XFL 2001

Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Fri Nov 19, 2021 10:03 am

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XFL Week 10: Commanders Back to Their Winnings Ways

April 9, 2002

Minneapolis, MN - The San Antonio Commanders have been through all sorts of turmoil of late, but they were able to get back to their winning ways and end Week 10 on a very happy note with a win Sunday at Minneapolis. Michael Bishop threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns while the defense mostly throttled the Wild until late in the fourth quarter, and the Commanders came away with a satisfying, 28-20 victory over a division rival. The defense held premier RB Rashaan Salaam to only 21 yards on 10 carries.

-- (6-3)Commanders 28 - 20 Wild(4-4)
(SA): QB Bishop - 24/30 263 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Stecker - 23 carries, 53 yards, RB Hill - 7 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDs, WR Hall - 4 catches, 91 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 66 yards, WR Stevens - 6 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 19/28 202 yards, 2 TDs, RB Salaam - 10 carries, 21 yards, WR Morey - 6 catches, 91 yards, WR Prentiss - 4 catches, 51 yards, 2 TDs

-- (6-2)Desperados 24 - 20 Express(4-4)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 21/31 244 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB King - 20 carries, 64 yards, WR Hundon - 7 catches, 69 yards, WR Roberson - 4 catches, 73 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 15/29 137 yards, 2 TDs, RB Autry - 17 carries, 80 yards, RB Shaw - 14 carries, 75 yards, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 53 yards

-- (4-4)Outlaws 9 - 38 Stars(4-4)
(LV): QB Clement - 16/39 232 yards, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 10 carries, 25 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 119 yards, WR Vanover - 4 catches, 68 yards
(LA): QB Bonner - 17/24 370 yards, 2 TDs, RB Oxendine - 14 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 154 yards, 2 TDs, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 143 yards

-- (5-3)Rage 24 - 20 Steel(6-3)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 14/20 188 yards, 3 TDs, RB Clark - 17 carries, 39 yards, WR Burks - 5 catches, 59 yards, 2 TDs, WR Culver - 5 catches, 81 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 24/42 211 yards, 2 TDs, RB Bostic - 23 carries, 88 yards, WR Jackson - 4 catches, 73 yards, 2 TDs, WR McGuire - 8 catches, 58 yards

XFL Week 10: Guardians Follow Kanell's Guidance to First Win

April 10, 2002

Chicago, IL - Danny Kanell completed 14-of-18 passes and three touchdowns in a relief role and WR Zola Davis caught nine balls for 65 yards and two scores, as the New York Guardians burned the Chicago Enforcers, 23-19. Guardians newcomer Danny Kanell replaced starting QB Moses Moreno at the start of the second half, and connected with WR Kirby Dar Dar for a three-yard score at 4:19. Brache hit a 37-yard field goal that proved to be the final scoring play for the third frame. In the final quarter, Davis scored struck twice on Kanell passes to complete the comeback.

With Kanell leading the way in the second half in his XFL debut, the Guardians overcame a 19-3 halftime deficit and beat Chicago. From the moment he entered the game, Kanell's skill and poise in pressure situations stood out. More importantly, according to Guardians head coach Ron Meyer, "Danny brought a breath of fresh air" to a team that needed it badly.

-- (0-8)Guardians 23 - 19 Enforcers(2-6)
(NY): QB Kanell - 14/18 157 yards, 3 TDs, RB Aska - 8 carries, 55 yards, WR Dar Dar - 10 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD, TE Hinton - 5 catches, 66 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 17/37 219 yards, 1 INT, RB Moss - 9 carries, 30 yards, WR Jordan - 4 catches, 33 yards, WR Lord - 4 catches, 66 yards

Danny Kanell was just Looking for Opportunity

April 12, 2002

New York, NY - Danny Kanell just wanted to play football again. The former quarterback of the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons took a year off from the NFL to instead played some minor league baseball. But when he pronounced to the NFL that he was ready to return to work this winter, he found a lot of teams excited but unable to sign him. The more Kanell shopped himself around, the more he heard the same refrain. "You've been out a full year," a coach, general manager or player personnel type would tell him. "We need to see some fresh tape of you playing football." The clincher was a meeting at the Meadowlands with Giants coach Jim Fassel. Kanell wanted badly to return to the New York area. Fassel told him to show the world how much he was dedicated to football.

So Kanell contacted the New York Guardians. He knew that Guardians QBs coach John Gregory was to quarterbacks what Joe Paterno is to linebackers. "Coach Gregory's work with quarterbacks in his high-octane system is well-known to all of us," said Kanell. "I liked him right away," said Gregory. "Danny's got the arm, the feet, the head for the game. The only question was going to be whether he could pick up all the nuances of the offense in time. It's not easy. There's a list of guys who were solid in college and in the pros and just couldn't make the adjustment."

"It was good to finally get a shot, but I have so much more to learn," said Kanell, who has been named the Guardians' starter for their next game. "I know from my time in the NFL that it's one thing to go in there in the second half to jump-start a team and completely different when you're the starter and the game is in your hands from the beginning. This is a big week for not just me, but for the team to get back into the playoff race."
Last edited by BengalErnst on Thu Nov 10, 2022 11:18 pm, edited 9 times in total.
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Fri Nov 19, 2021 10:25 am

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XFL Week 11: Stars Survive Wild

April 16, 2002

Minneapolis, MN - As Sherdrick Bonner was only too happy to remind Minneapolis Wild fans, the Stars still owns them. The Stars quarterback’s late passing touchdown helped his team beat Minneapolis, 30-20. Trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter at 17-7, Wild quarterback Jim Druckenmiller led a drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Kevin Prentiss. However, Bonner then completed three straight passes for 62 yards, setting himself up for his second career victory versus the Wild. Stars' running backs chipped in with 102 yards from scrimmage.

The win increased the lead for Los Angeles(6-4) to two games over Minneapolis(4-6) and got them a half game behind the San Antonio Commanders(7-4) for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference with three games remaining.

-- (5-4)Stars 30 - 20 Wild(4-5)
(LA): QB Bonner - 22/35 342 yards, 4 TDs, RB Shehee - 13 carries, 61 yards, RB Oxendine - 13 carries, 41 yards, WR Copeland - 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 25/43 342 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 15 carries, 57 yards, WR Morey - 6 catches, 150 yards, 1 TD, WR Prentiss - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-4)Steel 33 - 16 Express(4-5)
(BIRM): QB Kresser - 20/29 199 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Bostic - 21 carries, 74 yards, RB Alexander - 10 carries, 56 yards, 2 TDs, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 45 yards, 2 TDs, WR Insley - 6 catches, 75 yards
(MEM): QB Martin - 20/34 214 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Shaw - 20 carries, 65 yards, WR Simmons - 6 catches, 68 yards, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 54 yards

-- (7-2)Desperados 28 - 24 Guardians(1-8)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 22/38 214 yards, 2 TDs, RB King - 16 carries, 47 yards, WR Hundon - 4 catches, 52 yards, 1 TD, WR Roberson - 6 catches, 50 yards, RB King - 4 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Kanell - 26/37 296 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Philyaw - 16 carries, 72 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 37 yards

-- (7-3)Commanders 12 - 15 Outlaws(4-5)
(SA): QB Bishop - 19/37 227 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Stecker - 14 carries, 55 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 86 yards, WR Martos - 6 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 15/34 184 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 13 carries, 59 yards, WR Nash - 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD, WR Furrey - 3 catches, 63 yards

XFL Week 11: Rage in First Place After Comeback Win

April 17, 2002

Chicago, IL - Rallying from a deficit that reached 14 points on two occasions, the Rage used a furious second-half comeback to beat the Chicago Enforcers 27-21 in front of 22,544 fans. The win allowed the Rage to take over sole possession of first place in the Eastern Division. The Rage improved its record to 7-3 and the team has a half-game lead over the Birmingham Steel with three games to go.

Rage head coach Galen Hall said coming from behind is nothing unusual for his team. Orlando rallied for a come-from-behind win over Birmingham last week as well. "I gave them the same speech I gave them last week," said Hall. "We realized we couldn't play any worse than we did in the first half so we went out and played hard." Hall was impressed with the pass rush in the second half. "We knew it was just a matter of time before we would wear them down," he said. "Our players believe in themselves and we have something special here."

Orlando rallied to take the lead on Hamilton's third touchdown of the game. Given excellent protection by his offensive line, Hamilton found WR Tony Gaiter with a 25-yard TD pass in the corner of the endzone, that gave the Rage a 24-21 lead and they would not trail again.

