Josh Gordon-Ben DiNucci TD Thrills XFL Fans Despite SEA Dragons' Loss to Defenders
Feb 20, 2023
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 19: Josh Gordon #0 of the Seattle Sea Dragons celebrates with teammates after catching a pass for a touchdown against the DC Defenders during the first half of the XFL game at Audi Field on February 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Ben DiNucci and Josh Gordon didn't take long to forge a strong connection on the field as they both made their maiden voyage in the XFL.
Gordon caught six passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in the Seattle Sea Dragons' 22-18 loss to the DC Defenders. DiNucci finished 35-of-54 for 282 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
The pair combined for the first score of the game in the first quarter. DiNucci scrambled out of the pocket and flipped the ball to Gordon in the end zone.
Unfortunately for DiNucci, that was his high-water mark. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback threw a pair of picks in the second half, the first getting returned all the way for a pick-six.
DiNucci's fumble inside the final 20 seconds of the fourth quarter also helped seal the win for the Defenders. Seattle had second down from the 1-yard line as it looked for the game-winning score. Instead, an option play backfired in spectacular fashion.
Sea Dragons head coach Jim Haslett had Steven Montez briefly line up under center in the first half, but DiNucci ran the offense for the vast majority of the contest.
Patience isn't a luxury XFL coaches get to enjoy with a regular season that lasts just 10 games. After Sunday, Haslett might be willing to give Montez a more extended look at quarterback.
The Sea Dragons have a quick turnaround in Week 2. They host the St. Louis Battlehawks on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
XFL's 4th-and-15 'Onside Kick' Has Fans Hoping NFL Will Adopt Rule Change
Feb 20, 2023
SAN ANTONIO, TX - FEBRUARY 19: A.J. McCarron #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks scrambles against of the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on February 19, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
The new-look XFL has been around for just one weekend, but football fans already think that the NFL can learn a thing or two from the upstart league and its unique set of rules.
Mainly, people were fascinated by the XFL's substitute for an onside kick.
While teams are still allowed to attempt an onside kick, they can also attempt to convert a 4th-and-15 play from their own 25-yard line in order to keep possession.
This was demonstrated Sunday in a matchup between the St. Louis Battlehawks and the San Antonio Brahmas. Down 15-3 with 3:02 remaining in the game, the Battlehawks were able to rally for an 18-15 victory, thanks in part to one of those 4th-and-15 conversions that led to the game-winning touchdown with 16 seconds remaining.
if one team had hit the 4th-and-15 onside kick and turned it into a W this season it would've been a sign it was a good rule and it happened IN THE FIRST WEEK https://t.co/S0drjSJxYh
The conversion rule comes with more excitement and brings more action into the game instead of the rarely successful onside kick, which typically seems destined to fail in the NFL.
During the 2022-23 NFL season, there were 56 onside kick attempts. However, only three of those (5.3 percent) were successful, down from 16.1 percent in the previous season.
The XFL has a number of unique rules that will be on display throughout its inaugural season. Among those are tiered extra point attempts—none of which include kicking—and overtime consisting of alternating possession from an opponent's 5-yard line.
XFL 2023 Results: Week 1 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Sunday
Kristopher Knox
Feb 19, 2023
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 18: A football bearing the XFL logo is seen on the field before the game between the Arlington Renegades and the Vegas Vipers at Choctaw Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The latest incarnation of the XFL kicked off its inaugural season on Saturday, when the Arlington Renegades knocked off the Vegas Vipers. The Houston Roughnecks defeated the Orlando Guardians in the nightcap, and the action picked back up on Sunday afternoon.
Day 2 picked up with the San Antonio Brahmas hosting the St. Louis Battlehawks, a game that was dominated by defense early but featured a thrilling finish. During the broadcast, the league announced that its championship game will be played at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio and will air on ABC.
The D.C. Defenders ended the day by defeating the Seattle Sea Dragons in the Week 1 finale.
Here's a look at how Sunday's early action unfolded.
St. Louis Battlehawks 18, San Antonio Brahmas 15
The first half of this one was heavily skewed toward the defense. Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron and Brahmas signal-caller Jack Coan had a few nice plays, but both ground games were smothered, and sustained drives were virtually nonexistent.
Coan and the Brahmas got into a rhythm on the final drive of the half, but a missed field goal by John Romo left the game tied at 3-3 entering the break.
Defensive play was definitely the star of the first half.
