Two Years Later Where Are The Leading XFL Rushers of 2020?

By Pat Rifino

A couple of months back, I recapped some of our favorite AAF running backs and looked into where they are in their careers. As you could imagine it was only fitting that I’d do this for the XFL rushing leaders as well. With the XFL 3.0 taking shape we may see a couple of familiar faces return to professional football that we haven’t seen in a while. Below are the Top Rushing leaders of the XFL 2.0 2020 season. 

*Slight roster moves may have occured since the publishing of this article

1. Tampa Bay Vipers: De’Veon Smith 90 Car 365 Yards 4.06 ypc 0 TD

Smith would lead the league in rushing yet never cross into paydirt. After the XFL Smith would join the BC Lions of the CFL before getting cut in March 2021. Despite all his accomplishments on the football field Smith is most known for getting cut by Kirby Wilson as a member of the Maulers on United by Football. Since then Smith has not been signed but has been extremely vocal about wanting to pursue work in the XFL 3.0.

2. St. Louis Battlehawks: Matt Jones 80 Car 314 Yards 3.93 ypc 1 TD

Jones, a former NFL 3rd round pick, joined the XFL after a two year hiatus from pro football. Since leaving the XFL Jones has not re-signed with any team/league and as of 2021 has been pretty inactive on twitter.

3. Tampa Bay Vipers: Jacques Patrick 60 Car 254 Yards 4.23 ypc 2 TD

Patrick would join the XFL after going undrafted in 2019. Upon cancellation of the league Patrick would bounce around NFL practice squads before making his NFL debut in 2021. So far Patrick has been with the Bengals, 49ers, Panthers, and Ravens. He’s rushed for 12 yards on 2 carries while playing in 2 NFL games.

4. Dallas Renegades: Cameron Artis-Payne 47 Car 241 Yards 5.13 ypc 2 TD

CAP was the perfect piece for a Renegades team that was beginning to find their stride. Upon his release from the XFL, CAP latched on with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL before finding himself on and off injured reserve multiple times. So far in 2022 CAP remains on the injured reserve for the Als.

5. New York Guardians: Darius Victor 55 Car 238 Yards 4.33 ypc 0 TD

Victor could be viewed as the most successful since leaving the XFL. Victor is the 2nd player on the list to transition to the USFL and took the league by storm. Leading the league in touchdowns, second in rushing all the while earning All-USFL accolades in the 2022 season. Victor is in prime position for 2023 to continue his dominance as the USFL’s elite back moving forward.

6. Houston Roughnecks: James Butler 46 Car 221 Yards 4.8 ypc 2 TD

Upon the cancellation of the XFL, Butler became a stalwart for the BC Lions of the CFL. Butler in 2021 started eleven games for the Lions, and in the 2022 through three games has 6 total touchdowns and is in prime position to put up an All Star season for the Lions in 2022.

7. St. Louis Battlehawks: Jordan Ta’amu 41 Car 217 Yards 5.29 ypc 1 TD

Ta’amu would be the only QB on this list and was considered a budding star prior to the cancellation of the season. Ta’amu would bounce around NFL practice squads before finally transitioning to the USFL as the 2nd overall pick. Ta’amu immediately solidified himself as a top QB in the USFL leading the league in yards and touchdowns. He also added 365 yards on the ground while averaging 6.19 yards a carry. 

8. DC Defenders: Jhurell Pressley 42 Car 190 Yards 4.52 ypc 0 TD

Pressley was the leading rusher in AAF however, would split carries with Donnel Pumphrey for the Defenders. The cancellation of the 2020 XFL season would signal the end for Pressley as he was not able to latch on with any other leagues.

9. St. Louis Battlehawks: Christine Michael 51 Car 178 Yards 3.02 ypc 1 TD

The third Battlehawk on this list, Michael would provide a solid complimentary piece to Ta’amu and Matt Jones. Unfortunately, upon cancellation of the 2020 XFL season, Michel would not be able to continue his pro career and has been MIA from pro football since. 

10. DC Defenders: Donnel Pumphrey 46 Car 168 Yards 3.65 ypc 0 TD

After failing to latch on to another NFL team the former 4th rd pick joined Jhurell Pressley in what was a rather anemic rushing attack for the DC Defenders. Pumphrey would be on several NFL teams' workout list but never could transition into a roster spot. A rather sad fall from grace for a player who is the FBS all time leading rusher.  

The leading rushers of the XFL 2.0 all seemed to have a mixed bag of success post the cancellation of the league. About half would have an opportunity for other leagues while others seemed to have moved on from playing football. Regardless, each one was a part of the glorious history that is spring football. 

Revisiting the AAF-XFL-USFL Crossovers, How Did They Do?

By Pat Rifino

In the month of April, I identified the original 16 players who were drafted by USFL teams in the 2022 draft. As we stated the USFL did a pretty good job of having new players in their league and though some familiar faces were added to the league (Luis Perez), I wanted to focus on the original crop of players that were originally sought after by the USFL. Below is referring to my original article with an update on how they did. 

Marquis Lucas New Orleans Breakers Offensive Tackle

Orlando Apollos and Tampa Bay Vipers

Lucas could have been an afterthought for the Breakers coming into camp, in fact he did the exact opposite. Lucas came in and was a lockdown tackle for the Breakers and helped lead them to a playoff berth. Lucas would start 10 games for the Breakers, the most games he’s started since college. 

Terry Poole New Jersey Generals Offensive Tackle

San Diego Fleet and Houston Roughnecks

Terry Poole continued to dominate in the spring league realm as he continued his streak of starting spring league football games. Poole since the beginning of the spring football era (AAF) has started every possible spring football game in the regular season. Poole’s latest sample of play in the USFL saw himself get selected to the All-USFL team for Generals. Though his opportunity in the NFL may have passed Poole will definitely remain a key player in all future spring football endeavors.

