27 November 2000 – Wide receiver James Kidd, one of Coach Al’s “Lugies” and a likely contributor to the Xtreme come February, has been signed onto the practice squad of the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. Practice squad members don’t participate on game day unless promoted to the active roster at another player’s expense. Kidd probably won’t get such an opportunity in the next few weeks, but he’s now just an injury away from national television. If he makes it, his most important role will be as a return man on kickoffs. He would wear #19.
So long as Kidd remains with the Rams in any capacity, he’ll be unable to participate in the Xtreme’s various preparatory camps. He’ll be in excellent football shape for the XFL season, however, and should have little trouble picking up a fresh system.
St. Louis has also signed receiver Darrius Blevins of the Memphis Maniax. Memphis, an Xtreme division rival, thought enough of Blevins to protect his rights in the XFL’s territorial draft. It looks now as if they won’t reap any benefits from this decision, as the Rams have already placed him on their active roster, and will likely retain him during the NFL off-season. Blevins wears #83.