Travis Feeney with the big play for the Battlehawks 🔥
The announcing team of Matt Barrie, Joey Galloway, Tiffany Blackmon and Eric Mac Lain did a good job of keeping the first half entertaining, though. The booth duo of Barrie and Galloway focused not only on the on-field action but also on sports-betting information.
Through the first two days of action, it has become clear that ESPN won't shy away from the gambling aspect of the XFL. Of course, not every fan is going to be on board with the gambling-friendly approach.
One thing I don't like about this particular @XFL2023 broadcast is the CONSTANT references to gambling. #XFL
Barrie also had a little fun at the expense of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS analyst Tony Romo—which was definitely noticed by those watching at home.
These XFL announcers are savage. Tony Romo is probably relaxing somewhere, meanwhile this is happening on the broadcast. pic.twitter.com/sRntmn9Eb4
The second half opened with another efficient drive by the Brahmas, though that too ended with a field-goal attempt. Romo was successful this time, and San Antonio took a 6-3 lead in the third quarter.
Fans finally saw a touchdown in the fourth quarter, when Coan found Fred Brown with a beautiful fade route to cap another impressive dive.
That’s 6!
Jack Coan puts the touch on for his first TD pass in his XFL career.
The score gave fans their first glimpse of the day of the XFL's unique point-after rules. After a touchdown, teams can opt to go for a one-point play from the two-yard line, a two-point play from the five or a three-point play from the 10.
Brahmas head coach Hines Ward opted to go for the one-point try, which was unsuccessful. That meant that even with a 12-3 lead, San Antonio only held a one-score advantage. St. Louis immediately responded with a promising drive, but it ended with a 43-yard miss by kicker Donny Hageman.
Romo capped another Brahma's drive with his third field goal of the day. However, the Battlehawks responded with a touchdown drive, and converted a successful three-point try to bring it back to a one-score game.
AJ MCCARRON TO HAKEEM BUTLER FOR THE TD.
AJ MCCARRON TO AUSTIN PROEHL FOR THE 3-PT CONVERSION.
This led to fans witnessing another novel XFL rule. Instead of attempting an onside kick, teams can opt for a 4th-and-15 play that if successful, will extend the drive from the spot of the ball.
The drive was further extended by a roughing-the-passer penalty that put St. Louis in San Antonio territory.
And St. Louis was successful, giving the Battlehawks a chance to tie or take the lead with just over a minute remaining.
In the XFL: Instead of an onside kick, the trailing team can maintain possession with a 4th-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line.
A terrific touchdown pass from McCarron to Austin Proehl gave St. Louis the lead with only 16 seconds remaining. A sack of Coan by LaCale London ended San Antonio's desperation drive and sealed the victory for St. Louis.
Though he struggled for much of the contest, McCarron finished a solid 18-of-26 for 190 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to help rally St. Louis from down 12 with roughly three minutes remaining was incredible. Head coach Anthony Becht also deserves credit for getting his team to respond late.
Coan finished 25-of-36 for 207 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brahmas running back Kalen Ballage led all players with 84 rushing yards. Proehl and Brahmas receiver Jalen Tolliver led their respective teams with 49 receiving yards apiece.
The Twitter reaction to Sunday's opening matchup, the broadcast and XFL innovations like a more transparent replay-review process was mostly positive:
If you're a fan of defensive football, you're loving this @XFL2023 game right now.
It's worth noting that the crowd in the Alamodome was loud and engaged throughout the contest. It's noteworthy because a lively crowd helps to provide a "big-game" atmosphere and makes for a better viewing experience at home.
The early broadcast was polished, and the game itself made for an enjoyable watch—and the exciting final three minutes certainly helped. While it lacked the intensity of a critical NFL matchup, it brought pro-football energy and provided an example of why this version of the XFL might be the best—and most sustainable—brand of spring football fans have seen in ages.
D.C. Defenders 22, Seattle Sea Dragons 18
The Week 1 finale got off to a faster start offensively. Quarterback Ben DiNucci drove the Sea Dragons right down the field on the game's opening possession, capping the drive with a six-yard touchdown strike to former NFL receiver Josh Gordon.
Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards back in 2013, corralled a nifty flip from DiNucci for the score.
Ben DiNucci with the Mahomes-esque flip to Josh Gordon for a TD in the XFL.
Seattle head coach Jim Haslett opted for a three-point try after the touchdown, but it was unsuccessful. Following a short Defenders drive, the Sea Dragons got back on the scoreboard with a Dominik Eberle field goal.
