherd for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 11 seconds left before halftime. McCarron then connected with RB Brian Hill for five yards to complete the two-point conversion to put London in front, 11-3. Hill rumbled 15 yards to the end zone with 6:48 left in the third quarter to extend the Crusaders' lead to 17-3. Hill also caught a 20-yard pass two plays earlier. He finished the game with a season-high 115 all-purpose yards, including a season-high 89 rushing yards that were the most by a Crusaders player this season. The Renegades closed to within six points of the Crusaders with a touchdown and two-point conversion on their first drive of the fourth quarter to make it 17-11, but London responded six plays later when McCarron and WR Hakeem Butler connected for a 25-yard touchdown. McCarron then hit TE Jake Sutherland on a 2-yard pass for a one-point conversion and build the lead to 13 points, 24-11.

London initially grabbed a lead on its first drive of the game, which covered 45 yards on 10 plays and ended on a 28-yard field goal by K Donny Hageman with 5:37 left in the first quarter. Hill provided 34 of the yards on that drive with four carries. Dallas then tied the game at three points apiece with 4:27 left before halftime on a 37-yard field goal by K Taylor Russolino. The Crusaders defense provided the offense multiple extra opportunities via turnovers for the fourth straight game. London created four turnovers with three interceptions and a fumble. DB Nate Meadors, LB Tre Watson Sr. and LB Silas Kelly all intercepted Dallas QB Kyle Sloter, while LB Travis Feeney forced and recovered his second fumble of the season.

-- (2-1)Renegades 11 - 24 Crusaders(2-1)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 23/39 205 yards, 3 INTs, RB Smith - 9 carries, 24 yards, 1 TD, WR Vaughns - 4 catches, 45 yards, TE Cannella - 6 catches, 40 yards
(LON): QB McCarron - 20/27 214 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD, WR Shepherd - 8 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD, WR Butler - 5 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 4: Vipers Fail to Seize Opportunities in D.C., Fall to 0-4

March 12, 2023

Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Vipers couldn't overcome an early miscue and fell, 32-18, to the Washington Defenders on Sunday, March 12 at Audi Field. On the first play of the game, a botched snapped caused a Vegas fumble by QB Brett Hundley and led to a DC score five plays later when QB DEriq King punched in a five-yard score the first touchdown of the game. At the end of the first quarter, Vipers K Bailey Giffen cut the lead in half with a 37-yard field goal, getting the Vipers on the board. DC's King opened up the second quarter with his second rushing touchdown followed by a good 2-point conversion pass, bringing the game to 14-3. During the middle part of the stanza, the Vipers threatened to close the gap, but settled with a 33-yard field goal by Giffen. Vegas had an opportunity to tie the game late in the half, but a QB Luis Perez touchdown was overturned and time ran out and the Defenders held a 14-6 lead going into halftime.

Vegas had a prime opportunity to open the second half, LB Travis Koontz recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. However, the Vipers couldn't convert on a fourth down, turning the ball over which then turned into three more points for DC after K Matt McCrane nailed a 35- yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-6. Perez connected with WR Cinque Sweeting for a 26-yard touchdown to open the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to one score. After trading possessions, the Defenders kept the lead for the remainder of the fourth quarter after McCrane hit a 26- yard field goal and the DC scored another touchdown when King connected with WR Jequez Ezzard for a 32-yard score, putting the game at 29-12. The Vipers answered about a minute later, when Perez and Sweeting paired up again to score the last touchdown of the game. McCrane hit his third field goal of the game late in the fourth to drive the score up to 32-18.

-- (0-3)Vipers 18 - 32 Defenders(3-0)
(LV): QB Perez - 23/32 283 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Lovett - 7 carries, 39 yards, WR Badet - 7 catches, 80 yards, WR Sweeting - 65 yards, 2 TDs, WR Bryant - 3 catches, 43 yards
(DC): QB Ta'amu - 14/19 177 yards, 9 carries, 89 yards, RB Smith - 22 carries, 58 yards, WR Blair - 4 catches, 84 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 65 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 4:

March 13, 2023

Columbus, OH -

-- (0-3)Conquerors 13 - 21 Battlehawks(0-0)
(MEX): QB Crum - 14/21 149 yards, 2 INTs, 6 carries, 91 yards, 1 TD, RB Williams - 11 carries, 30 yards, WR Hardy - 7 catches, 58 yards, WR Davis - 4 catches, 51 yards
(COL): QB Heinicke - 19/26 233 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Butler - 17 carries, 62 yards, TE Funchess - 7 catches, 59 yards

XFL Week 4: Otters Pounce on Montreal Miscues, Roll to 35-19 Triumph

March 13, 2023

Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - RB Shaun Shivers scored a touchdown as the host Vancouver Otters blitz the Montreal Alliance 35-19 on Monday. Playing in front of a home crowd at B.C. Place, Vernon Adams went 21-for-26 with one touchdown. The Otters also benefited from special team mishaps from the Alliance, including a blocked field goal attempt that was returned by DB Jalon Edwards-Coopers.

The game nearly had a nightmare start for the Otters, with Adams throwing a pick six on the second play of the game only for it to be called back for illegal contact. The quarterback rebounded to lead the first scoring drive of the game with RB JaQuan Hardy punching it in from the one-yard line. Shivers' touchdown came as he rushed three yards out of the shotgun formation to cap off a six-play, 45-yard scoring drive in the second quarter to extend the lead to seven. He finished the game with 57 yards and one touchdown. DL Mathieu Betts, who leads the league in sacks, added two to his tally to bring his season record to nine after repeatedly pressuring Fajardo. QB Cody Fajardo went 24-for-38 for the Alliance but was sacked six times by an aggressive Otters' defense.

-- (3-0)Alliance 19 - 35 Otters(3-0)
(MON): QB Fajardo - 24/39 280 yards, 8 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD, RB Stanback - 6 carries, 17 yards, WR Mack - 8 catches, 72 yards, WR Snead - 4 catches, 61 yards
(VAN): QB Adams - 21/26 291 yards, 1 TD, RB Shivers - 14 carries, 63 yards, 1 TD, 2 catches, 73 yards, WR Hatcher - 6 catches, 68 yards, WR Cottoy - 4 catches, 55 yards, 1 TD

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 5:

March 16, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (0-0)Battlehawks 37 - 29(0-0)
(COL): QB Heinicke - 10/17 184 yards, RB Butler - 14 carries, 127 yards, 1 TD, 3 catches, 40 yards, WR - 4 catches, 61 yards, WR - 2 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(): QB - 14/21 201 yards, 1 TD, RB - 11 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR - 4 catches, 101 yards, WR - 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR - 6 catches, 70 yards, WR - 4 catches, 68 yards

XFL Week 5: Alliance Succumb to Undefeated Argos

March 17, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - Montreal displayed tenacity and character under difficult circumstances, and might have been dealt a better fate on a normal week while playing at home. Considering everything his club was facing, Offensive Coordinator Jason Maas couldn’t help but keep a stiff upper lip. “The guys in that room, the group that we have,” Maas said. “The way we work and the way our organization is run. We just played three very good teams, battled them all a little bit differently, I think. But the effort’s there. The mindset is there to win. The work ethic is there in that building. The guys believe in each other and work hard together. That’s why I believe this won’t last. It’s just something we have to go through. Sometimes you have to lose to win. Right now, that’s what has happened to us. The good thing is, those guys in the locker room, I don’t have to second-guess none of them. Or their effort or who they are.”

The Alliance started slowly, unable to generate a first down until the final minute of the opening quarter and they required a Toronto offside penalty to do so. But Montreal actually took a 10-7 lead into halftime after a K David Côté 47-yard field goal to begin the second period, followed by a 10-play, 73-yard drive culminating in a 17-yard touchdown pass to rookie WR Tyler Snead. Montreal required barely more than two minutes to move 73 yards. And that’s what good teams are able to accomplish. The Alliance effectively controlled Toronto’s rush with short passes and screens, with a bit of misdirection mixed in. However, couldn’t build on that momentum in the third quarter, being outscored 13-3. But as the period was ending, QB Cody Fajardo engineered a nine-play, 70-yard drive, capped by a five-yard touchdown pass to Snead early in the fourth. Not only did they elect to gamble on fourth down from the Argos’ five-yard line, Fajardo eluded the rush from DL Folarin Orimolade before finding Snead. That tied the score 20-20. While the Alliance were playing an explosive offense, their defense wasn’t good enough. Toronto QB Chad Kelly was nearly flawless, completing 21 of 25 passes for 351 yards, three touchdowns and only one interception. Montreal’s defense allowed too many explosive plays, three alone more than 40 yards and struggled at times to corral RB AJ Ouellette, who gained 95 yards on 14 carries. The Argos scored 28 second-half points.