-- (6-3)Rage 27 - 21 Enforcers(2-7)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 19/30 285 yards, 2 TDs, 9 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD, RB Clark - 20 carries, 79 yards, WR Bailey - 8 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 6 catches, 53 yards
(CHI): QB Jackson - 15/30 171 yards, 1 TD, RB Wiley - 9 carries, 37 yards, WR Bailey - 7 catches, 86 yards, WR Jordan - 3 catches, 97 yards, 1 TD

Columbus on XFL List for Priority Expansion

April 19, 2002

Columbus, OH - XFL owners have voted to add as many as 10 franchises to the 10-team league by 2005. Columbus is on the league's "priority cities" list, which scraps earlier plans to limit the expansion to four teams. The Columbus Tribune quoted a XFL source as saying the list includes: Pittsburgh; Atlanta; Jacksonville or Miami; New Orleans; Washington, DC; Detroit; Houston; Mexico City; Oklahoma City or Tulsa; and Seattle.

The decision to add up to 10 franchises came over the objections of Las Vegas Outlaws owner Gavin Maloof, who had been threatened with fines by league owner Vince McMahon for voicing strident opposition to immediate expansion. "I would not put any limit on it," McMahon said. "This league could grow by eight or 10 teams very quickly."

Maloof said he objected to the mass expansion because he feared he would be forced to break up his team to contribute to an expansion draft pool. But Los Angeles' president and general manager John Elway called Maloof's objections "a little selfish." Elway said he favors expansion to increase revenue and national exposure, and added that he has "some innovative ideas for stocking new franchises to keep the coaches happy." "Gavin is a very loud voice, but doesn't get listened to," added Dallas Desperados owner Stephen Jones.

The Columbus Tribune said other cities under consideration are Norfolk; Charlotte; Cleveland; Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Kansas City; Des Moines; Salt Lake City; Memphis; Monterrey; London; San Francisco; St. Louis and Cincinnati. Elway, also chairman of the XFL expansion committee, was assigned by the other owners to investigate the various target cities "as quickly as possible," McMahon said. "They gave me carte blanche to go out and marry the owners and the cities," Elway said. "We have had many applications for franchises. Now I have to go out and see if they're for real."
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Fri Nov 19, 2021 8:32 pm

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XFL Week 12: Commanders Lose Must Win Game to Chicago

April 23, 2002

San Antonio, TX - The Columbus Enforcers didn’t exactly cure all that has ailed them this season. There still were turnovers on offense. There still was a breakdown or two here and there on defense. But they could feel a whole lot better about things after getting back into the win column by beating the San Antonio Commanders(7-5) at the Alamodome. The Enforcers brought their record to 3-8.

Quarterback Jarious Jackson completed 18 of 37 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. “I think guys just dug down deep,” Jackson told NBC after the game. Jackson threw a pair of first-half interceptions. The first was on a deflected pass that led his mother to take to social media to defend him. The second was on the sort of ill-advised throw — after a mishandled snap and while being tackled — that Jackson recently had said he needed to avoid. The second half was a step in the right direction.

San Antonio's playoff chances took a huge hit and are now a half game back of the Los Angeles Stars in the Western Conference.

-- (2-8)Enforcers 14 - 13 Commanders(7-4)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 18/37 265 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Johnson - 8 carries, 21 yards, WR Chatman - 4 catches, 108 yards, 2 TDs, WR Lord - 5 catches, 73 yards
(SA): QB Bishop - 24/41 285 yards, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 15 carries, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 124 yards, WR Stevens - 8 catches, 83 yards

-- (8-2)Desperados 34 - 37 Wild(4-6)
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 28/43 297 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, RB King - 19 carries, 69 yards, WR Vaughn - 8 catches, 93 yards, 2 TDs, WR Roberson - 4 catches, 72 yards
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 31/50 259 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Salaam - 20 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 6 catches, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Prentiss - 5 catches, 62 yards, 1 TD

-- (6-4)Stars 42 - 10 Outlaws(5-5)
(LA): QB Bonner - 17/22 291 yards, 3 TDs, RB Shehee - 12 carries, 64 yards, RB Oxendine - 11 carries, 78 yards, 2 TDs, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 105 yards, 2 TDs, WR McDonald - 4 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD, WR Doxzon - 4 catches, 82 yards
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 23/46 258 yards, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 17 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 108 yards

-- (7-4)Steel 26 - 23 Guardians(1-9)
(BIRM): QB Kresser - 27/40 251 yards, 1 TD, RB Bostic - 20 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, WR Jackson - 6 catches, 93 yards, WR McGuire - 7 catches, 82 yards
(NY): QB Kanell - 27/42 333 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT, RB Aska - 9 carries, 27 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 12: Sudden Victory

April 24, 2002

Memphis, TN - QB Joe Hamilton hit WR Shannon Culver with a 28-yard touchdown pass on Orlando's second play in overtime to give the Rage a 27-21 win over the Memphis Express. Both teams put on a classic display of the back-and-forth nature before the Rage closed the game in the overtime period. Neither team led by more than seven points at any point during the game before the Orlando Rage scored the final 13 points of the game to come away with the win. The victory improved the Rage's record to 8-3 and likely secures them a XFL playoff birth.

Memphis had possession and a chance to win on the game's final play. Kicker Axel Kruse missed a 29-yard field goal. The field goal was wide right by no more than two feet. In the overtime period, the Rage defense turned up the heat on QB Tee Martin. They deflected two of his passes and sacked him once before Wells missed a desperation 58-yard field goal attempt and Hamilton threw his game-winning touchdown pass two plays later.

"That's as good as the XFL gets," said Orlando head coach Galen Hall. "They have a good field goal kicker and he missed a big kick. That gave us another chance and we took advantage."

-- (7-3)Rage 27 - 21 Express(4-6)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 16/23 184 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Clark - 19 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 6 catches, 77 yards, WR Culver - 5 catches, 54 yards, 2 TDs
(MEM): QB Martin - 29/41 255 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shaw - 15 carries, 65 yards, RB Autry - 10 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD, WR Johnson - 5 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs, WR McCullough - 6 catches, 63 yards
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Fri Nov 19, 2021 8:33 pm

Bud Adams Moves Forward in Nashville

April 28, 2002

Nashville, TN - Bud Adams Jr., owner of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, announced today that he is moving forward with plans to apply for an XFL expansion team in Nashville.

"When you have a major network putting you on national TV, it makes a big difference for the teams and how they'll be accepted out there," Adams noted. "The fact is we're giving our fans an opportunity to see football year-round. Once the Super Bowl is over, we'll start right back up with the XFL season."

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XFL Week 13: Enforcers Claim Victory Over Another of League's Best

April 30, 2002

Dallas, TX - The Desperados started on defense, and allowed a decent drive to the Enforcers. However, a sack-fumble by DL Eric England gave the Desperados the ball. They were forced to punt after three plays, giving the Enforcers the ball for an 11 play drive that ended in a field goal. Dallas responded with a field goal drive of their own. After the teams traded punts for a few drives, the Desperados managed to drive the ball into the redzone, and scored their first TD of the game with a great run by QB Clint Stoerner. The defense forced another punt, but the Desperados turned the ball over on an interception in their own territory. The defense tried to stand up, but RB John Avery scored on 3rd down to put the score at 10-10 at the half.

The Desperados started the half rough, with a tipped pass by RB Carlos King leading to an interception. The Enforcers scored with a Jarious Jackson QB draw that gave them a 18-10 lead after a penalty allowed for an easier two point conversion try. The Desperados came out swinging on the following drive, but were held to a field goal. The Enforcers answered with a field goal drive of their own, keeping the score at 21-13. After trading punts, the Desperados drove down the field again only to be held to a field goal. The Enforcers scored on their next drive with a scoring run from backup RB Charles Wiley. The Desperados answered with a 13 play, 75 yard touchdown drive capped off with a WR James Hundon TD reception. The defense forced a punt to give the Desperados offense the ball down 28-23, but the offense couldn't muster a first down. The defense managed to create a three and out, getting the Desperados the ball with a little over 2 minutes to go in the 4th quarter. The offense had a chance, but on 4th down the ball hit the ground ending any chance of a comeback.