The second Seattle drive was aided by a conversion on 4th-and-2 from the D.C. 38-yard line. At that point, it was fairly clear that Haslett was taking an aggressive approach to the game.
D.C. answered on its ensuing drive, using an up-tempo approach to keep Seattle's defense off-balance. Quarterback Jordan Ta'amu capped the drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Head coach Reggie Barlow called for a two-point try and a successful conversion drew the Defenders within a point.
Quarterback Steven Montez entered the game for Seattle's third series, which was a quick three-and-out. The change was most likely for evaluation purposes, as DiNucci played well over the first two series.
DiNucci returned for Seattle's next drive, but a promising late drive ended with a missed field goal, and the Sea Dragons carried a 9-8 lead into intermission.
The Sea Dragons extended their lead in the third quarter on a 13-yard Brenden Knox touchdown run. DiNucci ran in for the three-point conversion, which was made easier by a five-yard Defenders penalty.
D.C. answered, though, with a thrilling pick-six by cornerback Michael Joseph. A successful two-point run by quarterback D'Eriq King cut Seattle's lead to two points.
Joseph's interception was preceded by an interesting series of in-stadium events. Security reportedly confiscated a large "snake" made of empty beer cups, and angry fans responded by throwing lemons on the field.
Once again, the crowd's energy was well-received by viewers at home.
WILD SCENE IN DC. The Beer Snake was taken away. Players throw lemons on the field in protest.
Then, Ben DiNucci throws a pick six to Michael Joseph and the place goes NUTS. This is #XFL football. You gotta love it. @XFL2023pic.twitter.com/4Wi6GIrIXZ
D.C. took an early fourth-quarter lead on a five-yard rushing touchdown by King. That play was set up by Joseph's second interception of the day. Ta'amu's two-point conversion attempt failed, but the Defenders held a four-point lead and all of the momentum thanks to their defense.
Seattle's defense came away with its own takeaway midway through the fourth quarter when Ta'amu was picked off at the Sea Dragons' 20-yard line. While they reached midfield on the ensuing drive, a failed fourth-down conversion gave the ball back to D.C. A fourth-down stop gave Seattle life just before the two-minute warning, setting up another exciting finish.
Two completions to Gordon set up Seattle on the D.C. 15-yard line with just 42 seconds remaining. The Sea Dragons go to the 1-yard line, but a DiNucci fumble gave D.C. the ball and the victory.
DiNucci finished with 282 passing yards and a touchdown, but his three turnovers were backbreaking. Ta'amu and King combined for a mere 93 passing yards, but the D.C. defense made up for the lack of offense.
Gregg Williams about to make his way back to the NFL.
Even his XFL defense is playing with their hair on fire.
Sea Dragons wideout Jahcour Pearson led all players with 95 receiving yards, while Gordon chipped in 74 yards and a touchdown for Seattle. Knox led all players with 31 rushing yards.
Like Sunday's first contest, the Sea Dragons and Defenders matchup was mostly well-received by fans on social media.
It was a great way to cap the league's opening week, and it should have fans excited for Week 2, which will kick off with the Sea Dragons and Battlehawks on Thursday night.
2023 XFL Championship Game to Be Held at San Antonio's Alamodome on May 13
Feb 19, 2023
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 18: XFL owner Dwayne Johnson talks on the field before the game between the Arlington Renegades and the Vegas Vipers at Choctaw Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The location of the XFL Championship was unveiled Sunday as the league's ownership announced that the game is to be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio on May 13.
The announcement was made ahead of the nationally televised game between the St. Louis Battlehawks and the San Antonio Brahmas, the third of game of the newly revamped league's season.
Additionally, the championship game will be televised nationally on ABC.
"We are thrilled to announce that San Antonio and the Alamodome will be the host of this season's inaugural Championship Game," Dany Garcia, chairwoman and owner of the league said. "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 of the XFL North and XFL South to compete for the Championship title in an event that will celebrate our players, coaches, and the revival of professional football in San Antonio."
Garcia, along with Dwayne Johnson and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital are all part of the league ownership group and were on hand at the game in San Antonio to make the announcement
The inaugural @XFL2023 championship will take place in San Antonio 🏆
The league, which has eight teams, is a rebrand of the XFL that tried to make comeback in 2020 under the ownership of Vince McMahon and Alpha Entertainment. It was ultimately unsuccessful because of the impact of COVID-19, which forced the league to suspend its season just a few weeks in.
