Welcome to our XFL Week 5 – Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 1800 votes before the closing of polls at 12:00PM Eastern on Tuesday February 21, 2023. We thank all who voted!
Fans were asked to nominate any player they deemed worthy of the honor, in three categories: Offensive, Defensive, and Special teams. Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.
XFL Offensive Player of the Week:
#4 Abram Smith, Running Back, DC Defenders
XFL DC Defenders #4 Abram Smith, March 19, 2023. (Twitter)
The DefendersAbram Smith carried the ball 23 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns in the Defenders’ 28-20 victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks. Smith’s 70-yard run for a touchdown gave the Defenders a two-score lead in the third quarter. Smith was the first XFL running back to achieve 200 yards in the 2023 season.
The fans said:
Smith carried the ball 23 times for 218 yards and three touchdowns in the Defenders big win in St. Louis. (FootballYoda)
The first running back to run for over 200 yards this season and recorded three touchdowns doing it. (Anonymous)
Abram Smith averaged 9.5 yards per carry and had long 62 and 70 yard touchdown runs. Amazing! (Jeff)
Honorable Mentions
Luis Perez, Quarterback, Vegas Vipers
Carried the team on his back. (Anonymous)
Perez was 20 completions on 28 passes for 269 yards and three TDs. He brought a win to Vegas. (Trent P.)
Quinten Dormady, Quarterback, Orlando Guardians
Impressive off the bench with 22-25 passes, for 256 yards and two touchdowns. (Anonymous)
Dormady was ready to go. (Anonymous)
XFL Defensive Player of the Week:
#3 Ajene Harris, Defensive Back, Houston Roughnecks
XFL Houston Roughnecks defensive back #3 Ajene Harris, March 16, 2023 (XFL Twitter)
Houston Roughnecks defensive back Ajene Harris led the defensive effort for the Houston Roughnecks with four tackles and two interceptions against the Seattle Sea Dragons.
The fans said:
DB Ajene Harris recorded 2 interceptions this week and now has 5 on the season for 1st in the XFL. (Anonymous)
Ajene had DiNucci’s number as he picked him off twice. (Jackson)
2 interceptions leading the XFL was a bright spot in Houston’s loss. (Stone)
Honorable Mentions
Pita Taumoepenu, Linebacker, Las Vegas Vipers
Taumoepenu was a machine with five tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. (J.P.)
Created havoc all day. Finished the game with three sacks and a forced fumble along with five tackles and four tackles for loss. (Anonymous)
Niko Lalos, Defensive End, Seattle Sea Dragons
Five tackles and a key interception late in the 4th quarter. (Anonymous)
Key defensive talent in the Sea Dragons 21-14 victory over the Houston Roughnecks. (Ronald)
XFL Special Teams Player of the Week:
#11 Darrius Shepherd, WR/Kick Returner, St. Louis Battlehawks
XFL St. Louis Battlehawks #11 Darrius Shepherd’s return at the start of the second half a season-high 80 yards to the DC 16-yard line. In total, Shepherd had three kickoff returns for 155 yards.
The fans said:
Shepherd is the best kickoff returner in the XFL. (Anonymous)
Setup St. Louis for success deep in their opponent’s territory. (Wally R.)
Shepherd’s return sparked life into the Battlehawks. (Anonymous)
Honorable Mentions
Mac Brown, Punter, Orlando Guardians
Three punts for 143 yards working our to a 47.7 average. Can’t beat that! (Marcus)