-- (3-8)Enforcers 28 - 23 Desperados(8-3)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 17/27 200 yards, 11 carries, 125 yards, 1 TD, RB Johnson - 11 carries, 67 yards, WR Bailey - 6 catches, 93 yards
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 27/42 229 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB King - 18 carries, 97 yards, WR Hundon - 4 catches, 57 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-6)Express 27 - 10 Guardians(1-10)
(MEM): QB Martin - 13/23 141 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Autry - 10 carries, 29 yards, 1 TD, WR McCullough - 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
(NY): QB Moreno - 12/28 155 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs, RB Aska - 10 carries, 35 yards, WR Green - 8 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Blackwell - 9 catches, 87 yards

-- (7-4)Stars 27 - 9 Wild(5-6)
(LA): QB Bonner - 27/39 344 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 19 carries, 40 yards, WR Copeland - 6 catches, 81 yards, 1 TD, WR McDonald - 5 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 17/31 190 yards, 1 TD, RB Salaam - 19 carries, 27 yards, WR Prentiss - 7 catches, 82 yards, WR Morey - 2 catches, 30 yards, 1 TD

-- (5-6)Outlaws 7 - 24 Rage(8-3)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 20/40 166 yards, 1 INT, RB Phillips - 13 carries, 49 yards, WR Nash - 4 catches, 38 yards
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 24/30 220 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Black - 17 carries, 58 yards, WR Bailey - 7 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sat Nov 20, 2021 10:26 am

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XFL Week 14: Steel Win Championship Preview Game

May 7, 2002

Dallas, TX - As the Dallas Desperados’ head coach, Jerry Glanville has shown no fear of going for it on fourth down, even when the Desperados are deep in their own territory. Many times, it was worked and given his team a boost. But in the fourth quarter of the game against Birmingham, his brazenness backfired. On fourth-and-one at the Dallas 19, the Desperados went for it and Clint Stoerner’s pass fell incomplete. That left the Steel with an easy opportunity to add to their lead and they did just that, with Steel RB James Bostic finishing the short field on a six yard jaunt for a 27-13 lead.

That was the second time Glanville’s strategy failed and led to easy points for the Steel. With the Steel down 14-0 early in the second quarter, Glanville kept his offense on the field facing fourth-and-three at their 39. Stoerner’s pass was incomplete and K Brad Palazzo kicked a 39-yard field goal. The Desperados were, at that point, 2-for-8 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down.

-- (8-4)Steel 27 - 13 Desperados(8-4)
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 24/33 196 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Bostic - 20 carries, 134 yards, 1 TD, WR Williams - 7 catches, 45 yards, WR Jackson - 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 23/31 174 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, RB King - 18 carries, 37 yards, WR Hundon - 8 catches, 143 yards

-- (4-8)Enforcers 20 - 17 Rage(9-3)
(CHI): QB Jackson - 24/38 316 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Johnson - 12 carries, 43 yards, WR Chatman - 5 catches, 79 yards, WR Lord - 4 catches, 80 yards, 1 TD, WR Jordan - 4 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
(ORL): QB Wuerffel - 16/35 173 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Black - 16 carries, 56 yards, WR Burks - 7 catches, 109 yards, 2 TDs

-- (1-11)Guardians 37 - 24 Stars(8-4)
(NY): Kanell - 27/39 271 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Philyaw - 10 carries, 27 yards, WR Green - 7 catches, 123 yards, TE Hinton - 7 catches, 60 yards
(LA): Bonner - 13/26 259 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, RB Shehee - 13 carries, 66 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 4 catches, 147 yards, 2 TDs, WR McDonald - 2 catches, 44 yards

-- (5-7)Outlaws 30 - 27 Wild(5-7)
(LV): Clement - 13/31 137 yards, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 22 carries, 170 yards, 1 TD, WR Nash - 6 catches, 72 yards
(MIN): Druckenmiller - 27/40 333 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, RB Moss - 25 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD, WR Morey - 8 catches, 72 yards, WR Morey - 5 catches, 122 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 14: Commanders Come Up One Play Short of Playoff Spot

May 8, 2002

San Antonio, TX - "If we kick the extra point, we go to overtime and it is sudden death. Our staff decided that if we were going to lose we were going to lose the game ourselves and not have them kick a field goal," head coach Mike Riley said after the Commanders failed to make a two point convert and lost 31-30 in overtime to the Memphis Express. San Antonio had matched Memphis' touchdown in overtime, but instead of kicking the single to go to overtime to a sudden death session, San Antonio went for two and the win. It's a decision QB Michael Bishop agreed with. "We were going to win it or lose it on our terms," Bishop said, "In the last play we fell short and I don't regret it at all. The coaching staff made the right decision."

"Anytime you give 110% and your team still comes up on the short end of the stick it is really frustrating. Luckily we have the new season coming up soon so I don't have to worry too much about it," said owner Larry Benson. Both Benson and Riley agreed the one thing that prevented the team from making the playoff was injuries to key players. "If we have the same team next year healthy, we are going to do well," Riley said.

-- (7-5)Commanders 27 - 28 Express(5-7)
(SA): Bishop - 24/34 225 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Stecker - 22 carries, 127 yards, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 51 yards, 2 TDs, WR Stevens - 6 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): Martin - 26/42 323 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, RB Shaw - 17 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD, WR Simmons - 6 catches, 129 yards, 1 TD

Orlando QB Hamilton Lost For Remainder Of Season

May 9, 2002

Orlando, FL - Orlando Rage QB Joe Hamilton, a top candidate for Offensive Player of the Year honors, missed the final regular season game and will miss the playoffs after sustaining a fractured right clavicle the team announced today. Hamilton suffered the injury late in the third quarter when Outlaws DL Stacy Evans charged unabated and threw him to the turf. Hamilton laid on the turf for several minutes before being helped to the locker room. The Rage were flagged for a false start on the play while Evans and the Outlaws were not penalized.

XFL 2002 League Leaders Finalized

May 10, 2002

Greenwich, CT - These are the regular season stat leaders for the 2002 XFL season.

Top 10 Passing Leaders:
1. Clint Stoerner(DAL) - 3203 yards, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
2. Michael Bishop(SA) - 3141 yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs
3. Sherdrick Bonner(LA) - 2927 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
4. Tee Martin(MEM) - 2921 yards, 25 TDs, 15 INTs
5. Joe Hamilton(ORL) - 2819 yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs
6. Jarious Jackson(CHI) - 2642 yards, 17 TDs, 12 INTs
7. Spergon Wynn(BIRM) - 2227 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs
8. Jim Druckenmiller(MIN) - 2000 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs
9. Giovanni Carmazzi(LV) - 1755 yards, 8 TDs, 12 INTs

Top 10 Rushing Leaders:
1. Lawrence Phillips(LV) - 965 yards, 4 TDs
2. James Bostic(BIRM) - 953 yards, 7 TDs
3. Aaron Stecker(SA) - 893 yards, 2 TDs
4. Rashaan Salaam(MIN) - 869 yards, 6 TDs
5. Derrick Clark(ORL) - 781 yards, 6 TDs
6. Carlos King(DAL) - 771 yards, 1 TD
7. Rashaan Shehee(LA) - 718 yards, 6 TDs
8. Sedrick Shaw(MEM) - 513 yards, 1 TD
9. Darnell Autry(MEM) - 453 yards, 5 TDs
10. LeShon Johnson(CHI) - 483 yards, 2 TDs

Top 10 Receiving Leaders:
1. Jeremaine Copeland(LA) - 1288 yards, 10 TDs
2. Darnell McDonald(LA) - 1163 yards, 10 TDs
3. Dialleo Burks(ORL) - 950 yards, 9 TDs
4. James Hundon(DAL) - 936 yards, 10 TDs
5. Sean Morey(MIN) - 916 yards, 3 TDs
6. Andy McCullough(MEM) - 833 yards, 7 TDs
7. Marcus Nash(LV) - 803 yards, 7 TDs
8. Aaron Bailey(CHI) - 782 yards, 6 TDs
9. Tony Simmons(MEM) - 776 yards, 5 TDs
10. Stepfret Williams(BIRM) - 709 yards, 4 TDs

Copeland and McDonald are Record Setting Duo

May 11, 2002

Los Angeles, CA - The records speak for themselves. Wide Receivers Jeremaine Copeland and Darnell McDonald became the most prolific pass-catching duo in league history during the team's record setting 2002 season. These two superstars realize the game is a team effort and don't pay close attention to personal accomplishments. "The records, and stats in general, are an indication of the type of season we've had," noted head coach Al Luginbill. "The linemen did a great job blocking, and the receivers did a great job catching the ball and running routes. You can't have the success and set any type of records unless you do the little things and have the people around you that are not only talented but work hard," he added.

