Two Years Later, Who Remains From XFL 2.0?

By Pat Rifino

From the ashes of the AAF, alt-football fans were graced with the XFL for the second time in many of our lifetimes. Beginning in February of 2020 for five weeks fans were graced with the play of many players who eventually transitioned to the NFL. After the COVID-Pandemic ended the XFL prematurely, 58 players would be signed onto NFL squads, going into the 2022 season 20 XFL alumni remain employed by NFL teams. Below is that list:

Taylor Heinicke Quarterback St. Louis Battlehawks
Washington Commanders

Prior to his transition to the XFL Heinicke had thrown 58 passes for the Panthers, and Texans, in addition to his stints on the practice squads of the Patriots, and Vikings. Heinicke’s time in the XFL would be less than memorable due to him not playing one snap, however, his familiarity with Ron Rivera would help him land a job as an emergency QB with the Washington Football Team in 2020. Due to an Alex Smith and Kyle Allen injury, in addition to Dwayne Haskins’ ineffectiveness, Heinicke would be thrust into a playoff start and almost managed to defeat Tom Brady in 2020. Heinicke would gain even more experience in 2021 throwing for 20 TDs and 3,419 yards while keeping Washington competitive throughout the whole season.

PJ Walker Quarterback Houston Roughnecks
Carolina Panthers

Walker burst onto the XFL with the help of June Jones and the Air Raid Offense. Going undefeated and throwing for 15 TDs and 1,338 yards, Walker would join his college coach Matt Rhule with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 even making two starts winning both of them in spot-duty. Currently, due to a Sam Darnold injury, Walker remains as the backup QB to Baker Mayfield going into 2022.

Donald Parham Tight End Dallas Renegades
Los Angeles Chargers 

Parham made headlines this offseason after a potentially career-ending injury during week 15 of the 2021 season. Parham, who was a Top-10 XFL Receiver, left the Renegades after the league ceased operations and joined the Chargers. Over Two NFL seasons, Parham has recorded 30 receptions, 349 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Going into 2022 Parham looks to be the Top Tight End for Justin Herbert who is considered by many to be a MVP Candidate. 

Storm Norton Offensive Lineman LA Wildcats
Los Angeles Chargers

Prior to joining the XFL, Norton was on and off practice squads for the Lions, Cardinals, and Vikings. When finally given an opportunity, Norton would be rated one of the highest-rated linemen in the XFL by PFF. Upon his release, Norton would play in 22 games including 17 starts for the Chargers, in 2020 and 2021. Though not considered an every-week starter Norton has proven he can be a capable back-up in the NFL.

Michael Dunn Offensive Linemen Seattle Dragons
Cleveland Browns 

Dunn has played in every game for the AAF and XFL, before joining the Browns, After getting cut by the Dolphins in 2019 Dunn was drafted in the 6th round by the Dragons and started four out of five games for the Seattle Franchise. Upon the cancellation of operations Dunn joined the Browns as a reserve guard and in two seasons in Cleveland has played in 20 games including 2 starts.

Elijah Campbell Cornerback DC Defenders
Miami Dolphins

Campbell was a part of a Defenders team that had notable players like Tyree Jackson, Cardale Jones, Scooby Wright, and Tyler Rausa. Campbell, though not a star in the XFL, was solid enough to earn a shot with the Jets in late 2020 and even played in three games. After being placed on waivers by the Jets in 2021, Campbell was claimed by the Dolphins and appeared in 7 games recording 2 tackles. Going into 2022, Campbell remains on the active roster as a reserve DB looking to contribute on special teams.

Christian Kuntz Long Snapper Dallas Renegades
Pittsburgh Steelers

Originally signed by the Patriots as a Linebacker in 2017 UDFA, Kuntz was waived by Bill Belichek’s gang during final cuts. Upon transitioning to Long Snapper, Kuntz had stints with the Broncos, Jags, and Steelers, before joining the Renegades in the XFL. Due to his coverage abilities and long-snapping skill, Kuntz was brought back to the Steelers after tryouts with the Texans and Colts, eventually winning the Long snapper job in 2021, and playing in all 17 games. 

Scott Daly Long Snapper New York Guardians
Detroit Lions

Since coming into pro football in 2018, Daly has had limited opportunities. After a stint with the Cowboys, Daly joined the AAF and XFL playing in 13 alt-league games for the Commanders and Guardians. After signing in 2021, Daly joined the Lions winning the Long Snapper job, and is now the starting long snapper in 2022 for Dan Campbell’s squad.

Nick Moore Long Snapper Tampa Bay Vipers
Baltimore Ravens

The final active player from XFL 2.0 is Nick Moore who like many on this list had a similar journey. Unlike others though, Moore had to beat out Morgan Cox, a stalwart of the Ravens special teams unit who made four pro bowls. Moore was a COVID replacement for Cox in 2020 and played well enough to become the full-time starter in 2021 a role he has retained in 2022.