On August 3, 2020, Johnson, Garcia and Cardinale purchased the league for $15 million before it could go up for auction. Four days after the initial deal, the purchase received court approval.
Aside from San Antonio, the other team locations include Arlington, Texas; Houston; Las Vegas; Orlando, Florida; Seattle; St. Louis and Washington, D.C.
XFL 2023 Results: Week 1 Scores and Best Twitter Reaction from Saturday
Feb 18, 2023
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 18: The Vegas Vipers and the Arlington Renegades play during the first half at Choctaw Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The third iteration of the XFL kicked off Saturday with the Arlington Renegades' 22-20 comeback win over the Vegas Vipers. The Houston Roughnecks capped the evening with a resounding 33-12 win over the Orlando Guardians.
On Sunday, the San Antonio Brahmas will welcome the St. Louis Battlehawks at 3 p.m. ET. The finale will feature the D.C. Defenders at home versus the Seattle Sea Dragons at 8 p.m.
Here's a look at what went down Saturday.
Renegades 22, Vipers 20
The Renegades overcame a 14-3 halftime deficit thanks to a pair of pick-sixes.
Simply put, the Vipers gave the game away, and the Renegades took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves.
In the third quarter, Tomasi Laulile intercepted a screen attempt from Vipers quarterback Luis Perez and ran it back for 22 yards to cut Vegas' lead to 14-9.
On the next play from scrimmage, Arlington safety Jamal Carter forced and recovered a fumble from Vegas running back John Lovett that set up a Taylor Russolino field goal.
Then Vegas turned the ball over on downs after a successful Arlington rush at punter Michael Carrizosa forced him to run for the sticks. He didn't get the first down on 4th-and-4, and Arlington responded with a Russolino chip shot for a 15-14 edge.
A Vegas three-and-out led to a 16-play, 58-yard drive for Arlington that was extended thanks to a Vegas illegal substitution penalty when the Renegades faced a 4th-and-7.
Arlington elected to go for the first down on 4th-and-2 and got it. The Renegades rolled all the way to the 1-yard line but got stuffed in a four-down goal-line stand.
The Renegades defense had Vegas immediately backed up, though, and Arlington defensive back De'Vante Bausby picked off Perez for the second Renegade pick-six. The extra point led to a 22-14 edge.
Vegas and Arlington then traded punts before the Vipers finally found their first-half offensive form again. Perez led the Vipers on a five-play, 60-yard drive capped by a 20-yard touchdown toss to Cinque Sweeting. However, the two-point conversion was unsuccessful after a T.J. Barnes sack.
Vegas opted for a 4th-and-15 play instead of an onside kick with eight seconds left in hopes of a miracle, but Perez's pass fell incomplete.
Vipers wide receiver Jeff Badet stole the show in the first half with two touchdowns. He finished with six receptions for 81 yards.
Perez went 22-of-36 for 249 yards, three scores and two costly picks.
Twitter reacted to the proceedings.
Vegas Vipers blow 11-point halftime lead and lose XFL opener 22-20 to Arlington Renegades. Looks like #Raiders aren't only Las Vegas pro football team able to blow a double-digit halftime lead
Renegades vs. Vipers end of the first quarter of the new XFL, quality of play was actually pretty good, moving clock keeps the pace of play going, it was good #XFL
Luis Perez has been in the AAF, XFL 2.0, threw the first TD in the USFL 2.0 and now threw the first TD in XFL 3.0. Put him in the Spring Football Hall of Fame https://t.co/w1r3mT3s46
The Renegades won despite not scoring an offensive touchdown, but they were able to dink-and-dunk to keep its defense off the field. Quarterback Drew Plitt completed 19 of 25 passes for 172 yards and one interception.
Roughnecks 33, Guardians 12
This matchup was far less dramatic, thanks to the Roughnecks' fantastic offensive performance.
Quarterback Brandon Silvers completed 26 of 42 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Deontay Burnett snagged eight of those passes for 90 yards and a score.
Deontay Burnett was a Top 5 slot WR in the 2018 draft for me, just came up with a big TD on the outside!
Fun to keep track of some of these guys through the years. Proof that players continue to develop after college *gasp* and proof spring leagues can have importance.
Running back Max Borghi amassed 74 total yards and a rushing touchdown for a Roughnecks team that scored 21 unanswered points in the first half to take a 21-6 lead into the break.