"It feels good to be the record holder," said Copeland. "I knew that if I played at a consistent level I would have a productive season. Everything that I've always wanted to do for a professional team I'm doing now."
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sat Nov 20, 2021 10:58 am

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XFL Semi-Final: Steel Survive Rain Storm and Rage

May 14, 2002

Birmingham, AL - Do not look directly at this game. Severe eye damage could result. The Rage had a 5-3 lead and perhaps it was time to turn to the bullpen for the closer going into the 4th quarter but the Rage forgot to bring one with them. The Steel got two fourth quarter touchdown passes from Spergon Wynn to capture their spot into the Million Dollar Game.

The Steel got a first-quarter field goal. The Rage responded with a safety and a field goal in the second quarter, and then the rain storm hit and neither team could do much more than take the snap. It may have been a good strategy to just punt on first down and not risk turnover or health.

-- (9-4)Rage 5 - 17 Steel(9-4)
(ORL): QB Wuerffel - 7/21 95 yards, 2 INTs, RB Clark - 22 carries, 44 yards, WR Burks - 2 catches, 51 yards
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 10/21 123 yards, 2 INTs, RB Bostic - 22 carries, 107 yards, 2 TDs, WR McGuire - 6 catches, 46 yards

XFL Semi-Final: No Sunshine In Los Angeles For Desperados

May 15, 2002

Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Stars eliminated the Dallas Desperados from the 2002 XFL playoffs with a 32-27 win in front of 29,137 fans. After Dallas failed to score on their opening drive, Los Angeles QB Sherdrick Bonner hit WR Darnell McDonald for a touchdown. Dallas shot right back as QB Stoney Case found WR James Hundon for a 30 yard score to even things up at seven. Stars RB Ken Oxendine ran in a score as Los Angeles led 14-7 after the first period.

RB Carlos King got the Destroyers on the board in the second on a 19 yard touchdown run to even the score at 14. After Los Angeles punted, Dallas grabbed their first lead of the game with a K Scott Bentley 31 yard field goal. Bonner connected with WR Todd Doxzon with 2:38 to go as Los Angeles went up 21-17. The Desperados had a chance to score at the end of the half as they got down to the eight yard line, but could not stop the clock.

Both teams failed to score on their next three possessions. Dallas got a break with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter when Stars RB Rashaan Shehee fumbled and LB Otis Floyd recovered at the Stars 24 yard line. Dallas got down to the 14 yard line but turned the ball over on downs. The Desperados had one more shot with 11 seconds left after Stars K Jason Malecki missed his second field goal of the game. On the ensuing play, Case fumbled the ball and Los Angeles recovered and then ran out the clock. Neither team scored on their last five possessions of the game.

-- (8-5)Stars 21 - 17 Desperados(8-5)
(LA): QB Bonner - 28/37 335 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 8 carries, 41 yards, RB Oxendine - 11 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 8 catches, 162 yards, WR McDonald - 3 catches, 71 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Case - 21/39 277 yards, 1 TD, RB King - 19 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD, WR Hundon - 7 catches, 119 yards, 1 TD, WR Roberson - 5 catches, 58 yards
*Dallas Desperados' starting QB Clint Stoerner missed game due to injury

XFL Names 2002 All-League Team

May 18, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The league wanted to honor the most standout players from the 2002 regular season. There are no restrictions to this list, this is just the list of the best players in the league voted on by all coaches, general managers and media outlets.

The 2002 All-XFL Team:
QB Sherdrick Bonner Los Angeles, RB Aaron Stecker San Antonio, RB Lawrence Phillips Las Vegas, WR James Hundon Dallas, WR Jeremaine Copeland Los Angeles, WR Darnell McDonald Los Angeles, OL Chris Perez Chicago, OL Bobby Singh Los Angeles, OL Lonnie Palelei Las Vegas, OL Rome Douglas San Antonio, OL Robert Hicks Memphis, DL Kelvin Kinney Las Vegas, DL Antonio Edwards Las Vegas, DL Ron Warner Minneapolis, DL Cedric Pittman Birmingham, LB Joe Tuipala Las Vegas, LB James Willis Birmingham, LB Donnie Spragan Memphis, DB Corey Sawyer Minneapolis, DB JoJuan Armour San Antonio, DB Brandon Sanders Las Vegas, DB Troy Saunders Chicago, K Brad Palazzo Birmingham and P Rodney Williams Birmingham

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XFL Million Dollar Game: Stars Go Back to Back

May 21, 2002

Los Angeles, CA - The second Million Dollar Game began with the Steel getting the ball first, yet four plays and one penalty later, QB Spergon Wynn tried to pass to RB Curtis Alexander and his pass got intercepted by Los Angeles DL Ramondo Stallings, who returned the ball 28 yards for a touchdown. The Steel would then start their second drive at their own 25-yard line. Despite going 66 yards on 11 plays, the Stars' defense forced the Steel to settle for a 28-yard field goal. In the second quarter, both teams prevented each other from scoring for most of the period. It wasn't until the final two minutes of the half that the scoring would continue, with Wynn leading a 5-play, 55-yard drive and capping it off with an 8-yard TD pass to WR Stepfret Williams. With less than a minute to go in the half, Stars' QB Sherdrick Bonner got a 7-play, 51-yard drive going, yet Birmingham's defense forced Los Angeles to settle for a 38-yard field goal by Jason Malecki, which gave the Los Angeles Stars a 10-7 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, one play was all that was needed on their second drive of the half, as a little trick play helped Bonner get the ball to WR Darnell McDonald, who in turn completed a 60-yard TD pass to fellow WR Jeremaine Copeland. The Stars would later continue to pour on their lead, as Malecki kicked a 42-yard field goal to give the Stars a 23-10 lead going into the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Stars got their final points of the game, as RB Ken Oxendine ran 69 yards to setup another Bonner touchdown pass. With the Steel trailing 30-10 with under six minutes to play, they needed points and they needed them fast. They would respond as Wynn lead a 5-play, 64-yard drive and wrap it up with a 17-yard TD pass to Williams. On their next drive, Wynn would throw a 19-yard pass to WR Kaipo McGuire. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late as the Stars would wind the game clock to zero and clinch their second straight XFL championship.

-- (9-5)Stars 30 - 24 Steel(10-4)
(LA): QB Bonner - 13/31 286 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Shehee - 18 carries, 46 yards, RB Oxendine - 10 carries, 85 yards, WR McDonald - 3 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD, WR Copeland - 2 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD
(BIRM): QB Wynn - 29/46 292 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, RB Bostic - 17 carries, 48 yards, WR Williams - 5 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs, WR McGuire - 6 catches, 33 yards

XFL Announces 2002 Individual Awards

May 24, 2002

Greenwich, CT - After passing for 2927 yards, 25 TDs and leading the Los Angeles Stars to their second of back to back XFL Championships, QB Sherdrick Bonner was named as the 2002 XFL Most Valuable Player. Stars WR Jermaine Copeland was named the 2002 Offensive MVP after catching 86 passes for 1288 yards and 10 TDs, while Las Vegas Outlaws DL Kelvin Kinney was the Defensive MVP by totaling 67 tackles, 18 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. Lastly, Memphis Express QB Tee Martin was named as the league's Rookie of the Year as he posted 2921 yards and 24 TDs.

"I really accept this award on behalf of the team and the organization because there is no way I would have accomplished this much without everyone creating a winning environment," Bonner said after receiving the award.

Criner and Staff To Return For 2003

May 30, 2002

Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Outlaws announced that head coach Jim Criner, general manager Bob Ackles, coordinators Mark Criner and Joe Paopao and assistant coaches Ray Bentley, Rudy Klawiter, Weylan Harding, Ryan Gallo and head athletic trainer Ray Harland have extended their contracts through the 2003 season. "I am extremely excited to have this group back together for the upcoming season," said Ackles. "I want to thank our owner Gavin Maloof for his continued commitment and his belief that we can get this done. With training camp starting in January, we have a lot of work to do."
Last edited by BengalErnst on Thu Nov 10, 2022 11:38 pm, edited 15 times in total.
BengalErnst
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sat Nov 20, 2021 8:20 pm

Year Two Financial Report Released

June 1, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The XFL are pleased with their attendance(19k average) and television numbers, but as the team salaries go up to $2.5M per franchise, a new television contract will have to be had, plus attendance numbers in Las Vegas, Chicago and Minneapolis will need to be improved on.