Channing Stribling Philadelphia Stars Cornerback

Memphis Express and Seattle Dragons

Stripling is the second player on our list to make the All-USFL Team for 2022. Stribling came on the scene by storm and was viewed as Top cornerback in the USFL. Strbling’s seven interceptions led the USFL and allowed for the Stars to present a formidable Defense week in and week out. Stribling now will have the opportunity to lead the Stars vs the Stallions in the 2022 USFL championship to solidify his magical season.

Jamar Summers Houston Gamblers Cornerback

Birmingham Iron and New York Guardians 

Summers was looked upon to be a pre-season All-USFL cornerback coming into 2022. Though solid, Summers did not register an INT while registering 26 total tacklers. At only 27 years old Summers added some credibility to a young league and was definitely an efficient starter in the USFL.

Bradley Sylve Philadelphia Stars Cornerback

Birmingham Iron and DC Defenders

Stars went back to the spring league cookie jar by drafting Sylve in the 11th round. Sylve would battle injuries throughout the 2022 season and would only register 8 tackles this year.

Jack Tocho Philadelphia Stars Safety 

Birmingham Iron and LA Wildcats

Tocho did not report to training camp with the Stars and has not been on the spring football radar so far since Spring 2022.

Beniquez Brown Houston Gamblers Linebacker

Birmingham Iron and Houston Roughnecks

Brown would play a reserve role for the Gamblers. Surrounded by Reggie Northrup and Donald Payne Brown would play sparingly and register 15 tackles for a Gamblers defense that was a bright spot in an extremely bleak season. 

Scooby Wright III Birmingham Stallions Linebacker

Arizona Hotshots and DC Defenders

Wright was immediately a USFL fan favorite in Birmingham as the “Sharkdawg” made his presence known during the opening week of the season. Though hampered by some injuries, a leaner, meaner, Scooby Wright was a dynamic playmaker for the Southern Division Birmingham Stallions. Add a Defensive Player of the Week award and many will say Scooby Wright was viewed as a top-ten linebacker in the USFL when healthy.

Taiwan Jones Michigan Panthers Linebacker

Memphis Express and LA Wildcats

Jones would be the second player on our list of originals to not report to camp come April for the Panthers. He seems to have retired from pro football.

Damien Mama Tampa Bay Bandits Offensive Guard

San Diego Fleet and New York Guardians

Mama, came on strong for the Bandits that was one of the most up and down offenses in the USFL. Mama would start every game at guard for the Bandits and would provide consistent interior protection for Ta’amu during the 2022 USFL Season.

De’Veon Smith Pittsburgh Maulers Running Back

Orlando Apollos and Tampa Bay Vipers

The most controversial player in the USFL despite never playing a game. Smith was the victim of Kirby Wilson’s Pizzagate and would be cut for “disrespecting the USFL staff” and replaced with Madre London. Smith is adamant about wanting to play football and has been vocal on Twitter about wanting to keep his career going.

Trey Williams New Jersey Generals Running Back

San Antonio Commanders and Seattle Dragons

Williams was a part of the three headed monster that included Darius Victor, DeAndre Johnson and him. Williams would place 2nd in the USFL with 579 yards. Williams was a part of an extremely dynamic Generals rushing attack that won the Northern Division however lost in the playoffs.

Frank Ginda Michigan Panthers Linebacker

San Diego Fleet and New York Guardians

Ginda was an afterthought in the AAF and XFL however, would really come into his own with the Panthers. One of the leaders of Panthers, Ginda would place second in the USFL with 89 tackles only behind Donald Payne. Though slightly liable in the passing game, Ginda would prove to be a sure-handed Linebacker in the run game.

Austin MacGinnis New Orleans Breakers Kicker

Memphis Express and Dallas Renegades

MacGinnis was originally one of my pre-season picks to be on the All-USFL team since he’s only missed 2 professional field games. MacGinnis would start the season like many USFL kickers, wildly inaccurate. Before getting replaced MacGinnis would go 2 for 5 on field goals and 4 for 7 on extra points. MacGinnis would later be transferred to the inactive list, according to USFL reports. 

Nick Truesdell New Jersey Generals Tight End 

Salt Lake Stallions and Tampa Bay Vipers

Truesdell would go into camp however suffer injuries. After spending two weeks on the practice squad/inactive roster Truesdell would be released after approx. a month with the team and is currently not playing pro football.

Ryan Navarro Philadelphia Stars Long Snapper

Memphis Express and LA Wildcats

Navarro is another Stars player that has AAF and XFL ties. Navarro proved his consistent solid play as he appeared in each game this year. He also registered 2 tackles before the end of the season. 

Overall the original 16 AAF-XFL crossover yielded mixed results. 4 players did not show/got cut, 2 became All-USFL players, 2 would not make it to the end of the year, and 8 would finish the year as contributors/starters at their position. As we’ve seen in spring football many times these players often re-tread in these leagues. With the XFL coming in 2023, will we see former AAF and XFL 2.0 players come back on a new list? Only time will tell.

“This is Spring Football, you should always be worried.” USFL Historian on XFL’s Fundraising Efforts

by Reid Johnson

On the August 12th episode of The Markcast, long-time contributor to the program USFL historian and OurSports Central owner Paul Reeths returned to break down the latest news of the XFL seeking investors prior to its 2023 season and how the XFL’s fundraising differs from the investments been seemed by spring football rival the USFL.

With the announcement that the XFL is seeking additional investor funds before the 3.0 version of the league has even played one down, I asked Paul Reeths if fans of the XFL and other alt-football leagues should be worried:

“This is spring sootball, you should always be worried.”

“The optics on it, if you do wanna put a spin there, maybe not terribly great.”

“It's very likely that they've been looking for a while, maybe they were even in discussions with someone and they haven't progressed to the degree that they thought they were going to.”

“The reasonable expectation I think was that they needed more money, and so therefore they would be looking for more money.”