-- (4-0)Argonauts 35 - 27 Alliance(3-1)
(TOR): QB Kelly - 21/25 351 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Ouellette - 14 carries, 95 yards, WR Ungerer - 4 catches, 72 yards, 2 TDs, WR Coxie - 4 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD, WR Daniels - 91 yards
(MON): QB Fajardo - 26/36 281 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Stanback - 12 carries, 53 yards, WR Mack - 7 catches, 70 yards, WR Julien-Grant - 6 catches, 64 yards

XFL Week 5: Rally Falls Short as Roughnecks Suffer First Loss

March 18, 2023

Seattle, WA - The Houston Roughnecks lost their first game of the season as they fell to the Seattle Dragons on Friday night by a score of 21-14 at Lumen Field. The game had an attendance of 19,231. The game kicked off with both defenses standing their ground, as there were three consecutive punts between the two teams to start. The Dragons got on the board first with a 20-yard touchdown on the ground to put Seattle up 6-0. The Roughnecks were shut out in the opening quarter for the first time this season. After a strip sack turnover by the Houston offense early in the second quarter, the defense returned the favor as DB Sean Davis came up with an interception in Seattle's end zone. A 9-yard touchdown and successful three-point try, both through the air, would put the Dragons up 15-0 heading into the half. A second blocked punt by the Seattle special teams unit set them up with great field position in the third quarter, inside the Houston 10-yard line. The Roughnecks' defense stood tall, however, as DB Ajene Harris came up with yet another interception in the end zone.

The Roughnecks' defense continued to make big plays in this one, as LB John Daka forced a fumble early in the fourth quarter, recovered by DL Glen Logan. The first points scored by Houston came with 7:22 remaining in the game as RB Max Borghi punched it in from the one-yard line. The Houston defense followed suit, as Harris picked off QB Ben DiNucci for his second interception of the game. A late 3-yard touchdown rush by Seattle was matched by a 47-yard touchdown reception by Houston WR Justin Smith. A successful two-point try pass from QB Cole McDonald to WR Deontay Burnett made the score 21-14, with 24 seconds left in the game. On a 4th & 15 to keep possession of the ball, Houston converted with a 17-yard pass from Silvers to Burnett. The game would end after another Houston turnover.

-- (4-0)Roughnecks 14 - 21 Dragons(2-2)
(HOU): QB Silvers - 25/47 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Alleyne - 5 carries, 35 yards, WR Smith - 3 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD, WR Harris - 5 catches, 58 yards
(SEA): QB DiNucci - 17/32 209 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 4 carries, 33 yards, 1 TD, RB Hammonds - 4 carries, 28 yards, WR Pearson - 5 catches, 82 yards, WR Willis - 5 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 5: Crusaders Set another Attendance Mark, but Lose to Defenders

March 18, 2023

London, ENGLAND - The good news for the London Crusaders was in the stands Saturday night. The team broke the XFL attendance record it set a week ago when 45,868 made their way to watch the team's Week 5 matchup with the Washington Defenders. The bad news happened on the field, as the Crusaders dropped their second game of the season to DC 28-20. Crusaders QB AJ McCarron pulled St. Louis within one possession of the lead late in the fourth quarter when he completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to WR Steven Mitchell for his longest pass completion of the season. McCarron connected with Mitchell again on the ensuing two-point conversion to pull London within eight points of the Defenders. The Crusaders threatened to complete the comeback on their next drive before Defenders DB Michael Joseph intercepted a McCarron pass with 55 seconds left to end their hopes. The teams traded touchdowns in the second half after K Donny Hageman made a 34-yard field goal on the Crusaders’ first drive after halftime to cut the Defenders’ lead to 14-6.