The report states that the league is 27.5% owned by Alpha Entertainment LLC(McMahon), 27.5% Legendary Field Exhibitions LLC(Ebersol), 5% Dallas Football LLC(Jones), 5% for Naegele Sports LLC(Naegele Jr.), 5% Kroenke Sports & Entertainment LLC(Kroenke), 5% NYSports Executives LLC(Wang), 5% Speros Ventures LLC(Speros), 5% Benson Sports LLC(Benson), 5% Maloof Sports LLC(Maloof), 5% FedEx Express Sports LLC(Smith), and 5% Williams Corporation Sports LLC(Williams).

Expenditures totaled $79M for the 2002 season. Costs consisted of $20M from player contracts, $8M for Player Bonuses, $20M in front office/coaching contracts, $3M on league staff contracts, $10M in stadium leases, $10M in traveling expenses, $4M on insurance, $3M on equipment, and $1M on marketing.

The league did receive $10M from TV contracts, $4M from Dallas Football LLC, $4M from Naegele Sports LLC, $14M from Kroenke Sports & Entertainment LLC(Kroenke), $14M from NYSports Executives LLC(Wang), $14M from Speros Ventures LLC(Speros), $14M Benson Sports LLC(Benson), $14M from Maloof Sports LLC(Maloof), $14M from FedEx Express Sports LLC(Smith), and $14M from Williams Corporation Sports LLC(Williams), $33M in ticket sales, and $10M in merchandise totaling $159M.

The league ended the 2002 season $80M in surplus. The league will continue to operate under a hybrid franchise model, as each franchise is individually ran and operated, but all profits and costs are still league orientated. The surplus will be carried over to future seasons as McMahon and Ebersol know the current business model only works with expansion.

AFRTS to Distribute XFL Games

June 7, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The American Forces Radio and Television Service Broadcast Center and the XFL have agreed to distribute the XFL's national broadcast schedule of regular season and post-season games to the U.S. Armed Forces stationed overseas.

"We are grateful to the XFL for its generosity in permitting AFRTS to provide our men and women in uniform stationed overseas game coverage from the 2002 season," said Air Force Colonel Ray Shepherd, the AFRTS-BC Commander. "Anytime we can bring them home for a couple of hours of exciting sports coverage enhances the morale and well-being of every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine serving far from home and on the high seas."

"Our hearts go out to the men and women of the armed services who put their lives on the line every day defending our nation and our freedom," said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. "I'm thrilled to think that the fast-paced excitement of the XFL can play even a small role in improving the morale of our service men and women during this critical time."

The NFL Less of Threat to XFL

June 12, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The XFL made it a priority to keep their star players in the XFL after being hit tremendously hard last offseason from both the NFL and CFL. In order to combat the NFL, the XFL extended their season by an entire month, making the players that the NFL sees as marginal players less enticing with them missing the NFL Free Agency window, however the NFL is still going to sign a player if they believe that player could be an impact player at their level. The XFL combatted the CFL by increasing their salary cap another $500k, up to $2.5M($62.5k salary per player) per team. However, the CFL doesn't have a flat player salary like the XFL, so they can sign their stars to as big of contracts as they feel comfortable with.

The XFL 2002 MVP QB Sherdrick Bonner signed with the Toronto Argonauts this month, marking the second straight year that the league has lost their Most Valuable Player to another league. Minneapolis Wild LB Paris Lenon signed with the Green Bay Packers, Memphis Express WR Jason Waters signed with the Carolina Panthers, while San Antonio Commanders' WR Dante Hall and New York Guardians' DL R-Kal Truluck signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and in the most surprising of moves, Orlando Rage backup QB Danny Wuerrfel reunited with his college coach Steve Spurrier with the Washington Redskins.

The league also lost LB Kurt Gouveia, LB Craig Powell, RB Pepe Pearson, QB Ron Powlus and QB Jay Barker to retirement. Gouveia and Pearson joined the Las Vegas Outlaws' coaching staff as the LBs and RBs coaches.

NBC Sports and XFL Announce Extension to Television Partnership

June 18, 2002

Greenwich, CT - NBC Sports and the XFL have mutually agreed to extend their landmark and profitable revenue sharing broadcast partnership through 2006. The announcement was made today by Ken Schanzer, NBC Sports President and XFL Co-founder Dick Ebersol. NBC and the XFL originally partnered in January 2000 with a groundbreaking agreement which, among other things, carries a negotiable payment model, renews at NBC's option and calls for NBC to share in revenues derived from the increasing value of XFL franchises. The original deal included a four-year option for NBC after the second season which both parties have mutually accepted. NBC will be carrying three games a week for the 2003 season for $8M as TNN's and UPN's coverage of the XFL was ending after the 2002 season, those networks were moving away from live sports.

"We love the XFL game and continue to believe in the long-term business prospects of the league," said Schanzer. "This deal works because it encourages us to continue to invest our management and broadcast time and creativity into building viewership. We knew growth would take time, but by being profitable, this partnership allows us time to work on attracting new fans to what we believe is a terrific product. We're encouraged that our XFL ratings are holding steady in year two at a time when just about everything other than NASCAR and the NFL seems to be declining somewhat. Not only is the XFL an incredibly fan-friendly league, but the League and its teams are also terrific partners. Oliver Luck's leadership and passion has the league poised for continued growth. Working with the XFL has been a real pleasure."

"The first two years on NBC validated the XFL's credibility," said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. "We're confident the next two years will further grow our sport and we look forward to a long and profitable partnership with NBC, which has proven to be a truly great partner. They have treated our games with integrity and have produced some of the finest broadcasts the sport of football has ever seen."

"NBC and the XFL have been a great partnership. I am forever grateful to be in the position as an NBC executive and as XFL co-founder to exhibit this game with the utmost respect and integrity. I'm excited to be at the forefront of the league's unprecedented growth," said Ebersol. "The XFL is actively negotiating with a second television partner to complement the NBC portion of the XFL broadcast package."

New Ownership in Chicago Adds Mike Singletary

June 25, 2002

Chicago, IL - Rocky Wirtz, the son of the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, Bill Wirtz, along with Wirtz Sports Corporation LLC has purchased the Chicago Enforcers for $10M. Wirtz was convinced to buy the Enforcers by friend and NBC business partner Dick Ebersol, the XFL Co-Founder. They negotiated that all Enforcers' along with his father's Chicago Blackhawks games would be broadcasted on NBC Sports Chicago.

Wirtz announced that general manager Dick Butkus would also serve as team president and that his first move as the new owner would be replacing Head Coach Rusty Tillman and defensive coordinator Jim Tomsula. He wanted to bring a more intense coach that would also help increase attendance after the team finished second to last in that category last season, partially due to the team having to play all of their home games in neighboring Champaigne, due to renovations to Soldier Field. Former Chicago Bears' LB and current Baltimore Ravens' LBs Coach, Mike Singletary would be the new Enforcers' Head Coach and joining him would be his former Chicago Bears' teammate and the current Georgia Force Head Coach Doug Plank as the new defensive coordinator. Peter Vaas would be staying on as the offensive coordinator.

"Mike is a passionate, dedicated and intelligent leader. During his hall-of-fame career he played with an unmatched level of intensity that served as the catalyst for a historic, Super Bowl winning defense. He brings the same leadership qualities to the sidelines," said Wirtz. "His experience as a player and assistant coach will be invaluable to the Enforcers' players and will have them in position to succeed on and off the field."

"I took tremendous pride in leading, teaching and competing during my playing days, and that experience prepared me for my coaching career. I enjoy working closely with players and doing everything possible to set them up for success on and off the field. This is an opportunity to do that again at the professional level, and I'm excited to get started," said Singletary. "From day one, I was intrigued by Vince and Dick's commitment to putting high quality football on the field in the spring, fueled by an alliance between players, fans and the game. The foundation is set, and now it's about putting a team together here in Chicago that will compete for a championship."

Stars Lose Coordinator Barker to the CFL

June 28, 2002

Chicago, IL - After coordinating the Los Angeles Stars' offense to back to back league championships, offensive coordinator Jim Barker has accepted the head coaching position with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, which led the Stars to steal Dallas Desperados' offensive coordinator Wes Chandler for the same position.

