Author: Thomas Shanks

Official XFL Football should be revealed soon

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

We all know how much XFL fans loved the original black and red XFL football. Nothing can beat the look of that ball, but, can a modernly engineered football be the right fit for #XFL2020?

Last week, the Dallas Renegades tweeted a teaser from the “Team Issue” headquarters in the “Big Game” football factory in Dallas, Texas, where they were shooting video for the grand reveal.

From the Team Issue website: https://www.teamissue.com/

“Team Issue is engineering the future of football technology. We’ve worked under the simple mission of enhancing athletic performance through innovation and superior design. Meticulously crafted, rigorously tested and fully customizable, Team Issue footballs are the best ever created.”

“The game is evolving, so why shouldn’t your football? At Team Issue, we develop the technologies that propel your game forward. Built with cutting-edge innovation, unsurpassed quality and an unprecedented commitment to excellence, we’ve designed the best football ever made.”

The official football is one of the items XFL fans literally want to get their hands on. Currently there is no news when and where the ball will be available for purchase, however we expect this news to be released soon.

Late in October, an XFLBoard.com message board participant posted an image of a ball that appears to be at least a prototype of the new ball. http://xflboard.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1758

Post by LeoNY » Tue Oct 29, 2019 1:29 pm
I saw this and screen shot it. It was in a YouTube video on the XFL careers channel. I don’t know if this is the final design but unlike the X pinpoint balls we saw in the Showcase photos. This actually has the XFL logo on it. It’s not as cool as the original XFL ball, which was more for style than substance. Knowing this version of the XFL. The ball was probably created with player performance in mind.

This is exciting, right?

Houston Roughnecks XFL Draft Recap

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

Overall, twenty-two of the 42 players added to the Houston Roughnecks roster through the inaugural XFL Draft have been on active NFL rosters in their careers. Twelve of those players played multiple seasons in the NFL.

 

QUARTERBACK ASSIGNMENT: PHILLIP WALKER

A four-year letter winner at Temple University (2013-2016), Phillip Walker is the Owls’ all-time leader in pass attempts (1,410), completions (803), passing yards (10,273), TD passes (72), and total offense (11,100). In 2015 and 2016, the New Jersey native led TU to two of their three 10-win seasons and their first ever back-to-back bowl appearances in school history, along with their first conference title in 49 years (2016). Walker spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (2017-19 practice squad).

 

PHASE 1- SKILL PLAYER DRAFT

Connor Cook: An experienced and productive college quarterback at Michigan State, Connor Cook was drafted in the 4th round by the Oakland Raiders in 2016. Cook is a well-versed pro-style quarterback who consistently displays the footwork, timing and crispiness in his fundamentals as a high quality quarterback. He has ample arm strength to finish throws on the perimeter and down the field, and has the toughness to stand tall and drive the ball regardless of pressure around him. Cook’s experience, confidence and decisiveness make him a reliable, rhythm passer for an XFL offense.

Sammie Coates: He played college football at Auburn, where he played in the 2013 SEC Championship Game and 2014 BCS National Championship Game, and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in the NFL, including 12 games with the Texans in 2018.

Cam Phillips: Wide Receiver who played college football at Virginia Tech. Signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent on in May 2018. He was waived on September 1, 2018 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 18, 2018. He was waived on November 5, 2018 and was re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Bills on December 31, 2018, but waived by the Bills in August 2019

Jalen Saunders: Earning All-WAC honors at Fresno State and All-Big 12 honors at Oklahoma as a slot receiver, Jalen Saunders had stints with five NFL teams before posting 1,909 receiving yards in two season in the CFL. Developing into a more multiple threat as a hybrid inside-outside receiver as a professional, Saunders’ greatest trait still remains his catch-and-run ability. With high-quality instincts and athleticism, he displays the ability to change the game with big plays on both offense and special teams.

Kyle Hicks: The first running back selected by the Roughnecks. A former TCU Frog, he was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection in 2016.

Devin Gray: Wide receiver who played college football at Cincinnati.  Signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2018. He was waived on September 1, 2018 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. On August 31, 2019, Gray was waived by the Falcons, but he was re-signed to the Falcons practice squad on October 23, 2019, making him a maybe for the start of the XFL training camp.

