Garrett Gilbert Could Carry a Spring Football League, But Will He Get The Chance To?

By Pat Rifino

For most fans seeing our favorite quarterbacks play in these alt-leagues is what drives us to tune in or watch games. Alt-League QBs frequently have unique track records, some are like Josh Johnson and Kyle Sloter journeymen who have been on multiple teams, or guys like Ben Holmes small school prospects with limited opportunity who come out of nowhere. One QB that many have seen come up regarding the XFL is Garrett Gilbert, and I think he could be one of the players that solidify the XFL in 2023 or help grow the USFL. 

Gilbert’s career has had a lot of ups and downs until the AAF Gilbert had only thrown 3 NFL passes. He’s been on 8 teams played in two leagues, and is currently a free agent. A record-setting high school quarterback Gilbert the Austin, Texas sports an accomplished pedigree that the XFL or USFL could build on. 

Gilbert has already been in a spring league. He understands what it means to build these teams from scratch and from the ground up. His time in the AAF championed him into a position that he’s used to earn three more seasons of NFL experience. He’s even been able to start two games both on short notice and played admirably in both. 

He also has a link with XFL Seattle OC June Jones. Jones was Gilbert’s Head Coach during his time at SMU in 2012 and 2013. While under Jones Gilbert was able to rebound and salvage his college career that started off promising at the University of Texas. Gilbert’s connection to Jones could not only serve as a marketing tool for fans in Texas, but also due to his familiarity with Jones’ run and shoot offense allow for some electric quarterback play. Another connection that GIlbert has with the league is that Russ Giglio was a part of the AAF when Gilbert signed and is now the Senior Director of Player Administration. Gilbert’s Texas ties and connection with June Jones make him a valuable marketing tool to several XFL franchises.

Gilbert’s career also has enough adversity to teach younger players about the ups and downs of being a pro. His constant life of being on the road, cut and signed multiple times, bodes well for players with similar journeys. It allows for players to have someone to look up to and provides younger players with the perfect example of what it means to be a “pro”.

At 31 years old the former AAF-MVP, has traveled and seen enough to look back on his pro football career and view it as a success. He’s a late-round pick who won a super bowl, made over 2.5 million dollars, played in 8 NFL seasons, and had an amazing career revival in an alt-football league. His longevity and pedigree are assets that the league can be utilized as selling points and even a recruiting tool to bring in other players with similar career arches.