Ron Meyer Relieved Of Coaching Duties

June 30, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The New York Guardians announced that they have relieved Head Coach Ron Meyer and defensive coordinator Doug Graber of their duties and replaced them with the recently fired, Rusty Tillman and Jim Tomsula. "We believe Coach Meyer is an honorable man who clearly understands the game of football," said Guardians owner Charles Wang. "However, a 1-12 record is unacceptable to the organization. We decided in the best interest of the Guardians that we needed to make a change. I was very pleased with the defensive performance of the Chicago Enforcers and am looking forward to the continued direction of that defense led by Jim Tomsula. Fans should expect that we will have a strong emphasis on defense going into the future."

"I am honored to take on the role of head coach of the New York Guardians and grateful to the XFL for this opportunity,” Tillman said in the XFL’s press release announcing the hiring. "Coach Meyer created a solid foundation that the team can continue to build upon. I am proud of the way New York has embraced the dedicated players and coaches and I am excited to get to work preparing for season three of the XFL.”

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The XFL is Coming to Fox Sports!

June 31, 2002

Greenwich, CT - NBC executive and XFL co-founder, Dick Ebersol, has announced that the league has a new television partner. The XFL and Fox Sports(FSN) have come to a two year agreement for $12M. The Fox Sports network will be airing 39 regular season games across their regional affiliates. Fox Sports would be airing a Friday night(FS1), Monday night(FS1) and Sunday afternoon(FS2) broadcast of XFL games. The agreement calls for Fox Sports to produce the game telecasts, and have both the XFL and Fox Sports working together to sell advertising that Fox Sports, unlike NBC, would keep in order to cover production costs. In addition, Fox Sports would start producing and televising XFL WEEKLY, a weekly magazine/television program that would premiere on the network for the 2003 season.

Vince McMahon said, "The combined talents of both NBC and Fox, which include original television programming expertise, complementary audience reach, and brand-building success is a sum much greater than its parts. Saturday nights have always been special on NBC, just like Sundays on Fox, and we’re proud that XFL football has found a home here. In addition to having a long history of working strongly together in the past, I believe that the combination of these two organizations will make XFL football one of the best built brands in all of sports."

“We welcome the XFL to the Fox Sports family and are pleased to expand our relationship with Vince McMahon,” said Eric Shanks, Fox Sports CEO & Executive Producer. “Football is in Fox Sports’ DNA and a key component of our programming strategy. Alongside Oliver Luck and his incredible team, we’re excited for the debut of the XFL on Fox Sports.”

Desperados Hire Former Cowboy Danny White as New Offensive Coordinator

July 10, 2002

Dallas, TX - The Dallas Desperados announced the hiring of Arizona Rattlers head coach and former Dallas Cowboys QB Danny White as the new Offensive Coordinator. White replaces Wes Chandler, who left the team last month to become the Offensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Stars. White brings 10 years as a coach of Arena Football League experience to Dallas. His offense has led the AFL in total offense three times and finished second once. He has also had offenses lead the league in scoring, passing offense, touchdown passes and first downs.

"Danny has an outstanding reputation as an offensive coach in the Arena Football League," says Desperados assistant head coach Joe Avezzano. "We've been interested in Danny being a part of the organization from the beginning, and we're very happy to now have him as an integral part of our continuing efforts to improve on last year's team. He knows the game inside and out, and he is highly regarded in the league. We feel fortunate to have Danny join us."

XFL Opportunity Fires Up First Year Head Coach

July 21, 2002

Orlando, FL - To call Jay Gruden a rookie head coach is somewhat of a stretch. After all, he did spend a stint as head coach in the Arena Football League from 1998-2001. And during that time he managed to get his team to a pair of championship games and a title win. Still in the world of outdoor professional football, Gruden is a rookie head coach and will make his debut for the Rage in February. Gruden ascension to the head coaching job was rapid, after spending the the previous season as offensive coordinator of the Rage under head coach Galen Hall. Under Gruden's direction, the Rage were the most dominant offense in the league, leading the XFL in total offense and points. When Hall resigned to become offensive coordinator of the Penn State University, Gruden seemed like a logical choice to replace him.

And billing itself as the league of opportunity, the XFL wasted little time in promoting Gruden. "We were sorry to lose Coach Hall, but in doing so it also opened a window of opportunity for Jay Gruden," XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck said. "When he left, Coach Hall strongly endorsed Jay to become the head coach and because Coach Hall is such a straight shooter, I had a lot of respect for that opinion because I knew it wasn't a situation of a buddy trying to help a buddy get a job."

"No question that I would have never been in this situation without the experience I gained from my brother," Gruden said. "As soon as the Arena season ended, I went over to Tampa and started learning from him with the Bucs. Jon has a great football mind and being able to experience how things were done at that level was a great experience and helped prepare me for this job." And while Gruden has tasted life in the NFL, he does not necessarily see the XFL as a stepping stone. "I think every player and every coach wants to compete in the highest level of football, but I'm in no hurry to coach in the NFL. I find this league and its potential intriguing on a lot of different levels. I'm loyal to this league and want to be a part of helping establish it. There's a ton of good football players who have the talent to play at the top level. In many cases they just need a little more time to develop and a place to play. The XFL gives those players a chance."

Enforcers Players to Join Jim McMahon

July 26, 2002

Chicago, IL - Chicago Enforcers QB Jarious Jackson, RB LeShon Johnson and WR Aaron Bailey will help to raise money for the Walter Payton Scholarship Fund by serving as celebrity bartenders at McMahon's Arena Restaurant and Steakhouse. Joining the Enforcers players will be host Jim McMahon, Eddie Payton, several of McMahon's former Bears teammates and local Chicagoland media personalities. Fans wishing to get up on stage and perform a karaoke song will be asked to make a $5 donation to the Walter Payton Scholarship Fund. All money generated from the karaoke as well as tips to the celebrity bartenders will go to the fund. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold at the restaurant, with prizes including autographed sports memorabilia and gift certificates.
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sat Nov 20, 2021 9:53 pm

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Columbus Ghosts Join the XFL

August 1, 2002

Columbus, OH - Columbus joins the XFL as the Columbus Ghosts are set to take the field at Ohio Stadium when the 2003 season begins in February. Buffalo business leader Mark Hamister has partnered with Ohio businessman James Renacci and majority owner of the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets, John H. McConnell, to form a local ownership group including former Cleveland Brown great Bernie Kosar, Foundation Ohio Sports LLC for the franchise. Also at the news conference, recent College Football Hall of Fame inductee Earle Bruce was named first head coach of the Destroyers. Joining Bruce in Columbus with the Ghosts is former Buckeye defensive coordinator and current Oakland Raiders' LBs coach Fred Pagac as the defensive coordinator, and former Buckeye LB great Chris Spielman as the general manager. Former Cincinnati Rockers and current University of Montana offensive coordinator Brent Pease will serve in that same role with the Ghosts.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to venture into a different arena of the game,” Spielman said. “I know the passion this city has for the game of football and I’m excited to get started. Everything I have in life I owe to the game of football. To have the opportunity to be a small part of helping a young man get another shot of getting back in the NFL is very important to me.”

"In Chris Spielman and Earle Bruce, the Columbus Ghosts have the best of both worlds when it comes to football development," said Renacci. "Chris is a bright, young guy who played for Coach Bruce at Ohio State, learned from him and is ready to make the transition and step to the forefront to lead this franchise. Nobody knows the football any better than Coach Bruce and he will continue to provide leadership and guidance to Chris and our organization in its efforts to win a league championship. I'm tremendously excited to be a part of bringing this action-packed professional football league to Central Ohio. The football fans in this city are the greatest in the world. The timing of the XFL season which begins in February and concludes during the summer, will provide a year-round football fix for these passionate fans in Ohio."
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Seattle Makes Twelve for 2003

August 13, 2002

Seattle, WA - Seattle SuperSports LLC and Howard Schultz, owner of the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics and the WNBA's Seattle Storm was proud to announce that the Seattle Sea Devils would be joining the XFL for the 2003 season. Schultz made a huge splash in the coaching world by luring current University of Washington head coach Rick Neuheisel to be their first head coach. Joining Neuheisel in Seattle, will be Kerwin Bell and Dennis Thurman as the offensive and defensive coordinators. Bell last served as the Toronto Argonauts' offensive coordinator in 2001 and 2002, while Thurman was currently working as a Baltimore Ravens' defensive assistant after serving as the University of Southern California's DBs coach for seven years. Serving as general manager will be Eric Tillman, while also joining the staff will be former San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals' RB Eric Bienemy as the Sea Devils' RBs Coach. The Sea Devils will be playing their home games at Husky Stadium.