Andre Williams: He played college football at Boston College, where he was a finalist for the 2013 Heisman Trophy, and won the 2013 Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back. During the 2013 season, Williams became only the 16th player in NCAA history to rush for over 2,000 yards and he finished his college career ranked 5th all-time for most yards rushed in a single season with 2,177 yards. Drafted by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

 

PHASE 2- OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Cornelius Edison: Played college football at Portland State and was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2015. Also appeared on the Falcons and Vikings roster.

Terry Poole: A former JuCo transfer, Terry Poole started 25 games at San Diego State before being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. Spending three years in the league, Poole eventually found himself back in San Diego with the AAF, where he started eight games at tackle. Poole’s measurables and rhythm in pass protection are strengths, as are his lateral quickness and hand placement.

Demetrius Rhaney: Analysis: Best suited in a zone-blocking scheme, Demetrius Rhaney played two years at Tennessee State and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of 2014. After five years in the NFL with three teams, Rhaney developed into a full-time starting center in the AAF. The high-effort player generates a lot of lower body power and moves well vertically with strong, choppy steps.

Gerhard de Beer: Offensive tackle who played college football at Arizona. Signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He most recently played for the Green Bay Packers.

Patrick Lewis: Center who played college football at Texas A&M. Lewis was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2013. In the 2014 season, he played in six games for the Seahawks, who kept a 4-0 record with Lewis as starting center. Lewis was not named the starting center before the 2015 season. However, he regained the starting job from Drew Nowak prior to Week 10.  On January 12, 2019, Lewis was signed by the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football.

Tayo Fabuluje: Offensive tackle who played in the 2012 season for TCU. He was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.

 

PHASE 3- DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN

Trenton Thompson: Defensive tackle who played college football at the University of Georgia. Thompson graduated from Westover Comprehensive High School in Albany, Georgia, where he earned All-USA Defensive Player of the Year honors by USA Today. Scouts compared him to All-Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2018, but later released. Signed by the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football on January 18, 2019. After a four tackle performance in a 38-22 week 1 victory over the Salt Lake Stallions, Thompson was named by Pro Football Focus to their Week 1 AAF Team of the Week. After the AAF ceased operations in April 2019, Thompson signed with the Washington Valor of the Arena Football League, and later briefly signed by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, but released just prior to the 2019 season.

Edmond Robinson: A linebacker who played college football at Newberry. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round, 232nd overall of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the first NCAA Division II player to be selected in that year’s draft. Started in week 15 in a loss against the Arizona Cardinals and was credited with one tackle and a pass defensed.  A week later in the Vikings’ blowout win over the New York Giants, he recorded five tackles despite playing just six snaps on defense. After being cut by the Vikings, and moving from the New York Jets to the Arizona Cardinals, he was signed with the Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football for the 2019 season.

Davis Tull: A linebacker who played college football at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, signed a 2.5 million dollar contract, but placed on injured reserve early in the season. Tull bounced from the Atlanta Falcons to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, to the LA Rams and finally to the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football.  In August 2019, Tull was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but released with an injury settlement during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019. Later, he was suspended by the NFL for four weeks beginning on Oct. 19.

Beniquez Brown: Linebacker who played college football at Mississippi State. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2016, but released soon after. In 2018, Brown signed with the Birmingham Iron of the AAF for the 2019 season.

 

PHASE 4- DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Deji Olatoye: Cornerback who played college football at North Carolina A&T. He was originally signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and appeared on the rosters of the Chiefs, Cowboys, Falcons and Buccaneers before joining the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

Robert Nelson: Undrafted out of Arizona State, Robert Nelson played in 20 career NFL games. He is a quick, sudden athlete with good play speed to stay in phase with receivers downfield. He shows good burst to the ball in zone coverage and flashes playmaking skills when he trusts his instincts.

Trae Elston: Safety who played college football at Mississippi. Signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2016.  Moved through the rosters of the Bucaneers, Browns, Bills, Eagles, Dolphins and Saints.

Marqueston Huff: Selected in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Titans. He played 41 games as a rotational safety and cornerback in the NFL. He offers good range and physicality from the backend. His aggressive play has tone-setting potential.

Ed Reynolds: A 2013 First-Team All-American at Stanford and was selected in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Eagles. He played in 16 NFL games, including 10 starts. He is a smart, instinctive safety with above average ball skills. He is a reliable tackler in the box or in space.

Brendan Langley: A 3rd-round NFL draft selection by the Broncos in 2017. He played 16 games over two seasons in Denver, primarily as a reserve defensive back and return man. The former college wide receiver possesses good ball skills. He has desired size and speed with strong upside as a zone corner.

