The XFL is officially in business and will kickoff their return season on Saturday with a matchup between the Seattle Dragons and DC Defenders.
Unlike the last time around, the XFL will focus on actual football without dangerous rules, funky jersey names and other sidebar attractions here in 2020. And if you’re looking for a team to root for, we’re here to help.
The XFL will feature a substantial amount of names familiar to fans of the New York Giants, from executives to coaches to players.
Here’s a look at each team and their Giants connections (with years), including those who were just on an offseason roster or practice squad.
Dallas Renegades
- QB Eric Dungey (2019)
- S Tenny Adewusi (2019)
- RB Austin Walter (2019)
All three players listed above were members of the Giants’ offseason roster, but did not make it onto the 53-man roster.
The Renegades also have wide receiver Flynn Nigel on their roster. He worked out for the Giants last year, but never signed.
DC Defenders
- RB Jhurell Pressley (2018)
- C James O’Hagan (2019)
- OT Malcolm Bunche (2018-2019)
- DT Jay Bromley (2014-2017)
Bromley, a third-round pick of the Giants, is the most familiar name here.
Houston Roughnecks
- P Austin Rehkow (2018)
- CB Charles James (2013)
- RB Andre Williams (2014-2015)
The familiar names here are James and Williams. The former, a beloved defensive back frequently deemed too small despite the heart of a lion. The latter, a fourth-round pick who never quite panned out in East Rutherford.
LA Wildcats
- DC/LB coach Pepper Johnson (1986-1992)
- QB Josh Johnson (2016)
- DE Devin Taylor (2017)
- NT Montori Hughes (2015-2016)
Giants fans were hoping the team would hire Johnson to coach their linebackers in 2020, but alas, he remained in the XFL.
New York Guardians
- GM/head coach Kevin Gilbride (2004-2013)
- RB coach Jerald Ingram (2004-2013)
- DC Jim Herrmann (2009-2015)
- OT Jarron Jones (2017-2018)
- OG Damien Mama (2017)
- TE Jake Powell (2019)
Gilbride is the big name here. He served as Giants offensive coordinator for 10 years under Tom Coughlin, helping to lead the Giants to two Super Bowl titles. Ingram and Hermann both worked as part of that staff as well.
St. Louis Battlehawks
- D-backs coach Tim Lewis (2004-2006)
- S Will Hill (2012-2013)
- OT Matt McCants (2012-2013)
- WR Alonzo Russell (2018-2019)
A lot of interesting names here. Lewis is one Giants fans might like to forget, while the sting of Hill’s failed career still lingers. What could have been. Meanwhile, McCants is a former draft pick and Russell is someone who should have made the 53-man roster a season ago. That decision still seems curious.
Seattle Dragons
- DE Stansly Maponga (2015-2016)
Maponga spent a couple years in East Rutherford, but appeared in just two games and played just 15 special teams snaps. He did not record any statistics.
Tampa Bay Vipers
- WR Stacy Coley (2018)
- DT Nikita Whitlock (2014-2016)
- TE Colin Thompson (2017)
It’s great to see former Giants fullback turned pass rusher turned defensive tackle turned Swiss Army Knife, Nikita Whitlock, still out there living his dream. A favorite among Giants fans.