Orlando cut the lead to 24-12 in the fourth off an Andrew Jamiel 51-yard touchdown catch. However, Houston responded after a muffed punt by the Guardians' Eli Rogers led to a Cole McDonald rushing touchdown to put this game out of reach. A late Hunter Duplessis field goal closed the scoring.
The 2022 NFL season hasn't even been over for a full week, but many fans may already be missing their beloved football. They won't have to wait long for some...
XFL Announces 2023 Opening Weekend Schedule Headlined by Vipers vs. Renegades
Jan 5, 2023
The XFL rolled out its schedule for the 2023 season Thursday with action slated to kick off Feb. 18.
Here's how the opening weekend shakes out:
Feb. 18: Vegas Vipers vs. Arlington Renegades at 3 p.m. ET
Feb. 18: Orlando Guardians vs. Houston Roughnecks at 8:30 p.m. ET
Feb. 19: St. Louis Battlehawks vs. San Antonio Brahmas at 3 p.m. ET
Feb. 19: Seattle Sea Dragons vs. D.C. Defenders at 8 p.m. ET
The regular season runs for 10 weeks and comes to an end April 23. The top four teams qualify for the semifinals before the championship game May 13.
An investment group that includes Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is hopeful the third time is the charm for the XFL.
The brainchild of former WWF/WWE chairman Vince McMahon, the XFL launched in 2001 to significant fanfare. Interest quickly waned, though, and the league folded three months later. The New York Times' Richard Sandomir reported WWE and NBC each lost around $35 million after taxes.
McMahon relaunched the XFL in 2018 with a first season planned for 2020 and appeared to have learned from his mistakes. He said he expected to spend around $500 million in the league's first three years, signaling a more deliberate, long-term approach.
However, the XFL suspended its 2020 season in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One month later, McMahon's Alpha Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, throwing the league's future into doubt. Johnson, business partner Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital bought the XFL for $15 million that August.
In October, the XFL announced the eight teams it will carry into its 2023 relaunch, and it staged its player draft in November. AJ McCarron, Martavis Bryant, Marquette King, Vic Beasley and Matt Elam are among the notable names who'll take part.
Former NFL WR Josh Gordon Drafted in 6th Round by XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons
Jan 2, 2023
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Gordon #19 of the Tennessee Titans gets set against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on September 19, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Veteran wide receiver Josh Gordon will return to professional football in 2023 with the XFL.
The Seattle Sea Dragons selected him in the sixth round of the league's supplemental draft on Sunday.
The 31-year-old made two appearances for the Tennessee Titans earlier this season, logging a total of 24 snaps on offense before they released him from their practice squad in October.
Gordon had an electrifying start to his career with the Cleveland Browns. He caught 50 passes for 805 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie before leading the NFL in receiving yards (1,646) en route to earning All-Pro honors in 2013.
Ahead of the 2014 season, the NFL suspended Gordon for violating its substance-abuse policy for the second time. Another violation wiped out his 2015 season, and he stepped away from the Browns in 2016 when he was on the verge of being reinstated.
That Gordon continued to get multiple opportunities after missing two full years was a testament to his otherworldly ability. Between 2017 and 2018, he had 59 receptions for 1,072 yards and five scores, averaging 18.2 yards per catch.
By this point, the ship has likely sailed on Gordon getting one more chance in the NFL. His brief stint with Tennessee followed a forgettable run with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 that saw him record five receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown.
The XFL at least allows Gordon to entertain fans once more and show flashes of the player who was such an explosive aerial target.
In Seattle, he joins an offense that includes former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Ben DiNucci, Tayvian Cunningham, McLane Mannix and Rashard Davis.
XFL Draft 2022 Results: Complete Rosters for Every Team After Day 2
Nov 17, 2022
CARSON, CA - MARCH 08: An XFL logo end zone marker before the XFL game between the Los Angeles Wildcats and the Tampa Bay Vipers at Dignity Health Sports Park on March 8, 2020 in Carson, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
The rosters for the XFL's 2023 reboot are set with the league's three-day draft drawing to a close Thursday.
The event opened with the league's eight head coaches selecting their quarterbacks. A.J. McCarron, Ben DiNucci, Steven Montez and Deondre Francois were the headliners.
Kicked off #XFLDraft week with the teams' QB selections.