FOX has come out and reported that the USFL not only broke even in year one of its spring football endeavor, but actually made money doing so. How was FOX Sports able to profit, when the XFL is already looking for additional funds:

“This past season (of the USFL) as frugal as it was, was still awfully expensive. So they can count in all kinds of ancillary benefits, which may or may not actually be tied into the USFL in order to make that look better and keep in mind that they’re trying to drum up additional funds. So they wanna make that investment look as good as possible.”

Even with the heavy, “we want football all year” mentality of die-hard spring and alt-football fans, there’s no denying that running ANY football league outside the NFL, not to mention an upstart spring football league is incredibly expensive. Why does Paul Reeths think there’s still so much desire for investors and upstarts to try their hands are launching their own spring football league, non-NFL alternative?

“The thing that keeps striking me is that there are these entities that are like, ‘Hey, you know what? This is not a half bad idea.’ This spring football thing yet it takes so much money to make it happen that everybody's looking for, outside help. There's something that they see in developing their own sports property with the rising rights with all the other sports properties, television rates, especially that they see that, want a piece of and that they think they can get a piece of.”

Reports have come out via XFL News Hub’s Mike Mitchell that the XFL is willing to give up 35%-45% of the XFL’s core business to investors in an attempt to raise the necessary $125 million in funds, should XFL fans be worried that Dany Garcia, The Rock, and Redbird Capital are giving up too much stake in their company so early?

“I think what Redbird capital, The Rock, Dany Garcia are looking at is controlling interest, and as long as you have a controlling interest in the league, which is more than 45%, you'll be able to dictate what happens.”

Mike Mitchell’s reporting is that the XFL, who is offering up a percentage of its company to outside investors, hasn’t yet begun shipping the idea of owning teams to individual investors, although they’ve had interest. Why are some people so willing to try their hand at owning an XFL franchise, while the USFL who spent the spring of 2022 auditioning its league to outside investors willing to use their resources to bring a USFL franchise to their local market has seemingly struck out so far?

“They're getting the interest from people wanting to own the teams and I think people can see track history with the XFL that they've been in the whole markets. Even though technically this version of the XFL hasn't kicked off yet, people do have an idea of what to expect in these XFL markets, that includes some folks with money. The USFL, you still have I think what a lot of people saw last year was The Spring League with team names attached to them with city names attached to them with some historical interest. I think that that did play well with a certain section of viewing public. I’m not sure that we saw that translate into the section of the public with real money.”

“Maybe it does speak to the presentation too, of the USFL. We had empty stadiums for three-quarters of the games, and I don't think you can get past that point with a lot of people. That does plant some doubt. ‘If I bring this thing into Houston, am I gonna have an empty stadium? If I bring this thing somewhere around New Jersey, am I gonna have an empty stadium?’ So what Fox may have done is planted those seeds of doubt with their empty stadium last year.”

Regardless of whether the XFL is able to acquire the additional funds they are looking for, Mike Mitchell has also reported that Redbird Capital is willing to continue to fund its endeavor should they not get the necessary investor funds, the existence of two competing alt-football leagues is only a plus for the players looking to gain the most they can from the hard work that comes along with preparing and competing in a spring football league.

“I'm sure that there have been so many different scenarios that have been brought up. You have to peg down your player pay. It certainly looks at this point that the XFL is going to pay significantly more than the USFL did this past season. So that, you know is that gonna have a domino effect as the USFL then going to say ‘Hey, we can't continue to pay 45 grand for quarterbacks, we have to step up our game?’”

Please check out Paul and my full chat on the August 12 episode of The Markcast, link below.

“It tells me they need money.” The Athletic’s Daniel Kaplan on XFL Seeking Investors Ahead of Launch

by Reid Johnson

On the August 12th episode of The Markcast, we were fortunate enough to have Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic stop by to give his thoughts on the XFL, the USFL, and both spring “alt-football” entities now seeking investors and funding ahead of their upcoming seasons.

While the USFL has played its “inaugural” season (albeit in a less than ideal “hub” scenario in Birmingham, Alabama) they seem to be further ahead as compared to their counterpart the XFL, with reports out via Sportcio that the league has already begun searching for investors ahead of their 2023 February kickoff. Further clarification came out later in the week via XFL News Hub’s Mike Mitchell who reported that the XFL was willing to give up 35%-45% of their company in an attempt to raise $125 million in equity funding through the help of PJT Partners.

Although the league is not looking to sell off team franchises at this time, the announcement of this news, particularly the fact that the XFL is already looking to raise more capital before they’ve even played a season, left many spring “alt-football” enthusiasts worried.

I asked Daniel Kaplan what he made of the fact that the XFL was already seeking investors prior to its 2023 XFL season:

“It tells me they need money.”

While the USFL saved funds while housing and playing games for all 8 of its 2022 teams in Birmingham, the XFL has plans to fly the teams out to their various home markets for game days in hopes to engage the local fanbases.

“They're planning 8 Markets just because it teams are not gonna be training there, they still need marketing staff ticket staffs. The leases of these venues are expensive. They're playing in Seattle lumen field where the Seahawks play, that's not cheap. So there are a lot of expenses.”

With the XFL taking an additional year between purchasing the league out of bankruptcy and kickoff off in 2023, they allowed a gap in which the USFL could come in and play during the spring. Now that the USFL successfully completed its season, many have wondered about the viability of 2 competing spring football leagues. I asked Daniel Kaplan about that:

“The question is whether there's enough room in the marketplace for two of them. What we wrote about is the Super Bowl's gonna end, a week later the XFL is gonna kick-off and then you can have uninterrupted spring football probably to early the mid-July. Everyone figures there's an unlimited appetite for football and among the American consumer, this is surely gonna test it. That's a lot of football back to back.”

In regards to who Kaplan sees as the front-runner at this point between the XFL and the USFL in terms of owning the spring football marketplace:

“I don't think both can survive. That's for sure. Whether, whether they merge or, or whatnot. I don't see how two sprint football leagues can survive.”