Deatrick Nichols: A 3-time All-AAC performer at South Florida before signing with the Cardinals. He was a member of the team’s practice squad in 2018, appearing in 2 games. He has slot corner size and traits with good ball production. He plays sticky man coverage with desired range in zone.

 

PHASE 5- OPEN DRAFT

Akrum Wadley: Running back who played college football at Iowa. He was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018.  In 2019, he signed with the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football.

Marquez Williams: Fullback who played college football at Mars Hill and the University of Miami. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has also played for the Cleveland Browns.

Blake Jackson: Wide receiver who played college football at Mary Hardin–Baylor. After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, but released by the Stampeders at the conclusion of training camp. After attending The Spring League Showcase in La Jolla, California in July 2018, Jackson signed with the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver on July 27, 2018, and elevated to the Browns’ active 53-man roster on December 28, 2018. Jackson was waived with an injury designation on August 2, 2019. After clearing waivers, he was placed on the Browns’ injured reserve list. He was later released with an injury settlement. \

Isame Faciane: A guard who played college football as a defensive tackle at Florida International and was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He went from the Vikings practice roster, to a reserve/future contract, and back to the practice roster. He was released by the Vikings on October 18, 2016 following a DWI arrest. Later, he spent time on the Bills and Dolphins rosters, and with the Iowa Barnstormers of the Indoor Football League

Kony Ealy: The former 2nd round pick had 28 sacks at Mizzou, 15 in the NFL, and holds several Super Bowl records. He was a lone bright spot in Carolina’s loss to the Denver Broncos in SB 50, with 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.

Carl Bradford: Lnebacker who played college football at Arizona State, and was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL; the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL; and the Arizona Hotshots of the AAF.

Austin Rehkow: Punter and placekicker who played college football for the Idaho Vandals football team at the University of Idaho. He moved through the rosters of the Bills and Giants without earning a starting position before he was signed by the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football as a punter.

How does the XFL plan to reimagine the football rule book?

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

When the XFL was first announced Vince McMahon said, “We want to re-imagine the game of professional football.” Since then, the league has worked on a concept of a faster, more fan-friendly game, with “less stall and more ball.”

Since then, this concept of a better game has moved several steps closer to reality, especially since the XFL has been testing its planned rule changes with The Spring League, Your Call Football, and at community colleges in Mississippi.

Here are the rule changes and enhancements the XFL has been testing.

YouTube video

 

Forward lateral rule

The XFL has considered the idea of treating passes behind the line of scrimmage as lateral passes, which would allow more than one forward pass to occur. The league feels this would simplify officiating, since it would be easier to judge whether or not a player was behind the line of scrimmage, compared to whether a pass was a lateral or not. The XFL trialed this rule during testing in Mississippi. However, it is still not clear whether a dropped pass is an incomplete pass or a live ball.

A different kickoff

As opposed to the AAF, which did away with kickoffs, the XFL plans to embrace this exciting aspect of the game. The XFL plans to move the spot of the kickoff back to the kicking team’s 15-yard line, which is hoped will reduce the amount of touchbacks. However, in the case that a touchback happens, the ball would be spotted at the 35-yard line. It is hoped that this would encourage kickers to strategically kick the ball as close to the goal line as possible, and further serve to increase the amount of kick returns in the game.

Losing the fair catch

The XFL is considering doing away with fair catches, and instead rely on a halo rule to protect the kick returner. Just like in the CFL, and the original XFL, the kicking team will be forced to give the returner five yards of space to recover and return the ball.

Points after touchdown

The XFL plans to incorporate scrimmage plays for all extra-point attempts. The value of the extra points earned will depend on where the scoring team chooses to take the snap. A two-yard-line attempt would score a single point, a five-yard-line attempt would gain two points, and a ten-yard-line attempt would be for three points. This rule was practiced sparingly by the original XFL, as it became in effect on a rule change that was enacted just before the playoffs.

A shootout style overtime

The proposed XFL overtime format would be a five-round “shootout” of scrimmage plays from the five-yard-line. Just like in a penalty shootout, teams would take turns attempting to make a single play for the end zone, and thus earning a point. At the end of five-rounds, the team with more completed attempts would be declared the winner. The XFL hopes this overtime format would be exciting for fans, ensure both teams have a equal opportunity to win the game, and provide a way for both defensive and offensive players to participate in the outcome.

A different clock

In an attempt to speed up the game, the XFL plans to run the clock continuously, only stopping during a change of possession, and during the two-minute drill, which the XFL will retain. The XFL also plans to reduce the play clock to the shortest time of any American football league, being 25 seconds, measured from the end of the previous play. It should be pointed out that the original XFL, and the AAF, used a 35-second play clock, and Arena football uses a very similar 32-second clock. NFL and college football use a 40-second clock. The Canadian Football League uses a relatively short 20-second clock, however it begins when the ball is spotted, which usually adds up to 15 seconds between plays.

No huddle offence

In direct response to the shortened time clock, the XFL has been trialling a one-way radio placed in all offensive players’ helmets to allow the offensive coordinator to call play on the fly. Theoretically, this would eliminate the need for a huddle.

Using a Ball Judge

The XFL plans to incorporate a “ball judge” who will be responsible for the placement of the ball, and thus speeding up the game. This would bring the number of on-field officials to eight.

Sky Judge

The AAF used a “Sky Judge,” who was an additional official in the booth that had the purpose of reviewing on-field decisions. Oliver Luck has said he thought this was a great innovation to the game and indicated they were considering implementing it in the XFL.

Tap penalty

The XFL may add a “tap” penalty which would be given to individual players who commit a foul that is not serious enough to warrant a penalty flag. The penalty will result in the player being sent off the field for one play, but not resulting in the team being short a player, as a substitute for the offending player will be allowed. The idea is to keep the game moving quickly, while still addressing rule breakers.

Other potential rule changes that have been discussed

  • In a recent interview, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck stated that the league would likely use the standard of one foot required in bounds for a complete forward pass, similar to high school/college football, and the CFL.
  • As in the original XFL, allowing forward motion by all backfielders may be considered. There is a similar rule in the CFL.
  • Using a one-yard neutral zone at the line of scrimmage, as used by the CFL. The current NFL standard is the length of the football. However, this rule was tested and the league felt it made short-yardage situations too easy to convert.
  • A proposed rule would require offensive linemen (excluding the snapper) to not put their hand on the ground, thus outlawing the three-point stance.

Conclusion

We are not sure which of these proposed rules will be adopted by the XFL. However, we know that the official rulebook will need to be released soon, in advance of upcoming training camps. We look forward to seeing the XFL’s rule innovations.

XFL Draft to be held on 15-16 October

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

In preparation for the draft, the XFL is sending detailed information to players, including a declared date of 15-16 October.

The XFL also indicates that each of their eight XFL teams will draft its preseason 70-man roster during the two day process that will be centrally managed out of the League Office in Stamford, CT.

Following the draft, players will be required to attend a 16-day minicamp starting December 3rd.  This will be followed by a centralized training camp beginning January 4th, at a location that is still to be announced.  After this camp, players will travel to their respective cities on January 22nd.

XFL active rosters will consist of 52 players, with 46 players active on game day.

Team 9 will consist of 40 players.

Read more below.

XFL Draft Information

XFL games will feature premium sideline seating

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

Speaking at the VenuesNow Conference in New York, Elevate Sports Ventures chief executive Al Guido has revealed that XFL games will feature premium sideline seating that will give fans a bold new version of a front-row view.

Guido did not announce how how much these seats would cost. As far as safety is concerned, he clarified that “fans in these seats would remain safe.”

Earlier this year, the XFL signed a two-year partnership with Elevate Sports Ventures to help guide and support ticket sales for the league’s eight teams ahead of its launch in February 2020.

Elevate – a joint venture of the San Francisco 49ers, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, and the Oakview Group – will use “data-driven sales and digital marketing strategies and applications” for the XFL.

Guido, who is also the president of the San Francisco 49ers, said if the initiative goes well the National Football League may consider taking it on.

Come meet Houston Roughnecks head coach June Jones

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

The Houston Roughnecks will hold a Q&A session featuring head coach June Jones on Thursday September 5th at Pitch 25, 2120 Walker St. Houston, TX, between 6-7:30pm.

Everyone is welcome!

XFL St. Louis Head Coach to be announced Thursday

Posted on by Thomas Shanks
The XFL will announce the St. Louis team head Coach/General Manager on Thursday, April 18th.

The XFL will announce the St. Louis team head Coach/General Manager on Thursday, April 18th. This will be the second Head Coach staffing announcement in two days.

  • When: Thursday April 18 at 12:00 PM CT
  • Where: The Dome at America’s Center

Of the eight XFL teams, the first five Head Coaches have been announced: Bob Stoops (Dallas) on 7 February, Pep Hamilton (Washington) on 21 February, Jim Zorn (Seattle) on 25 February, Marc Trestman (Tampa Bay) on 5 March, and Kevin Gilbride (New York) on 16 April.  It should be noted there was a long pause before Gilbride was announced.

With Thursdays announcement happening so soon, it appears the XFL may be ready to quickly announce the Head Coaches of the remaining franchises.  As of Thursday, the franchises in Los Angeles and Houston will be still without a Head Coach.

Prior to the past Head Coach announcements, there were strong rumors indicating the candidate. So far, there are no strong rumors as to who the St. Louis candidate may be.

XFL New York Head Coach and President to be announced on Tuesday

Posted on by Thomas Shanks

The XFL will announce the New York team head Coach/General Manager and Team President on Tuesday, April 16th.

  • When: Tuesday April 16 at 12:00 PM ET
  • Where: Castell Rooftop at the AC Hotel Times Square

Of the eight XFL teams, the first four Head Coaches were announced in February and early March: Bob Stoops (Dallas) on 7 February, Pep Hamilton (Washington) on 21 February, Jim Zorn (Seattle) on 25 February, and Marc Trestman (Tampa Bay) on 5 March.  Afterward, there has been a long pause before any new Head Coaches have been announced, which has left XFL followers to wait patiently for news. On 16 April, they will have the type of news they were waiting for.

Prior to the past Head Coach announcements, there were strong rumors indicating the candidate. So far, there are no strong rumors as to who the candidate may be.

The XFL has also previously announced Team Presidents: Heather Brooks Karatz (Los Angeles) on 21 March, Ryan Gustafson (Seattle) on 26 March, and Erik A. Moses (Washington) on 29 March. Next Tuesday’s announcement will mark the occasion of the fourth team President to join the XFL organization.

XFL Announces Marc Trestman as Head Coach of Tampa Bay Franchise

Posted on by Thomas Shanks
YouTube video

Today, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck announced Marc Trestman has been hired as the Head Coach and General Manager of the XFL Tampa Bay franchise.

Last Friday, in what seems to have become a regular occurrence for all the XFL Head Coach announcements, the Tampa Bay Times leaked that Trestman would be named as the Head Coach/General Manager of the Tampa Bay XFL franchise. This was confirmed at the press conference held today at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium.

Trestman has had mixed success as a head coach in both the NFL and CFL, and most recently worked as the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Earlier in his career he also served as the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes (CFL), and Chicago Bears (NFL). His greatest glory came as a head coach in the Canadian Football League where he led the Alouettes to two consecutive Grey Cup championships and was named CFL Coach of the Year in 2009. Later in 2017, he also lead the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship.

“Marc is a two-time coach of the year who also led his teams to three CFL Grey Cup championships,” XFL commissioner Oliver Luck said in his statement. “He’s just the kind of offensive-minded coach whose style will fit the uptempo, fast-paced game we will deliver to fans when the XFL launches next February.”

“I am very excited to be on the ground floor with Oliver, his team, and the other coaches across the XFL to help re-imagine football,” said Trestman. “I started my coaching career in Florida while I was in law school, and personally know the passion and love for the game that football fans have in the Tampa Bay area and across the state.  I can’t wait to begin putting a coaching staff together and building a team that will play disciplined, fundamentally sound and exciting football come February.”

A Minnesota native, in college Trestman played as a quarterback for three seasons with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, and one season with Minnesota State University Moorhead. He earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Minnesota and a J.D. from the University of Miami Law School and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1983.

Oliver Luck announces the hiring of Jim Zorn as the head coach and general manager of XFL Seattle

Posted on by Thomas Shanks
Jim Zorn introduced as the head coach and general manager of the XFL team in Seattle.

Replay press conference on YouTube:

YouTube video

At the press conference, XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck lauded Zorn. “I watched Jim Zorn play for the Seahawks, an expansion franchise, and I was totally captivated with his style of play. He was innovative. He was creative. He did all those things as a player that we want to do as a league.”

“He’s a great individual, and a man of high caliber,” Luck added.

Zorn is best known as the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks for their first eight seasons. Afterward, he was the quarterbacks coach for the Seahawks before being hired by the Washington Redskins to be their head coach starting in the 2008 season. After leaving Washington, Zorn was hired as quarterbacks coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and later as the quarterbacks’ coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.