Darrius Shepherd put London in position for the field goal when he opened the second half with a season-high, 80-yard kick return. Shepherd finished with 155 yards on three kick returns. DC opened its lead to 14 points again on a 70-yard touchdown run by RB Abram Smith two plays after Hageman’s field goal. The Crusaders closed the deficit to eight points with 6:20 minutes left in the third quarter when WR George Campbell caught a five-yard pass from McCarron for his first touchdown reception of the season. London took a 3-0 lead on a 36-yard field goal by Hageman with 10:02 left in the second quarter after a season-high 16-play scoring driver chewed up 8:55 off of the clock. The lead was short-lived, however. DC responded with a 62-yard touchdown rush by Smith two plays later. A successful two-point conversion gave the Defenders an 8-3 lead. DC extended that advantage to 14-3 with a touchdown on a five-yard run by Smith with 1:54 left before halftime.

-- (4-0)Defenders 28 - 20 Crusaders(3-1)
(DC): QB Ta'amu - 12/18 90 yards, RB Smith - 23 carries, 218 yards, 3 TDs, RB Jackson - 5 catches, 54 yards
(LON): QB McCarron - 22/34 236 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Hill - 14 carries, 79 yards, WR Butler - 9 catches, 86 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 5: Vipers Outlast Paris, 35-32, Earn First Victory

March 19, 2023

Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Vipers won their first game of the season, 35-32, against the Paris Musketeers on Saturday at Cashman Field. The Musketeers opened the game driving down the field which was capped off with a QB Quinton Flowers a one-yard rushing touchdown. Following that score, RB Jah-Maine Martin would plow into the endzone on a rush attempt for the one-point conversion giving Orlando a 7-0 lead. About five minutes later, Luis Perez would rifle a 35-yard touchdown pass to the outstretched arms of WR Jeff Badet. Following the score, Perez connected with RB Rod Smith for the two-point conversion giving Vegas an 8-7 lead. Vegas forced Paris into a three-and-out to open the second quarter and the Vipers would capitalize by shredding the Musketeers defense apart on a five-play, 65-yard drive, being capped off when Perez found TE Sean Price over the middle for a 3-yard touchdown extending their lead to 14-7. Shortly after that score, Vipers K Bailey Giffen would cash in a 39-yard field goal, giving Vegas a 17-7 lead. On the ensuing drive, Paris would answer back with a methodical eight-play, 45-yard drive, which was finished when Musketeers QB Quinten Dormady connecting with WR Charleston Rambo for a 25-yard touchdown pass to close out the first half.

WR Cinque Sweeting opened the second half for Vegas by taking the kickoff 47 yards. Nine plays later, Smith knifed his way into the endzone with a one-yard rushing touchdown, which gave Vegas a 23-13 lead. Four minutes later, Paris answered by scoring one of their own short-yardage scores when Martin rushing through a wide gap for a two-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to four. Smith opened the fourth quarter for Vegas with another one-yard score, rumbling his way in for his second rushing touchdown of the night. Paris followed that up by driving down the field and scored just over two minutes later when RB Devin Darrington scored from two yards out. Following the score, Darrington successfully ran it in for a 1-point conversion, bringing the game back to a four point deficit. Vegas found themselves in a crucial 3rdand-five late in the game, just for Perez to again connect with Badet for a 25-yard passing touchdown, bringing the score to 35-26. With just over a minute left in the game, the Musketeers pulled within three when Dormady found Cody Latimer for a 45-yard score. The three-point conversion failed and so did the following 4th-and-15 try by the Musketeers, which gifted Vegas the ball on the Orlando 19-yard line. The Paris defense forced a Vegas turnover and got the ball back with 20 seconds left in the game but wasn't able to come through with late game heroics as the Vipers defense held strong.

-- (0-4)Musketeers 32 - 35 Vipers(0-4)
(PAR): QB Dormady - 22/25 256 yards, 2 TDs, RB Martin - 9 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD, WR Latimer - 8 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD, WR Rambo - 5 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Perez - 20/28 269 yards, 3 TDs, RB Smith - 18 carries, 62 yards, 2 TDs, WR Badet - 5 catches, 80 yards, 2 TDs

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 5: Renegades Grind out Win over Mercenaries

March 19, 2023

Munich, GERMANY - The Dallas Renegades picked up their first road victory of the season, 12-10, over the Munich Mercenaries. The game was played in front of 23,274 fans. Dallas K Taylor Russolino, was two-for-two in the first half making both 43 and 25-yard field goals to cut the deficit 10-6. RB DeVeon Smith scored the first rushing touchdown of the contest off a 98-yard Dallas drive, the most by the team this season, to give the Renegades the lead, 12-10, headed into the fourth quarter. The Renegades defense kept the Mercenaries scoreless in the second half and also earned a takeaway for a fifth straight game as DB Joe Powell picked off QB Reid Sinett in the third. On offense, Dallas turned the ball over once, an interception by QB Kyle Sloter.

