Can Fan Controlled Football Players Transition to the XFL?
by Pat Rifino
It’s no secret the FCF or Fan Controlled Football is a bit weird, however, the league is an exciting entity no matter how you feel about it’s non-traditional ways. From players smoking blunts mid-game, to former NFL starters making cameos throughout the season, the FCF has done a great job in producing a quality entertaining product however, the question bodes is the football quality?
While KaVontae Turpin and Travis Toivonen have created some legitimacy for the league, seeing two players garner NFL opportunities, the question is always what’s next. While Andrew Jamiel has looked like the next FCF to make the jump, so far we’ve only seen him participate in a lone NFL workout with the Patriots. That was until the XFL draft took place from November 15th-November 17th, with the FCF seeing 14 of their former players get drafted to the XFL. This begs the question, “Can Fan Controlled Football Players Transition to the XFL?”
Quarterbacks
Mitch Kidd, Orlando Guardians
Kidd is a small school QB, who spent a couple of seasons in the arena leagues before joining the FCF. Kidd took the league by storm earning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards before getting picked up by the Orlando Guardians and sharing a QB room with former FCF alumnus Deondre Francois.
Deondre Francois, Orlando Guardians
The former ACC Rookie of the Year award back in 2016 with Florida State. Francois was the heir-apparent before an off-the-field incident saw him removed from FSU. He finished his career at Hampton College and has had stints in the FCF and TSL. Francois has thrown 19 TDs to 3 Ints in the FCF and will compete with Quinten Dormady for the starting job, in Orlando.
Running Backs
Brycen Alleyne, Houston Roughnecks
Alleyne totaled 349 rushing yards and 8 Touchdowns in 2022. The former Delaware State product looks to be a change of passback for the Roughnecks in the 2023 XFL season.
Wide Receivers
Martavis Bryant, Vegas Vipers
The comeback tour continues with Bryant now making his way to the XFL. The most notable player on this list, Bryant started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers before heading to the Raiders and then being suspended indefinitely from the NFL. After stints with the Argos and Elks in the CFL, Bryant found his way to the FCF and now is in a prime position to garner an NFL opportunity with the Vipers come spring 2023.
Cedric Byrd, Houston Roughnecks
Byrd links up with his former Rainbow Warrior QB Cole McDonald after spending a season in the FCF. Byrd is a shifty receiver who totaled 10 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns in the FCF in 2022.
Andrew Jamiel, Orlando Guardians
Jamiel out of Stonehill has been in the FCF and the TSL. A top-5 receiver in the league, Jamiel is a quality slot receiver, who has finally been given an outdoor opportunity. Over two years Jamiel has totaled 564 yards during his FCF career.
Pat Smith, Orlando Guardians
Smith had 2,545 yards and 31 touchdowns in college and will look to make the most of his opportunity at the professional level now with the XFL. In 2022, Smith recorded 17 receptions for 260 yards and four touchdowns in the FCF.
Tommy Auger, Orlando Guardians
Though drafted as a Long Snapper, Auger looks to spend some time as a Tight End. After spending time in Austria and now the FCF, Auger finally gets a chance to solidify himself after earning All-FCF honors in 2022.
Offensive Linemen
Kamalie Mathews, Orlando Guardians
Another versatile lineman, Kamali Matthews may be a jack of all trades for the Guardians. The 6’2 lineman is extremely athletic, and will probably spend time at guard despite playing tackle in college.
Sunday Deng, Orlando Guardians
Deng is a small school prospect coming out of Northwestern Oklahoma State. Deng’s first season in the FCF was his first pro-season.
Jonathan Irazarry, San Antonio Brahmas
Irazarry is a small school prospect, who was an FCF stalwart. The versatile offensive lineman looks to be a solid reserve for the Brahmas in 2023.
Defensive Backs
Mike Lee, Orlando Guardians
Lee recorded 246 tackles at Kansas while playing as a safety. He spent some time with the NFL in camp and recorded five interceptions with the FCF in 2022..
Roman Tatum, Orlando Guardians
Tatum returns to the XFL after playing with the Wildcats in 2020. Tatum had a stint in the Spring League prior to the FCF and joins the Guardians’ plethora of FCF players now in the XFL.
CJ Anthony, Houston Roughnecks
Anthony is a small school prospect from Garden City CC. The Defensive Back drew interest while attending a workout with the Vipers, after his time in the FCF.
With 14 players transitioning to the XFL, the FCF may be shaking in their boots a bit. With a plethora of talent out there, it shouldn’t be hard to replace the next batch of FCF players who make their way to more traditional outdoor leagues.
