8 Newly Acquired XFL Players to Get Excited About
By Pat Rifino
Chris Odom Claimed by the Orlando Guardians
Odom has been around the block a couple of times since coming out of Ark State as a UDFA IN 2017. He’s spent time with the Falcons, Packers, Redskins, along with stints in the AAF (Salt Lake Stallions), and the USFL’s Houston Gamblers where he earned All-USFL, and DPOY Honors in 2022. Odom spent the fall of 2022 on the Browns’ injured reserve due to a torn ACL, and per his agent is ready to strap it on for the 2024 season.
Jeff Thomas Claimed by the St. Louis Battlehawks
Thomas came to fame with his appearance on 89 Blocks in 2016. Thomas was highly recruited out of East St. Louis, committing to the University of Miami and becoming a dynamic piece for the Hurricanes when on the field. In 2020 Thomas declared for the NFL, spending time with the Patriots before joining the USFL for 2022, and part of 2023. A USFL Champion, whose only 25 Thomas can be a crucial piece in supplementing the Battlehawks Receiving Corps which is now missing Hakeem Butler, Darrius Shepherd, Marcell Ateman, and Gary Jennings. Thomas also saw playing time as a Kick Returner, and Punt Returner in the USFL and at Miami offering versatility for the Battlehawks.
Tavon Austin Claimed by the Houston Roughnecks
Any time a dynamic player with a 1st Round Pedigree, along with 5,576 All-Purpose Yards and 29 Touchdowns it’s bound to garner a decent amount of excitement. Austin was at one point a top returner in the NFL, while also being utilized as a gadget player during his NFL career. While Austin is a bit long in the tooth, he seems to be still motivated to play football based on his Twitter page. Coupling Austin with XFL offensive coordinator AJ Smith and Houston could continue their trend of being one of the most dynamic offenses in 2024.
Gareon Conley Claimed by the DC Defenders
Conley is another NFL 1st Round Pick making his way to the XFL. After being out of football since 2020, Conley’s rights were claimed by the DC Defenders and could have an alt-league resurgence under DC Gregg Williams. An All-Conference College CB, Conley if placed in the correct system could become one of the feel-good stories of the XFL like many before him.
Darrell Henderson Claimed by the Arlington Renegades
Super Bowl champions are always fun and bound to draw eyeballs when they find themselves in Alt-leagues. Henderson is a Memphis Alum (where Brady White played), and was a 3rd round pick in the 2019 Draft. Totaling over 1700 rushing yards in his NFL career, the all-purpose running back should assist a running back room that houses De’Veon Smith, Brian Herrien, and Leddie Brown, especially with Alt-League fixture Kenneth Farrow retiring from Football.
Anthony Cioffi Claimed by the Vegas Vipers
The Jersey Boy returns to Pro Football after spending 2023 out of the USFL and XFL. Cioffi was a UDFA out of Rutgers in 2017, spending time in the CFL, and USFL, along with short stints in the NFL with the Jets, and Raiders. In 2022, Cioffi was a fixture in the Tampa Bay Bandits Defensive Backfield, before getting released in January of 2023. After attending the XFL’s Showcases and Combine Cioffi now joins a new Vipers coaching staff for his 7th season in pro football.
Calvin Jackson Claimed by Seattle Sea Dragons
Another celebrity from Netflix’s Last Chance U, Jackson spent two seasons at Independence Community College (KS), before going to Washington State. After a “successful” college career, Jackson had stints with the Jets, and Dolphins, and even went up north to the CFL before finding his way to the XFL.
TJ Edwards Claimed by San Antonio Brahmas
A D-II stud from the GLVC, Edwards has been tearing up the IFL and now gets a shot to prove his skill set at the outdoor level. Edwards led the Fighters to a 14-2 record and totaled 853 yards on the ground, 49 rushing touchdowns along with leading the IFL with 2,600 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns en route to an MVP award. After a couple of seasons in the IFL, Edwards is primed to take over in 2024 for a Brahmas team looking for someone to take control of that Offense.
Please note not every player on this list has signed their Letter of Intent to join the XFL in 2024. With Merger talks still inbound and ongoing it is possible that none of these players play for their respective teams.
