Players of the Week

XFLBoard.com Players of the Week “The Fan’s Choice.” Players are chosen by you, the fans in four categories: offense, defense, lineman and special teams.

XFL Week 5 – Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” by XFLBoard.com

Posted on by XFLBoard Editor
Josh Johnson (LA Wildcats), Kenny Robinson (St. Louis BattleHawks), Boogie Roberts (LA Wildcats) and Jameer Thurman (DC Defenders)

Welcome to our Week 5 XFL “Players of the Week” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 3,500 votes before the closing of polls at 6PM Eastern on Tuesday 10 March 2020. We thank all who voted!

Fans were asked to nominate any player they deemed worthy of the honor, in four categories: Offensive, defensive, lineman, and special teams.

Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.

 

Offensive Player of the Week: Josh Johnson, QB, LA Wildcats

Quarterback Josh Johnson engineered a Wildcat comeback over the surging Tampa Bay Vipers. Johnson went 24 for 36 passes, for 288 yards, four touchdowns and only one interception.

Fan comments:

  • Josh Johnson was a man possessed. Player of the week! (Anonymous)
  • Johnson engineered the comeback of the XFL season. (XFL Wildcats)
  • Threw four touchdowns to break the Viper’s back. (Mark Jackson)

Honorable Mentions

  • Cam Phillips, WR, Houston Roughnecks
  • Jhurrell Pressley, RB, DC Defenders
  • James Butler, RB, Houston Roughnecks
  • Taylor Cornelius, QB, Tampa Bay Vipers

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Kenny Robinson, Safety, St. Louis BattleHawks

St. Louis BattleHawk Kenny Robinson had a beautiful fingertip interception, showcasing his athletic ability. Combined with one sack and five combined tackles, Robinson was a bright spot in the BattleHawks loss.

Fan comments:

  • Made a beautiful pick that had to be reviewed… and it was good! (Gerald)
  • He is making plenty of plays for such a young player. (XFL #1)
  • If Robinson keeps playing like this he is sure to picked up in the NFL draft. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Ryan Mueller, DE, New York Guardians
  • Jack Tocho, CB, LA Wildcats
  • Jordan Martin, SAF, Seattle Dragons

 

Lineman of the Week: Boogie Roberts, Tampa Bay Vipers

After his teammate Cedric Reed sacked Vipers quarterback Taylor Cornelius, Boogie Roberts scooped the ball and rumbled into the end zone, thus extending the Wildcats score over the Vipers.

Fan comments:

  • Scoop and score, the Wildcats way (Anonymous)
  • Put the score beyond reach at a time the Vipers were mounting a comeback. (XFL Fan Forever)
  • Scooped the ball and “Boogied” into the end zone. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Cedric Reed, DE, LA Wildcats
  • Beniquez Brown, LB, Houston Roughnecks
  • Greer Martini, LB, Dallas Renegades

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Jameer Thurman, LB, DC Defenders

Jameer Thurman’s amazing blocked punt led to a  field goal, and gave the DC Defenders an edge against the St. Louis BattleHawks.

Fan comments:

  • Blocked a punt at the right time in the game.  (Anonymous)
  • A gentleman and scholar. He blocked the punt and let his teammate recover the ball. (Sammy J.)
  • Big player on DC Defenders special teams. Jameer is making things happen out there. (Anonymous)

Honorable mention:

  • Austin Walter, RB, Dallas Renegades
  • Jonathan Celestin, LB, DC Defenders
  • Tyler Rausa, K, DC Defenders
  • Mattt McCrane, K, New York Guardians

XFL Week 4 – Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” by XFLBoard.com

Posted on by XFLBoard Editor
Taylor Cornelius (Tampa Bay Vipers), Deatrick Nichols (Houston Roughnecks), Edmond Robinson (Houston Roughnecks), Matt McCrane (New York Guardians)

Welcome to our Week 4 XFL “Players of the Week” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 2,900 votes before the closing of polls at Noon Eastern on Tuesday 3 March 2020. We thank all who voted!

Fans were asked to nominate any player they deemed worthy of the honor, in four categories: Offensive, defensive, lineman, and special teams.

Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.

 

YouTube video

Offensive Player of the Week: Taylor Cornelius, QB, Tampa Bay Vipers

Tampa Bay quarterback Taylor Cornelius went 23 for 31 passes, for 211 yards and only one interception to rally his Vipers to their first win of the season.

Fan comments:

  • Cornelius sacrificed his body to get the job done. Player of the week! (Anonymous)
  • Corndog did what nobody else could do. He’s a keeper. (XFL Fan)
  • Gave his team the boost needed to get a whole team effort and the win. (PeterH)

Honorable Mentions

  • Jordon Ta’amu, QB, St. Louis BattleHawks
  • De’Veon Smith, RB, Tampa Bay Vipers
  • Jacques Patrick, RB, Tampa Bay Vipers

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Deatrick Nichols, CB, Houston Roughnecks

Houston Roughnecks cornerback Deatrick Nichols made two interceptions, inspiring his squad to march past the Renegades in a 27-20 win.

Fan comments:

  • Two picks made the day for the Roughnecks (rSpinks)
  • He read Landry Jones mind, picked him off with ease. (XFL is the best)
  • Nichols made picking off Landry Jones look easy. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Jamar Summers, CB, New York Guardians
  • Cody Brown, S, Houston Roughnecks

 

Lineman of the Week: Edmond Robinson, LB, Houston Roughnecks

The bane of Landry Jones, Robinson gained the sack and then scooped up the fumbled football and rumbled into the end zone.

Fan comments:

  • Dual threat. Sack, scoop and score. (Anonymous)
  • Made Landry Jones wish he had never set foot on the field. (XFL Linebacker)
  • Robinson did it all. He sacked and he scored. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Steven Johnson, LB, Seattle Dragons
  • Beniquez Brown, LB, Houston Roughnecks
  • Greer Martini, LB, Dallas Renegades

 

Kicker Matt McCrane with his magic boot. LA Wildcats At NY Guardians
Kicker Matt McCrane with his magic boot. LA Wildcats At NY Guardians 29 Feb 2020 – Credit Adam McCullough

Special Teams Player of the Week: Matt McCrane, K, New York Guardians

Kicker Matt McCrane went 3-3 with field goals from the 51, 23, and 47 yds in a blustery MetLife Stadium to give New York enough points to ensure a much needed victory.

Fan comments:

  • 3-3, with longest over 50 yards. Good enough for a win. (Anonymous)
  • Never missed. Gave th (Stephen Q.)
  • First kickoff return for a TD in XFL history deserves this honor. (Anonymous)

Honorable mention:

  • Taylor Russolino, St. Louis BattleHawks

XFL Week 3 – Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” by XFLBoard.com

Posted on by XFLBoard Editor
Cam Phillips (Houston Roughnecks), Mike Stevens (LA Wildcats), Tre Williams (LA Wildcats), Joe Powell (St. Louis BattleHawks)

Welcome to our Week 3 XFL “Players of the Week” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 2,600 votes between this time and the closing of polls at Noon Eastern on Tuesday 25 February 2020. We thank all who voted!

Fans were asked to nominate any player they deemed worthy of the honor, in four categories: Offensive, defensive, lineman, and special teams.

Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.

YouTube video

Offensive Player of the Week: Cam Phillips, Houston Roughnecks

Wide receiver Cam Phillips became the number one receiver in the XFL through 8 catches where he added 194 yards to the Roughnecks offense and three touchdowns. Cam was the number one offensive weapon in a high-scoring XFL week 3.

Fan comments:

  • 8 catches 194 yards 3 TD’s. Nuff said! (Anonymous)
  • Most dangerous receiver in the league. (Anonymous)
  • Eclipsed all receivers in the league in week 3. (XFL Forever)

Honorable Mentions

  • PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks
  • Martez Carter, LA Wildcats
  • Jordon Ta’amu, St. Louis BattleHawks

 

Defensive Player of the Week: Mike Stevens, LA Wildcats

LA Wildcats cornerback Mike Stevens picked off DC Defenders QB Cardale Jones twice, leading the Wildcats shutdown of the powerful DC Defenders offense..

Fan comments:

  • He stepped in for the Cats and got 2 picks, 4 tackles and 1 sack. (XFL_FAN)
  • Injuries to LA’s top two corners turned into a blessing in disguise. Stevens stepped in and had the Wildcats’ best defensive performance of the season. (Xtremefanforever)
  • 6 combined tackles, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions while holding undefeated DC Defenders to single digit scoring. Your Defensive Player of the Week. Mike Stevens.. (@berto_la2ca)

Honorable Mention

  • Will Smith, LA Wildcats
  • Will Hill, St. Louis Batttlehawks

 

Lineman of the Week: Tre Williams, LA Wildcats

Tre Williams combined 8 tackles with 1 sack in the Wildcats shutdown of the DC Defenders.

Fan comments:

  • Kept the DC Defenders off the board by pressuring Cardale Jones all day. (Anonymous)
  • Ended a DC Defenders drive with a massive sack. (XFL Linebacker)
  • Led the Wildcats defense in pressuring Cardale Jones. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Steven Johnson, Seattle Dragons

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Joe Powell, St. Louis BattleHawks

In a kickoff return, Powell made XFL history by taking a reverse from Keith Mumphery and running the ball over 80 yards for a touchdown.

Fan comments:

  • Historical first XFL kick return for 84 yards! (Anonymous)
  • He took the reverse and returned the kickoff to the house. First time in the XFL! (Stephen Q.)
  • First kickoff return for a TD in XFL history deserves this honor. (Anonymous)

Honorable mention:

  • Taylor Russolino, St. Louis BattleHawks

XFL Week 2 – Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” by XFLBoard.com

Posted on by XFLBoard Editor

Welcome to our Week 2 XFL “Players of the Week” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 1,800 votes between this time and the closing of polls at Midnight Eastern on Monday 17 February 2020. We thank all who voted!

Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Dallas Renegades (Credit: XFL.com)

Offensive Player of the Week: Cameron Artis-Payne, Dallas Renegades

Running back Cameron Artis-Payne owned the Los Angeles Wildcats defense. In 14 carries he totaled 99 yards on the ground, 32 yards receiving, and scored two touchdowns, leading the Renegades to their first victory.

Fan comments:

  • His touchdowns ended the game for the Wildcats. (Anonymous)
  • Without his runs, I don’t think Dallas wins. His runs also helped open things up for Landry Jones. (Metallifreak10)
  • Artis-Payne had 99 yards rushing and 32 yards receiving to go along with two touchdowns as he led the Renegades to their first win. (ethanyeary)

Honorable Mentions

  • PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks
  • Cardell Jones, DC Defenders
  • Jordon Ta’amu, St. Louis BattleHawks

 

YouTube video

Defensive Player of the Week: Jameer Thurman, DC Defenders

Jamer Thurman shutdown the New York offense when he intercepted Matt McGloin’s pass and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown.

Fan comments:

  • Pick 6 shut down the New York drive, and shut down the Guardian’s offense for the rest of the game. (James Ready)
  • Picked the ball and he saw the end zone. The rest is history. (XFL Fan)
  • Was a critical element of a stingy DC defense. Made the Guardians pay. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Will Smith, LA Wildcats
  • Anthony Johnson, DC Defenders

 

Lineman of the Week: Steven Johnson, Seattle Dragons

Steven Johnson with 10 combined tackles anchored a stingy Seattle Dragons defensive line.

Fan comments:

  • Kept the Tampa Bay running game from scoring. (Anonymous)
  • Linebacker Steven Johnson led the Dragons in tackles for the second game in a row. (Dragon’s Fan)
  • Johnson led the way with 10 tackles and two TFL. (XFL Forever)

Honorable Mention

  • Beniquez Brown, Houston Roughnecks
  • Marcelis Branch, Tampa Bay Vipers

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Tyler Rausa, DC Defenders

With field goals from the 27, 26 and 26 Tyler Rausa anchored the DC Defenders scoring machine in week 2.

Fan comments:

  • He went 3-3 in field goals. (S. Smith)
  • 3/3 dude should be in the NFL. (HalToTheU)
  • Never missed. He hit it every time he went to the line. (Anonymous)

Honorable mention:

  • Sergio Castillo, Houston Roughnecks
  • Austin Rehkow, Houston Roughnecks

Week 1 XFL Players of the Week – “Fan’s Choice” by XFLBoard.com

Posted on by XFLBoard Editor

Welcome to our Week 1 XFL “Players of the Week” results. Voting began immediately at the completion of the final game on Sunday. We gathered over 1,500 votes between this time and the closing of polls at Midnight Eastern on Monday 10 February 2020.We thank all who voted!

Winners below are based on the number of votes received for each player.

 

Offensive Player of the Week: PJ Walker, Houston Roughnecks

Houston Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker threw four touchdown passes Saturday in a 37-27 win over the Los Angeles Wildcats.

Fan comments:

  • Was a Beast on display for H-Town! 4 TDs (R. Longoria)
  • Led highest East scoring offense at an efficient rate (John)
  • Throwing for 272 passing yards and 4 touchdowns with a 103.8 passer rating, QB PJ Walker lead the Roughnecks to a route over the LA Wildcats. (Anonymous)
  • Absolutely showed up and ran June Jones’ Run and Shoot to a T. A big play star that has big-time potential. (XFL_FAN)

Honorable Mentions

  • Cardell Jones, DC Defenders
  • Jordon Ta’amu, St. Louis BattleHawks

 

YouTube video

Defensive Player of the Week: Jamar Summers, New York Guardians

Jamar Summers (21) of the New York Guardians returned a fumble for a touchdown.

Fan comments:

  • Best shutdown in the league. Proved it against TB. (MWSquaredAFNTlk)
  • He scooped the ball and scored a TD. (XFL Fan Forever)
  • Made Tampa Bay Vipers pay a price. (Anonymous)

Honorable Mention

  • Kony Ealy, Houston Roughnecks
  • Elijah Campbell, DC Defenders

 

 

Lineman of the Week: Terence Garvin, St Louis BattleHawks

St. Louis linebacker Terence Garvin (57) was on fire in the BattleHawks game against the Renegades. He had 8 tackles, one sack and two TFLs.

Fan comments:

  • With 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 2 tackles for loss, LB Terence Garvin contributed to a strong defense that held the Dallas Renegades to just 9 points, 267 total yards and 1 3rd down conversion. (Anonymous)
  • A standout in the AAF translated his game to week one of the XFL to record 8 tackles and 1 sack. (The Panthers Prowler)
  • 2nd most total tackles in the league, got a sack and 2 TFL. The Renegades will have to wait another week for a trip to the end zone. (XFL_FAN)

Honorable Mention

  • LaTroy Lewis, Dallas Renegades
  • Jonathan Celestin, DC Defenders

 

Special Teams Player of the Week: Marquette King, St. Louis BattleHawks

St. Louis BattleHawks punter Marquette King showed the value of his skill and experience. He has adapted quickly to the unique XFL punting rules.

Fan comments:

  • He had one of the best punts in the past year, including NFL. (S. Bingaman)
  • Won the field position battle for St. Louis. (Xtremefanforever)
  • Some of the best punts I’ve ever seen. Don’t know why he isn’t in the NFL. (T. Quinney)

Honorable mention:

  • Sergio Castillo, Houston Roughnecks
  • Ty Rausa, DC Defenders

NBC names Jesse Ventura XFL Analyst

Posted on by XFL Press Release

January 10, 2001

Jesse Ventura was recently named an analyst on NBC’s upcoming XFL broadcasts. The joint announcement was made by Dick Ebersol, Chairman NBC Sports and Olympics and Vince McMahon, Chairman of World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. The XFL, which is co-owned and operated by WWFE, Inc. and NBC, begins its first season on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001. NBC will televise a weekly game in primetime each Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.

“We’re thrilled to have one of the most interesting and colorful people in America today joining us as an integral part of the XFL,” said Ebersol. “This demonstrates our commitment to present real football in a fresh, new, fun way.”

Said McMahon: “The XFL will be the best reality show on television and nobody can add color commentary to our brand of football the way Jesse Ventura can. He’s naturally opinionated, charismatic, and genuine — just like the XFL will be. From day one, we’ve promised that the XFL will allow the true personality of the game to shine and we believe that Jesse is the best person to make that happen.”

Ventura’s previous broadcasting experience includes two years (1989-90) as the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio analyst. He also worked one season on Minnesota Vikings radio broadcasts. In addition, Ventura hosted a sports radio talk show in Minneapolis.

Ventura’s professional wrestling career spanned 11 years. He was known as one of the best interviews and most colorful and popular entertainers in the sport. When his in-ring career was complete, he became an analyst with the WWF and co-hosted the WWF’s “Prime Time Wrestling.” He also hosted a WWF talk show called “The Body Shop.”

In 1984, Ventura – a former Navy SEAL who served in Vietnam – retired from wrestling and became an actor. He has appeared in several films including Predator (with Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Batman & Robin.

The XFL’s eight teams will play a 10-week regular season and a two-week playoff, culminating with the XFL championship game on April 21, 2001. XFL rule modifications – most notably its “no fair catch” rule – are designed to add excitement while encouraging offense.

NBC’s coverage will provide viewers with an “all-access backstage pass” through the use of cameras and microphones placed everywhere from the players and coaches themselves to the huddles and sidelines.

The eight teams are: Birmingham Thunderbolts, Chicago Enforcers, New York/New Jersey Hitmen, Orlando Rage, Memphis Maniax, San Francisco Demons, Los Angeles Xtreme and Las Vegas Outlaws.

XFL names Spalding first official licensee

Posted on by XFL Press Release

Stamford, CT/East Rutherford, NJ, August 3, 2000 – The XFL, a new professional football league jointly owned and operated by World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NMS: WWFE) and NBC, announced today that Spalding Sports Worldwide has been named the first official licensee of the league. As part of the multi-year license agreement, Spalding will be the official ball of the league and will market a line of footballs under the XFL name. Made with Spalding’s patented all-weather construction, the Spalding XFL game ball will be used in all of the games beginning with the season opener on February 3, 2001.

“Spalding is one of the most recognizable names in sports and we’re very excited to have Spalding on board as our first on-field partner,” said Basil V. DeVito, Jr., President of the XFL. “The Spalding game ball, with its unique and high-impact black, silver, and red color combination, will be one of the strongest icons of the XFL.”

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to be part of such a cutting-edge organization,” stated Eddie Binder, Executive Vice President of Spalding Sports Worldwide. “The sporting goods industry has been flat for the past five years in both participation and sales. We feel the XFL will bring a new perspective to the sports arena with its wide-open style of football combined with savvy marketing campaigns. The league’s success will be great for football, fans, and retailers.”

Spalding’s official line of XFL footballs will roll out this October, in time for the key holiday selling period. The line will consist of seven SKU’s, and price range from $10.00 to $80.00. Spalding will support the XFL football series with a multi-million dollar advertising and promotional campaign beginning this fall.

Spalding Sports Worldwide is the nation’s first full-line sporting goods company. Its leadership and innovative products have led to revolutionary breakthroughs in virtually every major sporting goods product category. Under the Spalding umbrella are the Strata, Top-Flite, Etonic, Ben Hogan and Dudley brands. To find more information on Spalding, visit www.spalding.com or call the Consumer Relations Department at (800) 225-6601.