-- (2-2)Renegades 12 - 10 Mercenaries(1-3)
(DAL): QB Sloter - 14/26 148 yards, 1 INT, RB Smith - 19 carries, 44 yards, 1 TD, WR Arconado - 3 catches, 40 yards
(MUN): QB Sinnett - 13/19 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Patrick - 6 carries, 26 yards, RB Ballage - 5 catches, 42 yards

-- (4-0)Otters W - Legends(0-0)
(VAN): QB
(LA): QB

XFL Week 5:

March 20, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (1-3)Greys 33 - 31 Commanders(0-0)
(CAL): QB Maier - 26/37 315 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Mills - 11 carries, 36 yards, WR Hakunavanhu - 5 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR Begelton - 3 catches, 92 yards
(SA): QB Fine - 6/8 122 yards, 2 TDs, RB - 9 carries, 37 yards, 8 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD, WR - 3 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 5:

March 20, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO -

-- (3-1)Sea Bears 28 - 31 Conquerors(0-0)
(WIN): QB Woodside - 22/32 369 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Oliveira - 9 carries, 16 yards, 3 catches, 108 yards, WR Demski - 4 catches, 79 yards, 1 TD, WR Wolitarsky - 4 catches, 70 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Crum - 26/42 261 yards, 1 INT, 8 carries, 74 yards, 2 TDs, RB Williams - 8 carries, 36 yards, WR Davis- 10 catches, 87 yards, WR Hardy - 5 catches, 80 yards, WR Sheehy-Guiseppi - 6 catches, 51 yards

[BengalErnst]

Defenders Run Game, Led by No. 1 Pick Abram Smith, Is Best in the League

March 22, 2023

Washington, DC - Washington Defenders RB Abram Smith came into the 2023 XFL season with defined goals. "I wanted to be the best back in the league," Smith said this week. "I wanted to showcase my skills. I wanted to show everybody who believed in me that there's still something to believe in; that my dream isn't going anywhere anytime soon."

The season is only halfway done but the 24-year-old bruiser out of Baylor University is checking boxes on each of those benchmarks. Best back in the league? Smith leads all other rushers by 354 yards. Smith isn't the only one thriving in Washington's run-heavy offense. Thanks to a standout line and a collection of talented runners around Smith, including QBs Jordan Ta'amu and D'Eriq King. "The coaching staff did a good job getting guys that can run," OL Ty Clary said. "Jordan and D'Eriq can both run. Our running backs have been awesome. The O-line room, we feel like we're a physical room. It's just the identity that was instilled from the start."

It's not just that the Defenders are running the ball more than any other team under offensive coordinator Reggie Barlow, either. They are also the most effective team on the ground as Washington leads the league in yards per carry and first down percentage. "When you see running backs who run hard, not just run into open gaps, then they're back there blocking, too, you want more for them," Clary said. Smith isn't the only one putting up big-time numbers. Ta'amu, the starting quarterback, is fourth in the league with 416 yards. King, the backup quarterback who plays significant snaps in the Defenders offense, leads the league with ten rushing touchdowns. Even at running back, Smith has some great mates. Ryquell Armstead, a former 1,000-yard rusher at Temple University and Jacksonville Jaguars running back, is eleventh in the league in rushing yards and third in rushes of 10 yards or more. "Whoever we have back there, and we've played two or three guys at that position, they've all done a great job," Washington offensive line coach Russ Ehrenfeld said. "None of those guys are selfish. It's not about them. It's about the team."