Kaplan believes the XFL’s best shot to cement its place in the spring football landscape is by continuing to work with the NFL:

“If they're providing the, the service to the NFL, the argument has always been that the NFL, if they (XFL) continue to supply players, the NFL will wanna more formal relationship. If they prove to be a fertile breeding ground for NFL players, NFL hasn't had a minor league. So to speak since NFL Europe days, and it produced some great players.”

Daniel Kaplan and I go into more detail about the XFL vs. the USFL’s business model and talk more about the XFL’s recently announced 5 year TV deal with ESPN/Disney and more, be sure to check out the full interview below.

Pro Football Quarterback Earnings as it relates to Alternative Football Leagues

By Pat Rifino

This off-season only one quarterback has officially retired in the NFL. Ben Roethlisberger retired as a Top-Ten QB who led the Steelers to two super bowl victories during his career. But the main point of this article isn’t to highlight the career of Big Ben. It’s to point out the lack of movement and opportunity of the QB position, and that maybe the league is headed towards a deadlock at the position. 

Per Spotrac, 111 QBs were at one point employed by an NFL team during the 2021 Regular Season. This does not include QBs who were not on NFL rosters during training camp who received roster bonuses, per diem and other monetary compensation. With the USFL expected to kick off on the 16th of April, 16 more men will be paid to play quarterback at a professional level. The below chart is a list of all QBs who had a “cup of tea” in the NFL during the 2021 season and their earnings.

The inspiration of this article comes from two recent events in the professional football landscape occurring. First, the recent unretirement of Tom Brady and how him playing for the Buccaneers shifts the outlook for the NFL 2022 season. Second, the fact that as I write this article it seems that only one team in the NFL doesn’t have a day one starter (Seahawks) meaning that the QB market for 2022 is honestly filled up and it doesn’t have much movement. 

Tom Brady staying in the NFL means a lot of things for the league. It means that yes, the Buccaneers are favorites to win another Super Bowl but it also takes away several opportunities for NFL players and prospects. In 2021 the Bucs had four QBs on their roster/ practice squad. Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Trask, and Ryan Griffin. For a coach like Bruce Arians who has “his guys” I can expect that the QB room will look extremely similar for his 2022 season which means no room for fresh blood in the NFL. No new starter, no new back-up and most likely no new late round pick or UDFA joining the Bucs on the PS with hope of gaining a chance to make a living in the NFL. 

Now I am in no way discrediting the skills of Tom Brady as one, he is the GOAT and two, light years better than any QB in NFC outside of Aaron Rodgers and the fact he hasn’t had bad season yet to me means he is more than capable at the age of 44 (45 in Week 1), than most in this league. However,what I am saying is that the Bucs are one of many teams in the NFL that seem to have a solidified QB room with limited movement of personnel. 

This leads into my second reason for writing this article: how many spots are left for QBs in the NFL? Only five teams have two QBs on their roster going into the NFL Draft and the remainder of free agency. One thing that peaks my interest is the fact that the market still yields capable and competent backups on the market. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Blaine Gabbert, Geno Smith, Cam Newton, and Andy Dalton are all serviceable back ups who could easily provide adequate depth at position and veteran mentorship. 

***Update Andy Dalton was signed by the New Orleans Saints on 30March22***

This “overload” of serviceable QBs has in a way put the NFL in a conundrum. It may seem that the 2022 season has many teams in a “comfortable” position under center, or at least content enough to see if they can win with “their guy”.  For example during most off-seasons, a QB like Baker Mayfield would be a hot commodity, but right now it seems that the former Number One overall pick will be released since the Seahawks are the only viable option for him. Even Jimmy Garoppolo seems to be “stuck” with the 49ers, as the options for him to go to another team are few and far between. 

The NFL is definitely on the younger side of things regarding the QB position. In 2021 only four QBs over the age of 35 played sixteen or more games. One of those QBs retired (Ben Roethlisberger) and the other three are Matt Ryan (Colts), Tom Brady (Bucs), and Aaron Rodgers (Packers). Twenty-one teams had QBs under 30 start the majority of their games while the remaining 7 fell between the ages of 31-34. This bottleneck of youth is a great thing but it can lead to QB stagnation

QB stagnation seemingly, reared its ugly head a couple times in 2022. Giants fans had to witness Mike Glennon post a 4:10 TD to Int ratio in 6 starts, while Vikings fans had their playoff hopes die with Sean Mannion in week 17. Due limited opportunities QBs like Mannion, and Glennon often can stay in the league for years as Glennon and Mannion have both played in the NFL for at least seven years. Glennon has earned 31.9 Million and Mannion 6.2 Million dollars throughout their careers and Mannion will earn even more after being re-signed by the Vikings again. Even though Glennon and Mannion are appearing to be on the outs of pro football, A couple QBs may have escaped “QB Stagnation” and have become viable pro’s again. 

QB’s like Mike White, Cooper Rush, Trevor Siemien, Josh Johnson and Garrett Gilbert seem to have escaped QB stagnation for the moment due to strong performances in spot starts. QB’s like this were bouncing between practice squad anonymity and now going into 2022 seem to be in position to have solidified jobs. What’s even more important is that two of these QB’s are former spring league alumni.

Gilbert and Johnson have bounced around the NFL for years. Johnson being a 5th rd draft pick 08’ and Gilbert was a 6th rd draft pick in 14’ have both played for over nine pro teams in their careers. Both entered QB stagnation, and both needed an opportunity in the spring leagues to push them into QB relevancy which they have translated into additional years in their career. Unfortunately for QBs in 2021 there was no spring league to help them earn additional opportunities.

Going into 2022 there are four major leagues in which a college athlete can gain employment as a quarterback in North America. The NFL, CFL, USFL, and FCF all are opportunities to play football at a high level. Even with all those teams and leagues the rough number of roster spots is only 152 opportunities. To put that in perspective there are 129 FBS teams in college. The opportunity for employment at a professional level is few and far between.

On April 16th the USFL kicks off and so far seventeen QBs have at one point signed a contract with the league (Ben Holmes was released in camp). Out of the Seventeen, Eleven have earned paycheck from an NFL team. Out of those Eleven, Six have been on an active NFL roster. Of those Six, Two have played in an NFL game and only One of those Two have thrown a touchdown in an NFL regular season game. 