10. San Antonio Brahmas: John Parker Romo, K, Virginia Tech
11. Orlando Guardians: Tommy Auger, LS, St. John's (Minnesota)
12. Houston Roughnecks: Brian Khoury, LS, Carnegie-Mellon
13. Vegas Vipers: Bailey Giffen, K, Lamar
14. St. Louis BattleHawks: Donald Hageman, K, San Diego State
15. D.C. Defenders: Erik Lawson, LS, East Carolina
16. Arlington Renegades: Antonio Ortiz, LS, TCU
Marquette King came off the board with the No. 17 overall pick to the Arlington Renegades. King spent six seasons in the NFL. As a rookie with the Oakland Raiders in 2013, he led the league in yards per punt (48.9). He also led the league in total punt yards (4,930) in 2014.
The 34-year-old made the jump to the XFL when the league relaunched in 2020. His 45.7 yards per punt with the St. Louis BattleHawks were the best in the league.
Whereas the door back to the NFL is in all likelihood closed for King, José Borregales is presumably hopeful his XFL earns him another chance.
Borregales went 20-of-22 on field goals and made all 37 of his extra-point attempts for Miami in 2020, which was good enough to net him consensus All-American honors and the Lou Groza Award.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Borregales as an undrafted free agent in 2021, but he remained on their practice squad once the season began. This offseason, he couldn't beat out Ryan Succop for the starting job.
Head Coach Todd Bowles said the Bucs chose to stay with veteran kicker Ryan Succop due to his consistency. He does think Jose Borregales has a shot to make it in the NFL.
Borregales will be plying his trade for the Orlando Guardians this spring.
This won't be the last opportunity head coaches have to tweak their squads ahead of the 2023 season. There was an open portion of the draft in which teams were permitted to make additional picks if they so choose. The XFL is also planning a supplemental draft in early 2023.
The league will kick games off on Feb. 18, six days after Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona.
XFL Draft 2022 Results: Complete Rosters for Every Team After Day 1
Nov 17, 2022
ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 7: Luis Perez #7 of the New York Guardians talks to his teammates before the XFL game against the Dallas Renegades at Globe Life Park on March 7, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/XFL via Getty Images)
Day 1 of the XFL draft is complete after the league's eight teams took turns in a snake format to choose 352 players over 44 rounds.
This draft was broken down by position. The first 11 rounds consisted of offensive skill-position players (minus quarterbacks). Defensive backs went in the next 11 rounds.
The defensive front seven then took its turn from Rounds 23-33. Finally, the offensive line took centerstage to round out the day.
The third iteration of the XFL will kick off on Saturday, February 18. Like the last two versions of the league, there will be eight teams.
For this year, they are the Arlington Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas, Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis BattleHawks and Vegas Vipers.
You can find each team's roster thus far by clicking on this link from XFL.com, heading to the "Team" section and finding who you're looking for through the dropdown menu. There's also a running list here from Kevin Skiver of Sporting News.
The eight XFL head coaches pre-selected their quarterbacks before the draft, so signal-callers were not involved in Wednesday's process. They were announced on Quarterback Selection Show, which aired Tuesday on XFL.com.
Ari Meirov relayed the list of names from the XFL.
XFL teams drafted their quarterbacks today. AJ McCarron, Ben DiNucci, Kyle Sloter, Luis Perez and Deondre Francois among the 15 QBs taken.
Notable names at quarterback include A.J. McCarron, who spent six seasons in the NFL (primarily as a backup) for the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans. McCarron also signed with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2021 season, but he suffered a torn ACL during the preseason that ended his campaign.
In 17 games (four starts), the 32-year-old completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 1,173 yards (6.7 yards per attempt), six touchdowns and three interceptions.
McCarron was Alabama's starter at quarterback when the Crimson Tide won back-to-back national titles in 2011 and 2012. He'll suit up for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Luis Perez is back in the XFL after previously playing for the New York Guardians in 2020. He most recently led the USFL's New Jersey Generals to a 9-1 record and a playoff appearance. Perez starred by completing 71.7 percent of his passes for 1,200 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception. He then joined the Los Angeles Rams for training camp but was waived in August. Perez will play for the Vegas Vipers.
Former James Madison star Ben DiNucci is also in. He most recently spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and made one start in 2020, completing 21-of-40 passes for 180 yards in a 23-9 road loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent the 2021 season on Dallas' practice squad and training camp with the team this year before being waived.
Day 2 of the draft will consist of the eight teams choosing their kickers, punters and long snappers. That will then be "followed by open selections for all available positions," a process that teams can opt out of if they so choose.
There will also be a supplemental draft in early 2023 for anyone currently under contract with another professional sports league.