XFL Week 6:

March 23, 2023

Winnipeg, MANITOBA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)14 - 28 Sea Bears(3-2)
(): QB - 17/29 220 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB - 11 carries, 51 yards, RB - 4 carries, 57 yards, WR - 4 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD
(WIN): QB Woodside - 20/24 308 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Oliveira - 17 carries, 110 yards, WR Demski - 4 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD, WR Lawler - 7 catches, 93 yards

XFL Week 6:

March 24, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (5-0)Argonauts 31 - 15(0-0)
(TOR): QB Kelly - 20/27 306 yards, 2 TDs, RB Ouellette - 10 carries, 84 yards, WR Daniels - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Gittens - 6 catches, 69 yards, 1 TD
(): QB - 27/31 282 yards, 1 INT, RB Butler - 12 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD, 6 catches, 58 yards, WR - 7 catches, 103 yards, WR - 6 catches, 65 yards

XFL Week 6: CFL Week 4

March 25, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA -

-- (0-0)17 - 3 Alliance(3-2)
(): QB - 15/23 177 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB - 20 carries, 120 yards, WR - 5 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD
(MON): QB Fajardo - 17/27 270 yards, 1 INT, RB Stanback - 8 carries, 42 yards, WR Mack - 6 catches, 115 yards, WR Julien-Grant - 6 catches, 129 yards

-- (0-0)Guardians - Musketeers(0-5)
(NY): QB
(PAR): QB

-- (0-0)Express - Crusaders(3-2)
(MEM): QB
(LON): QB

-- (0-0)Battlehawks - Mercenaries(1-4)
(COL): QB
(MUN): QB

XFL Week 6:

March 26, 2023

Vancouver, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)Commanders 9 - 19 Otters(5-0)
(SA): QB Fine - 32/41 384 yards, 2 INTs, RB - 12 carries, 11 yards, WR - 7 catches, 75 yards, WR - 10 catches, 74 yards
(VAN): QB Evans - 16/25 219 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Shivers - 10 carries, 21 yards, WR Hatcher - 4 catches, 74 yards, WR Hollins - 3 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 6:

March 27, 2023

Calgary, ALBERTA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)Conquerors 43 - 41 Greys(2-3)
(MEX): QB Crum - 23/29 257 yards, 2 TDs, 9 carries, 63 yards, RB Williams - 10 carries, 57 yards, WR - 7 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD, WR - 8 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR - 5 catches, 60 yards
(CAL): QB Maier - 28/38 450 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Mills - 6 carries, 21 yards, WR Dukes - 6 catches, 101 yards, 1 TD, WR Michel - 4 catches, 134 yards, 2 TDs, WR Barnes - 5 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Begelton - 7 catches, 80 yards

Tiger-cats Sign QB Cardale Jones

March 28, 2023

Hamilton, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Hamilton Tiger-cats of the CFL have inked former XFL QB Cardale Jones after the quarterback refused to report to the Massachusetts Pirates earlier this week. Jones was transferred to the Pirates from the Washington Defenders back in December for further development after losing his starting job to former Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles as part of the XFL-IFL player partnership.

Quinten Dormady Exonerated. Returned to XFL Greys Active Roster

March 29, 2023

Paris, FRANCE - Recently, Paris Musketeers QB Quinten Dormady had been accused of sharing his team’s plays with an opposing team. This accusation was revealed in an online tweet that also pointed out Dormady had been released from the Musketeers.

After an independent investigation, the XFL released the following statement: “Upon completing a formal review that included players, coaches, and XFL staff conducted by an outside law firm, it has been determined that allegations of impropriety were unsubstantiated and there is no basis for disciplinary action against Paris Musketeers QB Quinten Dormady. Mr. Dormady has been removed from the Office of the President’s Reserve List and added to the team’s active roster.”

[BengalErnst]

XFL Week 7:

March 30, 2023

Mexico City, MEXICO -

-- (0-0)16 - 12 Conquerors(0-0)
(): QB - 23/40 353 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs, RB - 6 carries, 12 yards, WR - 5 catches, 71 yards, WR - 2 catches, 91 yards, WR - 5 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
(MEX): QB Crum - 13/22 158 yards, 1 INT, 13 carries, 82 yards, RB Williams - 8 carries, 53 yards, WR - 5 catches, 65 yards

XFL Week 7:

March 31, 2023

Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA -

-- (0-0)Commanders 13 - 31 Argonauts(6-0)
(SA): QB Fine - 27/39 302 yards, 2 INTs, RB - 10 carries, 41 yards, WR - 10 carries, 144 yards, WR - 9 carries, 133 yards, WR - 5 catches, 91 yards
(TOR): QB Kelly - 13/21 122 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Harris - 7 carries, 41 yards, WR Phillips - 4 catches, 38 yards