The lack of experience is terrifying in the USFL however, the potential is extremely exciting. The potential of a new batch of talent and a chance to see these young QBs play at a professional level and possibly get another chance at the NFL. The USFL allows for NFL GM’s and staff to look at these players at a “high level” and gain valuable game film. Even more importantly it is going to allow for players to transition into the league who deserve to be on an NFL roster. 

In the NFL QB3’s and QB4’s receive a limited amount of opportunity to showcase their skills and oftentimes a bad rep in practice/preseason can lead to a player getting released. With the USFL these QBs can find themselves in a position ready to take meaningful snaps at a moment's notice. 

As a Giants fan it killed me to watch Mike Glennon continue to receive meaningless snaps in an attempt for him to extend a career that should have ended in 2020 with Jacksonville. It was a relief to see Jake Fromm take the field and even though he didn’t “light it up” he was given an opportunity to play and proved that he is not ready/may not be ready for the NFL. With the USFL a player like Fromm could have received game reps at game speed and it would have been answered months before if Fromm could be a professional QB. 

Metlife legend Mike White was also in a similar situation until his opportunity. He however, beat the Bengals and threw for over 400 yds in his first start, most likely extending his career. One thing is clear, alternative football is needed so players can stay sharp (especially QBs) before they are called to the big stage. Hopefully, with the addition of USFL QBs I’d like to believe that GM’s will put the pressure on their existing roster in an attempt to garner more skilled players. 

As with every league, the USFL will most likely lead to an opportunity for many of the new batch of spring QBs. Hopefully with this new league, players will seize the opportunity to play at a high level to garner game film. With the NFL most likely looking pretty similar for the next couple years, the USFL or XFL may be the only opportunity for fans to see fresh faces under center and allow these players a different avenue for them to make a living and most importantly support their families. 

AAF-XFL-USFL Crossovers

By Pat Rifino

Spring Football is back! And for most of us this is the 6th attempt at an alternative football that many of us have experienced in our lives. Yep, this time it’s the USFL part two, that will grace our screens in less than thirty days, but this time the USFL is taking a bit of a different approach than the leagues of the past. The USFL actively drafted and recruited multiple players who did not have alternative football experience and out of the 279 players drafted in the USFL draft only 51 were members of the XFL. To break down those numbers even more out of the 51, 16 had both AAF and XFL experience. That equates to around 6%! As April 16th looms quicker and quicker I’ve taken the time to highlight several of those players as they will be looked upon to lead this new era of football come April 16th.

54th Overall: New Orleans Breakers Marquis Lucas OT 

Orlando Apollos and Tampa Bay Vipers

This Offensive Tackle took awhile to really begin contributing in professional football but managed to make two starts for the Tampa Bay Vipers in 2020. With the Breakers taking him as their third offensive tackle on the team, look for Lucas to remain a role player on the Breakers roster.

56th Overall: New Jersey Generals Terry Poole OT

San Diego Fleet and Houston Roughnecks 

Poole was actually a 4th round pick in 2015 by the Seahawks, however never actually could make it on the field. Since leaving the NFL Poole has been with the Fleet and Roughnecks in which he has started thirteen out of thirteen spring football games. As one of the more seasoned members of the Generals Offense expect Poole to be penciled in as a day one starter.

62nd Overall: Philadelphia Stars Channing Stribling CB

Memphis Express and Seattle Dragons

A former Michigan man, Stribling didn’t really become a full time starter in college until his senior season. However, after getting cut by several NFL teams, Stribling would join the Memphis Express in 2019 starting six games in the AAF. Stribling would also spend 2020 starting five games for the Seattle Dragons before the league would cease operations due to COVID.

66th Overall: Houston Gamblers Jamar Summers CB

Birmingham Iron and New York Guardians 

Summers went undrafted in 2018 despite starting thirty-nine games out of UCONN, After being cut by the Steelers, Summers went to the Birmingham Iron of the AAF earning Special Teams Player of the Week at one point. Summers' success in the AAF earned him two more NFL opportunities and he was even a First Round draft pick by the Guardians in the XFL. 

91st Overall: Philadelphia Stars Bradley Sylve CB

Birmingham Iron and DC Defenders/LA Wildcats 

Sylve won three National Championships at Alabama before going undrafted in 2016. After getting cut by the Bills and having a short stint on the Saints Practice Squad, Sylve started four games for the Iron in the AAF before becoming a 5th round draft pick in the XFL. Though he didn’t start any games Sylve is credited with scoring the first defensive touchdown of the XFL 2.0.

141st Overall: Philadelphia Stars Jack Tocho Safety

Birmingham Iron and LA Wildcats

Tocho was the 3rd member of the Stars secondary to have both AAF and XFL experience showing that Coach Bart Andrus values seasoned veterans in his defensive backfield. Tocho has played a lot of Football since enrolling in NC State in 2013. Tocho has started thirty-six games in college, and an additional thirteen in the AAF and XFL. As the first Safety taken in the USFL draft expect Tocho to make an immediate impact for the Stars.

166th Overall: Houston Gamblers Beniquez Brown ILB

Birmingham Iron and Houston Roughnecks

Beniquez Brown stays in Houston as he joins the Gamblers, by way of the Roughnecks. A tackling machine, Brown amassed two hundred tackles at Mississippi State, and amassed another One Hundred and Ten in the AAF and XFL.

169th Overall: Birmingham Stallions Scooby Wright III ILB

Arizona Hotshots and DC Defenders

At one point considered a Heismen Candidate, injuries derailed Scooby Wright’s draft status as he fell to the Cleveland Browns in the 7th Round. Wright still has put together a solid professional career playing in thirteen NFL games and eleven games in the AAF and XFL. He’s also the first player on our list that has played in the NFL so far.

176th Overall: Michigan Panthers Taiwan Jones ILB

Memphis Express and LA Wildcats

Jones was a standout at Michigan State before going undrafted in 2015. After a short stint with the Jets in which he would play in three games in 2016. After spending three years out of football Jones’ joined the Memphis Express before the league shutdown. After a stint with the LA Wildcats as a reserve Linebacker, Jones looks to join the Panthers as their starting Linebacker in 2022.

187th Overall: Tampa Bay Bandits Damien Mama OG

San Diego Fleet and New York Guardians 

Coming out of USC Mama was an All-Pac 12 Second Team selection before going Undrafted in 2017. Mama, would get cut by three NFL teams before debuting for the Fleet in 2019. While in the AAF and XFL Mama would start nine games while appearing in twelve games before getting drafted by the Bandits.

225th Overall: Pittsburgh Maulers De’veon Smith RB

Orlando Apollos and Tampa Bay Vipers 

The Second player out of Michigan to be on this list, Smith burst onto the scene with the explosive Orlando Apollos Offense that was led by Garrett Gilbert. After the AAF folded Smith would join the Vipers in 2020 where he would be the leading rusher before the league ceased operations.

230th Overall: New Jersey Generals Trey Williams RB

San Antonio Commanders and Seattle Dragons

Williams joins the Generals after only receiving just over two hundred carries in college. Despite being almost thirty, Williams should be rather fresh after appearing in eleven games in the XFL and AAF.

244th Overall: Michigan Panthers Frank Ginda OLB

San Diego Fleet and New York Guardians 

Ginda was considered one of the best Linebackers in the Mountain West Conference during his college years. After going undrafted in 2018 Ginda was a stand out player in the AAF and XFL. Still relatively young at 24 Ginda has plenty of good football left in him before his playing days are done.

258th Overall: New Orleans Breakers Austin MacGinnis K

Memphis Express and Dallas Renegades 

After a couple game winners in the AAF, MacGinnis joined the Renegades where he went 10 for 10 on field goals in the XFL. MacGinnis is expected to be one of the higher echelon special teams players in the USFL.

275th Overall: New Jersey Generals Nick Truesdell TE

Salt Lake Stallions and Tampa Bay Vipers

Truesdell could be considered an AFL legend well before he joined the AAF or the XFLDuring his time in AFL Truesdell has caught over 100 passes including a 23 touchdown season with the Spokane Shock in 2015. During his time with the Salt Lake Stallions Truesdell was considered a Top Tight End, However, only caught nine passes in the XFL.

278th Overall: Philadelphia Stars Ryan Navarro LS

Memphis Express and LA Wildcats

Navarro played in all thirteen possible spring games for the AAF and XFL before getting drafted by the Stars. One of Four Long Snappers drafted Navarro, has also had stints with Raiders (2017) and Washington Redskins (2018) before joining the Express. 

With the USFL scheduled to have their supplemental draft on March 10th, we can expect the percentage of players with AAF and XFL experience to rise. However, with the USFL trying to become its own brand, I think they did a pretty good job of shying away from “re-treads”. Regardless, football fans can rejoice that they will be able to see some of their favorite players take the field on April 16th, and maybe find some new players they can root for, in less than 45 days.

Make sure to check out our new article updating and revisiting these players following the 2022 USFL season!

Top Ten Major Alternative QB Seasons

By Pat Rifino

As spring football looms, one of the many followed story lines is always Quarterbacks. Playing Quarterback at a professional level could be viewed as one of the most difficult tasks to perform in professional sports. As we’ve seen multiple times, spring football/alternative league football has allowed many quarterbacks’ to continue their career in addition to keeping their skills sharp. With the USFL taking place in about a month, I wanted to highlight my top ten seasons from some of the major alternative leagues. Hopefully, some of the new players drafted have continued success in their careers and they can be added to this list in the next several years.

10.) Mike Pawlawski San Francisco Demons (2001) 1659 Yds 12 TDs 6 Int

Pawlawski may be one of the less notable players on the list however, is one of the five players in this list that has actually played in a championship. Pawlawski never played in the NFL however, threw over Three Hundred Touchdowns in the Arena League. After last playing with the Albany Firebirds, Pawlawski joined the XFL’s San Francisco Demons where he would lead the team to the XFL Championship where they lost to the LA Xtreme.

9.) Ryan Willis TSL Linemen (2021) 1680 Yds 13 TDs 5 Int

I was hesitant to add a Spring League QB but Ryan Willis was too damn good in 2021 for the Linemen. After leading the league in almost every passing category Willis would lead The Linemen to a Championship and was the MVP of The Spring League as well. Willis would translate his success into a practice squad signing with the Bears. Willis was even active for one game in 2021 and was re-signed by the Bears for the 2022 season.

8.) J.P. Losman Las Vegas Locomotives (2009) 1193 Yds 9 TDs 2 INT

Losman was a former 1st Round Pick in 2004 out of Tulane. After uninspiring play in Buffalo, Losman joined the Las Vegas Locomotives in the inaugural season of the league. Where he would throw Nine touchdowns and put up a QB rating of 98.0. He would lead the Locomotives to a UFL Championship in his lone season, and would translate his success into two more seasons in the NFL, before retiring in 2011.

7.) Jordan Ta’amu St. Louis Battlehawks (2020) 1050 5 TDs 2 INT

Ta’amu’s passing stats may not have been the most impressive however, he did lead the XFL in completion percentage and was one of three XFL QBs to throw for over one thousand yards in 2020. His rushing ability also was an underrated part of his game ranking 6th among all players. Ta’amu’s most notable accomplishment was that he was able to revitalize football in St. Louis after the city was still upset about the departure of the Rams. After being drafted 2nd Overall in the USFL,Ta’amu now has the opportunity to lead the Tampa Bay Bandits in 2022.

6.) John Wolford Arizona Hotshots (2019) 1617 Yds 14 TDs 7 INT

Wolford came out of nowhere in 2019 and seemingly was the only competition for the Orlando Apollos in the AAF. Wolford ranked Second in yards, and first in touchdowns (14). He also led the Hotshots to a 5-3 which was 1st in the AAF’s Western Conference. Wolford would go on to sign with the Rams in 2019, and recently won a Super Bowl with the Rams as Matt Stafford’s backup.

