With the XFL Draft going on in Las Vegas right now, it’s time to take a look at what the newest edition of the XFL will look like when the league returns on February 18, 2023. Below, is the updated edition of “What to Know” for the returning dynamic football league.
After the league was purchased by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia, the Red Bird Media group has done amazing things for the XFL. From hiring prominent head coaches to doing amazing in media promotion, the XFL is primed to be a main event every week after the NFL season concludes.
Before COVID-19 shut down all sports, the XFL was dominating the sports scene. From beer snakes to crazy kick returns, the alternative football league was dominating social media. Memes and quality football brought together all types of fans to provide a quality football viewing experience that Johnson and Garcia want to replicate.
Who’s involved?
Head Coaches:
Arlington Renegades
Bob Stoops
Houston Roughnecks
Wade Phillips
Vegas Vipers
Rod Woodson
Orlando Guardians
Terrell Buckley
St. Louis BattleHawks
Anthony Becht
San Antonio Brahmas
Hines Ward
Seattle Sea Dragons
Jim Haslett
DC Defenders
Reggie Barlow
Stoops, Phillips, Woodson and Ward bring some star power-esque names to the XFL. With someone as famous as “The Rock” heading the charge for the league, having famous NFL players and coaches from the past involved in the league will be imperative for the leagues success.
Broadcasting:
The XFL has a deal with the ESPN and Disney Media Company for every single game to be broadcast across all of their platforms. ESPN, ABC and FX will carry the XFL and provide hopefully some of the fun TV coverage that the XFL saw in 2020.
In 2020, the XFL brought different camera angles, and player sideline interviews during the game. A fresh and fun twist to football broadcasting allowed for fans to learn about their favorite teams and players better than ever before.
The other twist added to XFL broadcasts before was live reports from the replay booth when going over a challenge on the field. Similar to hearing FOX’s officiating expert review a call, the XFL allowed direct access to officials during the game.
Players:
While the XFL player pool has not been fully drafted, we do know some about who will be involved.
Yesterday, the XFL teams all selected their quarterbacks.
XFL teams drafted their quarterbacks today. AJ McCarron, Ben DiNucci, Kyle Sloter, Luis Perez and Deondre Francois among the 15 QBs taken.
AJ McCarron and Ben DiNucci lead some of the XFL QB’s, Luis Perez returns to the XFL after being one of the quarterbacks for the New York Guardians in 2020.
For skill players, Martavis Bryant, Jacques Patrick and Marcell Ateman highlight a few offensive skill players who will be in the XFL. The defensive pool has less NFL known talent, but there are plenty of standouts that will be showing their worth on defense.
Final What to Know:
The XFL is returning, and they are serious about making a national impact. One of the most important things about the league will be the broadcast ratings in the first few weeks. When the league signed their 4-year contract with ESPN, it signaled that Johnson and Garcia are serious about making this league work. Support from fans across the country, in person and watching on TV, will be imperative for the league to thrive.