XFL Week 7: CFL Week 20

April 1, 2023

Winnipeg, MANITOBA, CANADA -

-- (0-0)25 - 45 Sea Bears(4-2)
(): QB - 12/22 288 yards, RB - 5 carries, 41 yards, WR - 7 catches, 158 yards, WR - 1 catch, 77 yards
(WIN): QB Woodside - 13/16 125 yards, 1 TD, RB Oliveira - 14 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs, RB Augustine - 9 carries, 41 yards, WR Lawler - 6 catches, 98 yards, WR Bailey - 3 catches, 24 yards, 2 TDs

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

XFL Week 7:

April 2, 2023

Memphis, TN -

-- (6-0)Otters 27 - 0(0-0)
(VAN): QB Evans - 25/32 330 yards, 2 TDs, RB Mizzell - 22 carries, 117 yards, WR Hollins - 5 catches, 94 yards, WR Hatcher - 5 catches, 87 yards
(): QB - 16/30 187 yards, 2 INTs, RB - 10 carries, 27 yards, WR - 3 catches, 64 yards, WR - 4 catches, 61 yards

-- (0-0)(0-0)
(): QB
(): QB

-- (0-0)Guardians - Mercenaries(0-0)
(MUN): QB
(NY): QB

-- (0-0)Battlehawks - Crusaders(0-0)
(COL): QB
(LON): QB

-- (0-0)Iron - Musketeers(0-0)
(BIRM): QB
(PAR): QB

XFL Week 7: Defense leads Montreal Alliance to 25-18 win over Calgary

April 3, 2023

Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - Just a few months into his UFL career, DB Kabion Ento is quickly finding out why the league is known for games coming down to the wire. Ento scored the only touchdown off an interception as the Montreal Alliance held off two late Calgary Greys red-zone possessions to win 25-18 at Molson Stadium. “It’s a crazy league in the UFL,” said Ento. “I’ve been here a short amount of time, but the last three minutes is wild. We knew it was going to be on us (the defense). That’s when the game gets fun, when the game is on you and you’re with your brothers.”

The Alliance emphasized the need to improve their pass rush, signing veteran DL Shawn Lemon to help the cause and backed it up. Montreal’s defense limited Calgary QB Jake Maier to 256 yards on 24-of-44 passing and secured two interceptions. Maier, who was also sacked three times, was fortunate it wasn’t more as Montreal’s defense got its hands on a number of passes. In the end, he couldn’t get the Greys in the end zone either. Under constant pressure early, Maier threw for just nine yards in the first quarter before throwing an interception early in the second to Ento, who ran the ball 53 yards to the end zone in front of 28,093 fans.

Montreal and Calgary traded field goals to end the half. The break went an extra 40 minutes due to lightning strikes near the stadium, forcing a Cirque du Soleil halftime show inside a field house nearby. Touchdowns proved hard to come by in the second half as both Calgary and Montreal continued to settle for field goals despite getting in the red zone. With Montreal leading 22-15 with five minutes left, Maier led Calgary to the 30-yard line but the Greys once again settled for a field goal after two incomplete passes. Montreal’s defense stood tall again on Calgary’s next offensive possession as DB Kordell Rodgers picked off Maier with 1:33 remaining. Despite the time left on the clock, the Greys stormed back once more but Montreal’s defense turned away multiple end zone passes to secure the win. Calgary now embarks on a tough schedule with two games against the unbeaten Toronto Argonauts in their next four. “This group will win a lot of football games, but the longer you wait on that it gets tougher,” said Dickenson. “Next one is Toronto, undefeated. Just show up and play well and see what happens.”

-- (2-4)Greys 18 - 25 Alliance(3-3)
(CAL): QB Maier - 24/44 256 yards, 2 INTs, RB Bellamy - 5 carries, 50 yards, WR Begelton - 8 catches, 102 yards, WR Dukes - 8 catches, 87 yards
(MON): QB Fajardo - 16/29 158 yards, RB Stanback - 15 carries, 86 yards, WR Julien-Grant - 5 catches, 71 yards

Ottawa Bows Out of World League Season

April 4, 2023

Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA -