The XFL returns, but that is not the only entity that will be looking for a renaissance. There are still a number of familiar faces from the NFL who are looking to continue their careers in pro football with success in the alternative league.
Here are seven former Houston Texans fans should keep an eye on when the XFL kicks off on Feb. 9.
1. CB Charles James, Houston Roughnecks
The star of 2015’s HBO series Hard Knocks and fan favorite in Houston, James has returned to his footballing home. Traded by the St. Louis Battlehawks earlier this year, the 29-year-old former New York Giant has 21 regular-season appearances to his name with the Texans over the course of three years. The 5-9 veteran of the failed AAF is clearly excited to be back in the south as he looks to continue his football career.
2. WR Sammie Coates, Houston Roughnecks
Staying in Houston, former NFL third-rounder Coates returns to the city he called home in 2018. After an impressive second year for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, he failed to settle in Cleveland with Hue Jackson’s Browns. Following this unimpressive spell, he moved south playing 12 games for Bill O’Brien’s side recording just one reception for 12 yards and a first down.
After being unable to establish himself in the Texans’ offense he briefly joined the Kansas City Chiefs in early 2019 before again occupying the waiver wire. Coates was selected, somewhat ironically, in the third round of the inaugural XFL draft as he looks to make his return to the professional ranks.
3. CB Treston Decoud, Dallas Renegades
A fifth-round pick by the Texans back in 2017, the 26-year-old cornerback returns to the Lone Star State after failing to make his mark with either Houston or the Dallas Cowboys.
After two seasons in the NFL, including 10 appearances for the Texans, Decoud found himself a free agent after being cut before the 2019 season. The Oregon State alumni will look to show what he can do in Arlington on Feb. 9.
4. WR Keith Mumphrey, St. Louis Battlehwaks
A fifth-round pick by the Texans in 2015, Mumphrey played 27 games in two years for O’Brien’s side before being let go in 2017 after a third sexual assault case was brought against him.
2020 marks his return to football initially with the Renegades before being traded to the Battlehawks. The former Michigan State receiver joins an offense led by former Texans quarterback Taylor Heinicke and another former Houston signal-caller.
5. LB Gimel President, St. Louis Battlehawks
An undrafted free agent signed by the Texans in 2017, President went on to make four appearances that year before bouncing on and off of both their and the Tennessee Titans’ practice squads for the next two years.
The 6-4 linebacker will have his shot to make a starting pro lineup this season with Chuck Long’s side, something that could help propel him back into the NFL in 2020.
6. LB Reshard Cliett, Dallas Renegades
While his time with the Texans may not be something he looks back on overly fondly, he joins this list nonetheless. A sixth-round pick by Houston in 2015, Cliett spent his rookie season on injured reserve before being released the following year having never made a regular-season appearance.
Cliett then spent the following four years bouncing from team to team including the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings, whose practice squad he was on last season.
7. QB Jordan Ta’amu, St. Louis Battlehawks
The starting quarterback for Ole Miss in 2018, Ta’amu went undrafted before making three preseason appearances for the then injury-ravaged Texans. Subsequently, with A.J. McCarron chosen to back up Deshaun Watson, Ta’amu was seen as surplus to requirements before waiting for a second chance.
Battling with the aforementioned Heinicke and Nick Fitzgerald for the starting spot, only time will tell whether or not Ta’amu will shine at the professional level. Perhaps the Texans will give him another shot if so.