5.) Josh Johnson Los Angeles Wild Cats (2020) 1092 Yds 11 TDs 2 INT

Despite playing in only four Games in the XFL 2020 season Johnson ranked 2nd in almost every major passing category. Easily the 2nd best/dynamic QB in the XFL Johnson was on pass to put up great numbers despite playing one less game than his competition. Johnson has used his success in the XFL to extend his NFL career, and even though he is a free agent should garner plenty of interest for the 2022 season.

4.) Garrett Gilbert Orlando Apollos (2019) 2152 Yds 13 TDs 3 Int

The de facto MVP of the AAF led the Apollos to a 7-1 record before the league abruptly ended. Before the league folded, Gilber was 2nd in Passing TDs, 1st in Passing Yards, and 1st in Passer Rating. Gilbert has been able to create stability in his NFL career now, starting two games (Cowboys and WFT) in the NFL, and showing to be an extremely capable reserve quarterback.

3.) Brooks Bollinger Florida Tuskers (2009) 1518 Yds 14 TDs 3 INT

Bollinger’s 2009 season put him as the top QB in the UFL during the 2009 season. He would lead the Tuskers to a 6-0 record however, they would lose to J.P. Losman’s Las Vegas Locomotives in the UFL Championship game. Despite losing in the UFL championship, Bollinger was awarded UFL MVP, and led the league in all major passing categories. Bollinger would come back to the UFL in 2010, however injuries forced him to miss half the season, and he would retire at the end of the season. Bollinger’s 19 passing touchdowns are tied for the most in “Alternative League Football” (TSL,AAF.XFL and UFL), a record only Jordan Ta’amu at this time could possibly tie or beat.

2.) Tommy Maddox Los Angeles Xtreme (2001)  2186 Yds 18 TDs 9 INT

The all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns for the XFL had a bit of a career resurgence due to the league. Maddox, would lead the Xtreme to a League Championship along with winning the league MVP which would spearhead him to the Pittsburgh Steelers later that fall. Maddox would end his career with the Steelers after winning a Super Bowl and the 2002 NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He is also the only QB to throw for over 2,000 yards in the XFL, granted ten games does help.

1.) PJ Walker Houston Roughnecks (2020) 1338 15 TDs 4 INT

Walker came out of nowhere for the Roughnecks in 2020. Originally an afterthought Walker’s opportunity came only due to the recommendation of Andrew Luck talking to his father the leagues former CEO. Walker would not waste the opportunity throwing 15 touchdowns and leading each passing category. Due to the 2020’s pandemic, Walker could not complete the season, and failed to break all the original records set by Tommy Maddox. Walker would also lead Houston to 5-0 record, and in position to earn an XFL championship. Upon the cancellation of the league, Walker has signed with the Panthers and despite lacking statistical success, he’s 2-0 as an NFL starter, and recently signed an extension for the 2022 NFL season. 

A Review of Spring League QBs in the NFL

by Patrick Rifino

The USFL is coming back in less than sixty days, and with that being said some new QBs will once again have a chance to showcase their skills in front of live competition. These reps against higher caliber players will not help them possibly extend their professional careers, but could also help them solidify the existence of the USFL and allow it to place the league in high esteem with not only fans but also investors and networks. That all starts with solid quarterback play and in alternative football leagues have been hit or miss when it comes to the most important position on the field. That being said, seven quarterbacks were able to make and maintain roles on NFL teams.

Washington Football Team - Garrett Gilbert 

The most prolific passer in the AAF cut his teeth last year with the Dallas Cowboys playing valiantly in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. After getting cut by the Cowboys at the conclusion of the 2021 training camp, Gilbert was able to sign with the Patriots until the COVID bug hit the Washington Football Team. With Kyle Allen, and Taylor Heinicke both sidelined due to the virus, Gilbert was able to step in and start over Kyle Shurmur on less than a week’s notice. Despite losing against the Eagles, in his lone start of 2021 Gilbert continued to show he is a capable player in the NFL and should continue to garner work in 2022.

Baltimore Ravens - Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson has played for almost half of the NFL and may have another opportunity to play for a couple more. The 35-year-old journeyman quarterback is now stranger to alternative leagues after having stints with the UFL, AAF, and XFL. Due to injuries, COVID Johnson played in four games in 2021 and despite losing his only start, threw five touchdowns to two interceptions. Due to Johnson’s experience and recent success in 2021 he will most likely find himself employed for one more year in the NFL. Maybe we will see him in the XFL in 2023? Who knows.

Chicago Bears - Ryan Willis

Many might not know about Ryan Willis as he was a late season pick up by the Chicago bears in 2021. After going undrafted in 2020, a Spring League championship win garnered him some credibility as a professional quarterback. With Andy Dalton and Justin Fields sidelined, Willis was signed to the practice squad to back up Nick Foles in December. The Bears must have liked Willis enough to re-sign him as he will break into camp in 2022 with them vying for a roster spot.

Carolina Panthers - PJ Walker

The former XFL star has never lost a professional game in his career going 7-0 between his time in the XFL and NFL. Though his NFL experience doesn’t live up to his stats in the XFL Walker once again filled in and played well enough to lead the Panthers to a victory in 2021. With the Quarterback room in Carolina in complete disarray the Panthers resigned Walker to come back and compete with Sam Darnold to hopefully bring some stability to a franchise seeking their first playoff appearance since 2017.

LA Rams - John Wolford

The former Hotshot QB made waves in the AAF winning the player of the week twice before the league folded. Wolford did not play much in 2021 but the recent super bowl champ has solidified himself as a solid backup QB with his win in 2020 during his lone regular season start. With the Rams getting ready to run it back in 2022, Wolford seems to have created a niche for himself in the QB room that may need some administrative help with Offensive Coordinator going to Minnesota to coach the Vikings.