"Rick Neuheisel's experience playing and coaching at both the professional and collegiate level is something we value. We believe he will come in and motivate, teach and lead a hungry group of players looking for an opportunity to begin, extend and/or revive their professional careers," said Schultz. "We're committed to putting top-flight football on the field and look forward to Rick getting in there and implementing his system."

"The XFL's emphasis on building a dynamic relationship between players, fans and the game is what immediately grabbed my attention. There is nothing like experiencing the thrill of victory and agony of defeat together. We all invest so much into the game," said Neuheisel. "The combination of a passionate fan base and motivated, talented players looking to make a name for themselves on the professional level will result in exciting football in the spring, with the ultimate goal being to bring home the XFL championship."

"We wanted to have a strong west coast presence for the XFL season, and the addition of Seattle, a booming metropolitan area with a passionate fan base across all sports, is another step in the right direction," said Dick Ebersol, XFL co-founder. "Fan engagement is critical to our success and we look forward to this city embracing the experience and fueling the Sea Devils."
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Dallas Cowboys Receiver Joey Galloway Joins Columbus Ownership Group

August 20, 2002

Columbus, OH - Current Dallas Cowboys and former Ohio State University standout Joey Galloway has joined the ownership group of the Columbus Ghosts, it was announced today by team president Dave Whinham. Galloway will be officially introduced at a news conference Tuesday, December 9, at 1 p.m. at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Galloway, who makes Columbus his off-season home, joins majority owner of the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets John H. McConnell, Ohio businessman Jim Renacci and Buffalo business leader and former Buffalo Destroyers owner Mark Hamister to further solidify an ownership group committed to building a successful XFL franchise on and off the field.

Viewing this as more than just an investment opportunity, Galloway is eager to learn all aspects of sports ownership and team operations. "I'm looking forward to learning the side of the game that I don't get to experience as a player," he said. "Having this opportunity to partner with such a respected and accomplished group of businessmen, not to mention working with Coach Earle Bruce and Chris Spielman on the football operations side, makes it even more exciting."

"We are thrilled to welcome Joey to the Ghosts and we look forward to having him actively involved here in Columbus once his NFL season is over," said Jim Renacci on behalf of the entire ownership group.

Columbus and Seattle Begin Stocking Their Rosters

September 20, 2002

Greenwich, CT - WR Joe Douglass became the first player in Seattle Sea Devils history when the team made him the first selection in the XFL Expansion Draft. The Sea Devils and Ghosts, who begin their first season in February, each selected 13 players from the 50 made available from the rosters of the league's 10 teams. The Sea Devils also selected QBs Todd Husak and Corte McGuffey, RB Joey Dozier, OL Jonathan Himebach and Aaron Hamilton, DL Mike Ulufale, Moses Harper and Cleveland Pinkney, LBs Antico Dalton and Jonathan Jackson, DBs Delphfine Lee and Tim Carter.

The Ghosts selected WRs Mike Furrey and Randy Gatewood, TE Sean Manuel, OL Chris Janek, Javiar Collins and Dan Greer, DL Matt Finkes and Tom Briggs, LB Julian Duncan, DBs Cornelius Coe, Rashidi Barnes, Central McClellion and Dwayne Stukes. "I am really excited about the possibilities of these players", said Ghosts general manager Chris Spielman. "Stukes and Coe are good players and were an instrumental part of the Steel and Enforcers defenses this past season. Though Duncan doesn't have much experience, we are looking forward to seeing what he has to offer."

XFL Announces ‘Protect or Pick’ Territorial Draft Format

October 15, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The XFL which will commence regular season three play in February is altering the way teams are allowed to add territorial players to their roster. “The ‘Protect or Pick’ draft format begins with each team deciding if they want to protect up to three territorial players that has been allocated to them from their region. Here’s how it works: Each of the teams decides if it wants to protect up to five of the players. If a team elects to protect a player that player becomes the team’s first-round selection in next month's Supplementary Draft. If they don’t protect one, they get a first-round selection that would allow them to claim any unprotected player.

“Our regional allocation system and the ‘Protect or Pick’ draft format was designed to strike a competitive balance across the league and fuel local market interest,” Oliver Luck, XFL commissioner. “The process is critical to a team’s success, so we knew the importance of making sure each team had the opportunity to protect some of their local talent.

Territorial Allocation Process Puts Familiar Faces in Front of Fans

October 20, 2002

Greenwich, CT -

"This is an important step to securing leadership and production at the most important position in the game," said Ghosts head coach Earle Bruce. "Joe is a veteran that has been through a lot in his career and brings a lot to the table. We are very fortunate to have him in Columbus."

"I'm very excited to be coming back to Columbus," said Germaine. "I know Coach Bruce very well and have friends still in Columbus. I'm confident that they will do a great job getting talented players and good people for the Ghosts roster. I'm looking forward to the new challenge and am excited for the new opportunity."

XFL Announces Details for Supplemental Player Draft

November 19, 2002

Greenwich, CT - The XFL will conduct it's 10-round Supplemental Player Draft tonight where the XFL franchises will add up to 120 players to it's rosters and the league will provide real-time coverage on NBC. "Just as we did in September for the initial phase of the XFL drafts, we’ll use a unique analytic modified snake system that’s equitable for our twelve teams,” said XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck. “The main difference between the territorial draft and tomorrow night’s Supplemental Draft is that rather than being able to protect selected players, teams can select any player that helps complete their 40-man roster.”

XFL teams are drafting from a pool of players who have already signed contracts to play in the league. Teams will have two minutes between selections during the Supplemental Draft. Should a team let its time expire in any round without selecting, it can still choose a player, but it risks letting the team on the clock take the player it was considering. There will be a five-minute break at the conclusion of each round, and trades between teams are not permitted.

"Being able to bring in individuals with the talent to play at the NFL level, can only help us and this league grow," explained Sea Devils head coach Rick Neuheisel. "These are the caliber of players that we will need to be competitive now and in the future. If these players can adjust to our game quickly, it will be an asset to the depth of our team."

Goes First in Supplemental Player Draft

November 19, 2002

Greenwich, CT -

"The guys we brought in have a unique blend of football experience from the NFL to arena league," added Selesky. "Talent wise, these are some of the best players available on the free agent market. We are excited to see how these guys will mesh with the guys we are bringing back from last season.

"Derek is an immediate upgrade to our need area," said Michael Trigg, Rampage head coach and director of football operations. "Stinger gives us one of the better defensive backs in AFL history, and a leader that we were seeking. We are happy to have signed an anchor for our 2003 defensive unit."

"All three have proven NFL experience and each brings his own area of strength to a position that was our primary focus of upgrade," said Destroyers head coach Ron Selesky. "Scifres is a great offensive linemen who can play anywhere on the line and both Jose and Chris saw quality time in the NFL playing on the defensive side of the ball. Both are athletic enough to pick up the offensive side very quickly."

Ghosts Introduce Buckeye Legends

December 1, 2002

Columbus, OH - The Columbus Ghosts announced that former OSU stars and familiar Buckeye broadcasters Jim Karsatos and Jim Lachey will be involved with the team as promotional partners. "Over the past few years I have missed being directly involved in the game. The Ghosts provide the type of opportunity I have been looking for. XFL has grown into a very competitive brand of football with some outstanding players. I'm here to help the Ghosts be the best they can be and I strongly encourage everyone to join me in supporting this team," said Spielman.

"Chris Spielman's approach to the game is one that any team would want its players to emulate. Furthermore, by adding Jim Karsatos and Jim Lachey to this team, we are extremely fortunate to assemble this group of local legends whose respectability and popularity will help us generate great interest and support of XFL Football in central Ohio," offered Ghosts President Dave Whinham.

Maddox Credits XFL for NFL Success

January 3, 2003

Pittsburgh, PA - Current Pittsburgh Steelers and former Los Angeles Stars' QB Tommy Maddox won The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year award yesterday. Maddox completed a team-record 62.1 percent of his passes, threw for 20 touchdowns and posted an 85.2 passer rating. He was 7-3-1 as a starter, including victories in his final three games to capture the AFC North for Pittsburgh.

"I think some of the things I worked on in the XFL and having to get rid of the ball so quickly, I know my arm is a lot quicker now. I always felt like I had a strong arm, but I probably had a slower delivery. But in being quicker, I think I'm more accurate, as well," said Maddox. "I'd never been hit so hard in my life. Every play. I think I only threw 37 times, but I was on the ground 25 times. I tell you what, the XFL is kind of a hidden gem. There's no question that it helped to hone me. It's great for quarterbacks. The game is very fast. Your reads have to be very fast. You've got to be very accurate with the football."