Tennessee Titans - Logan Woodside

Woodside made waves as the AAF’s San Antonio Commanders. The Titans have tried to replace him with Matt Barkley, Trevor Siemien and Cole McDonald since opting to let Marcus Maritoa leave for Oakland but Woodside has continued to outlast them both. With 2022 on the forefront and Woodside a free agent his NFL future may remain in question however, it looks like he definitely has an opportunity to continue to play in the NFL.

Washington Football Team - Taylor Heinicke 

After going toe to toe with Tom Brady during the 2020 playoffs, Heinicke was brought back and beat out Kyle Allen for the QB2 job behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. The former XFL Battlehawk would play admirably throughout 2021 but ultimately did not have enough magic to get the WFT to the playoffs for the second straight year. Heinicke is signed with Washington for 2022 and may be in the mix to open week one as QB1 possibly. Not bad for Jordan Ta’amu’s backup.  

BONUS- Philadelphia Eagles - Tyree Jackson

Though technically not a QB anymore Tyree Jackson was Cardale Jones’s back up for the DC Defenders in 2020. After failing to get picked up during the 2020 season, Jackson would get signed by the Eagles as tight end and would catch his first touchdown in Week 18 of 2021, before tearing his ACL later that game. 

10 XFL Players We Want to See Return

by Patrick Rifino

The XFL is set to return in 2023, and the idea of the “premier” spring league in the minds of many alt-football fans has gotten the minds racing of XFL, AAF or other spring football leagues alike in imaging who they would like to see return to the field when the XFL 3.0 arrives, 2020 was a strange year for many of us, and even stranger for professional athletes. Many XFL athletes already transitioned from the AAF to what seemed to be a stable business operation only to get ravaged and destroyed by a global pandemic. With the XFL 3.0 set to come back with an even stronger business plan in February 2023, many of these athletes could find their way back in the familiar uniforms many football fans fell in love with. So here are Ten XFL Standouts we’d love to see back in the spring of 2023 under the management of Redbird Capital, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia.

Luis Perez QB

Luis Perez came to prominence when he took the field for the AAF’s Birmingham Iron in 2019. After being cut by the Rams in 2018, Perez used his time with the Iron to garner contracts with the Lions, and Eagles before joining the XFL in 2020 with the New York Guardians. The former Harlon Hill winner and DII National Champion ended up starting two games after former NFL vet Matt McGloin was benched before the league ceased operations due to COVID-19. Perez recently played in The Spring League for the Jousters and is currently unsigned. A folk hero of sorts, Perez seems that he will continue to try to play football and would be a welcomed addition to the XFL 3.0.

Shawn Oakman DL

Oakman’s career has certainly not lacked controversy or excitement. After being dismissed from Penn State, Oakman turned out a prolific career at Baylor. However, a sexual assault allegation derailed his pro career as he went from a possible first round pick to becoming undraftable. Oakman would go on to play in the AAL, CIF, TSL, and the XFL before winning a championship in the Fan Controlled Football League. Oakman was able to join the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL becoming an All-Star in 2021. With Oakman’s CFL contract set to expire in 2023, the time frame lines up perfectly for him to return to the XFL for another opportunity. 

Quinton Flowers QB/RB

Flowers was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Vipers as running back but was utilized as QB due to Taylor Cornelius' struggles. Flowers went undrafted in the 2018 draft after a record setting career at USF and was able to spend 2018 with the Bengals before getting cut by the Colts in 2019. After the XFL ceased operations in 2020, Flowers joined the FCFL in 2021 were he led the league in rushing TD and passing TD leader. Flowers, who is a bit of a local legend, could be extremely welcomed if a South Florida team returns to the XFL in 2023.

Reece Horn

If there is a football league, Reece Horn has most likely played in it. The 2016 UDFA out of the University of Indianapolis has played in the NFL, Italian Football League, Austrian Football League, AAF, XFL, and TSL. Horn continues to find himself employed and was most recently with the Bengals before getting cut in 2021. If history tells us anything Reece Horn will most likely find himself employed in both the USFL and XFL and whatever other spring leagues come around in the future.

Taylor Russolino

Recently worked out by the Panthers last week the Division III Millsaps college alum has also had a well traveled career. The Louisiana native has played in the CIFL, AFL, IFL, China Arena Football League, CFL, XFL and was most recently on the Denver Broncos in 2020. Despite his success in college and in the XFL Russolino hasn’t been able to find something permanent. In a recent interview he stated that he would like to continue playing Football and that Saint Louis needs a professional team. Could a reunion be in the works if the BattleHawks return in 2023?

Kony Ealy

This may come as a surprise to some but I welcome Kony Ealy making a return to the XFL. Ealy, is a local Missouri guy who had an extremely successful career at Mizzou. Though his NFL career did not work out it’s extremely possible that playing for the local XFL Battlehawks could put fans in the stands (looking at you Drew Lock). Ealy is currently playing in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts (with Shawn Oakman) and is also a free agent in 2023.

Kenneth Farrow

A two-time spring football league alumnus Kenneth Farrow was considered a top running back in the AAF and XFL. Since last playing for the Seattle Dragons in 2020, he hasn’t garnered much interest in the NFL. Still relatively young it would not be a surprising transition for Farrow to bring in the new league in 2023.

Nelson Spruce

Nelson Spruce has also bounced around several leagues, most recently the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes. After being in the top-5 in receiving in the AAF and being selected to the XFL’s mid-season team, Spruce can once again solidify himself as a top target in the new XFL, and bring stability for younger less experienced QBs.

PJ Walker

Walker was considered the MVP of the league at one point while playing for the Houston Roughnecks and though he’s never lost a start as a professional QB, his starts in the NFL have been less than stellar. I think Walker is a great QB however, I believe he is a bit limited and may not be able to have sustained success in the NFL. Walker coming back to the XFL will allow him to continue his career for years, and will allow to be “the guy” for whichever franchise selects him.