Mike Singletary likes Energy, Attitude in First Training Camp

January 23, 2003

Chicago, IL - The unknown has a way of making even the steadiest hand at least a little nervous. Led by Hall of Famer Mike Singletary, whose only other coaching experience came with the Baltimore Ravens as a Linebackers coach, the Enforcers converged on San Antonio earlier this month for training camp where they will spent the next four-plus weeks. Since their arrival, the players' days and nights have been spent getting acquainted. Right now, no one knows what to expect. But Chicago is embracing it. “The whole thing’s gonna be a process,” Singletary said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that have come from all over the place. We’re installing an offense. I mean, we had a mini camp in December, but just since then we’ve added new receivers and tight ends. So this whole thing is going to be a bit of a process and we understand that. The energy’s been great. The attitude’s been great.”

But the legendary Chicago Bears linebacker isn’t ignoring that there’s acres of uncharted territory ahead for everyone involved. Which is part of the reason he’s pushing the Enforcers as hard as he is so early in camp. “Of course, for coaches, they’re never learning fast enough,” he said. “We’re working our tails off to hurry up and install everything and make sure they’ve got it. We’re putting an extra load on the guys this week because I want to try and find out which guys are courageous enough to do what we need them to do. We know it’s tough. We know we’re adding an extra burden on them. But every training camp in America is hurried. We just need to know at the end of this week and have a pretty good feel for, ‘This guy can help us. This guy can’t.’ Or, ‘we might need to replace this or that.’ That’s what we want this week.”

XFL, Officials Extend Deal

January 25, 2003

Greenwich, CT - The XFL and the XFL Football Officials' Association (XFOA) have solidified a long-term Collective Bargaining Agreement that will run through 2008, making it the longest current partnership between a league and its game officials in major professional sports. "The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance to the XFL," said Commissioner Oliver Luck. "This agreement ensures that the best XFL officials will be working our games. We have been fortunate to have such a great relationship with our officials and this CBA ensures that relationship will continue through 2008."

XFL Re-Launches Website

January 29, 2003

Greenwich, CT - The XFL announced the re-launch of its web site. The site was soft-launched on New Year's Eve and has received positive feedback from fans and critics. The XFL site provides information on all the teams and players, as well as news articles, press releases, and feature stories. XFL on NBC broadcasters, including Pat Haden, Ray Bentley, Glenn Parker, Charles Davis and Eli Gold are regular contributors to the site, adding expert insight into the game for XFL fans. In addition to the high quality content, the site also includes many interactive features, such as message boards, games, polls, downloads, streaming media, and player Q&A's. The XFL will also be launching it first Official Fantasy Football Game.
Last edited by BengalErnst on Tue Feb 21, 2023 7:04 pm, edited 43 times in total.
BengalErnst
Senior Member
 
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sat Nov 20, 2021 10:11 pm

XFL 2003 Roster Update

February 3, 2003

The 3rd XFL season is a mere two weeks away, and organizations have completely wrapped up their training camps along with their two preseason games and are now as prepared as they can be for the regular season. With the league having fixed salary contracts, and all player contracts being with the league itself, there isn't as much intraleague player movement as other leagues but XFL Founder Vince McMahon believes that's a good thing. "In our league, fans can buy a player's uniforms and be comfortable that he will still be there a few years down the road." Most of the XFL player movements come from the signing of players from other leagues, and speaking of those type of players, Ryan Leaf and Eric Zeier all signed with the CFL despite the XFL doing their best to bring him into the fold.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Dallas Desperados - HC Jerry Glanville, OC Danny White, DC Steve Carson, GM Drew Pearson, QBs Clint Stoerner, Pat Barnes and Stoney Case, RBs Carlos King, Jamie Reader, Terry Battle and Juan Johnson, WRs Jimmy Cunningham, James Hundon, Damian Vaughn, Will Pettis, Bobby Sippio, Jason Shelley and Brian Roberson, TEs Brian Roche and Joe Kavanaugh, OL Scott Scifres, Bernard Holsey, Calvin Collins, Seth Dittman, Jimmy Herndon, Frank Romero, Jamain Stephens and Jeff Buckey, DL Emile Palmer, Mike Sutton, Albrey Battle, Shante Carver, Eric England, Ja'Mar Toombs, Dwayne Missouri and Jermaine Miles, LBs Otis Floyd, DeShone Myles, Marcus Wilkins, Antonio Wilson and Darren Hambrick, DBs Wendell Davis, Jermaine Jones, Dan Dawson, Kareem Larrimore, Dwayne Harper, Michael Booker, Terrance Joseph and Greg Williams, K Scott Bentley and P Mike Panasuk

2003 Preview - Dallas will certainly stay run & shoot on offense with the addition of offensive coordinator Danny White, but can they get over the hump in the playoffs? The focus in the offseason was the defense and that may help. DL Sutton and Missouri will huge additions up front with Carver, England and Miles already there, while the addition of Hambrick should shore up the LBs corps that should complete a defense with two of the better corners in the league in Davis and Larrimore.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Los Angeles Stars - HC Al Luginbill, OC Wes Chandler, DC Bob Valesente, GM John Elway, QBs Scott Milanovich, Dameyune Craig and Cade McNown, RBs Ken Oxendine, Frank Leatherwood, Rashaan Shehee and Keala Keanaaina, WRs Darnell McDonald, Jeremaine Copeland, Todd Doxzon, Atnaf Harris, Latario Rachal, Damon Gibson and Rashied Davis, TEs Tremayne Allen, Mike Roberg and Josh Wilcox, OL Donta Kendrick, Chad Overhauser, Bruce Beaton, Kris Farris, Scott Whittaker, Bobby Singh, Ben Lynch, Jose Portilla, Nate Miller and Chris Brymer, DL Ramondo Stallings, Curtis Eason, Damonte McKenzie, Eric Johnson, Daved Benefield, Matt Keneley and Chad Pegues, LBs Steve Russ, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Sekou Sanyika, Ryan Nece, Jamir Miller, Rico Mack, Juan Long and Shawn Stuckey, DBs Clifton Abraham, Reggie Durden, Leomont Evans, Than Merrill, Dell McGee, Todd McMillon, Donnell Day and Terry Billups, K Clay Rush and P Andrew Bayes

2003 Preview - The back to back XFL champs return both McDonald and Copeland so it may not matter who is under center, but will it be McNown or Milanovich? Milanovich was suppose to be the guy for both of the last two seasons but got surpassed on the depth chart both years. Is he destined to be a career backup or is this his year? Oxendine and Shehee enjoy running in against defenses scared of the pass and are good at it. The defense isn't dominant but the secondary limit big plays often enough that their offense can outscore people.

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2002 Recap -

Las Vegas Outlaws - HC Jim Criner, OC Joe Paopao, DC Mark Criner, GM Bob Ackles, QBs Mark Grieb, Giovanni Carmazzi and Ryan Clement, RBs Lawrence Phillips, Marlion Jackson, Ben Snell and Chrys Chukwuma, WRs Marcus Nash, Tamarick Vanover, Steve Papin, Eric Guliford, Scott McCready, JJ Moses and Nakia Jenkins, TEs Rickey Brady, Werne Hippler and Keith Jennings, OL Tony Berti, Jon Blackman, Josh Lovelady, Doug Kaufasi, Tony Wragge, Kevin Barry, Pita Elisari, Mark Nori and Lonnie Palelei, DL Antonio Edwards, Kelvin Kinney, Stacy Evans, Dorain Boose, Michael Mason, Carl Simpson and Angel Rubio, LBs Joe Tuipala, Ryan Phillips, Masafumi Kawaguchi, Rob Fredrickson, Mike Crawford and Toran James, DBs Jamel Williams, Vernon Cox, Hurley Tarver, Deke Cooper, Wade Davis, Brandon Sanders and Chris Bayne, K Mike Black and P Marcus Williams

2003 Preview - When you look at this roster and their results, something doesn't add up and that doesn't bode well for Head Coach Jim Criner if things don't change this season. Owner Gavin Maloof isn't afraid to make changes. The defense is stacked at all three levels, the offensive line and receivers are above average, and RB Lawrence Phillips may be the most talented RB in the league. But the QBs are topsy-turvy and have been injury and mistake prone their first two seasons. If one of them can just protect the football this team can take a step forward, but if not, Criner is likely leaving Vegas.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Minneapolis Wild - HC Wayne Fontes, OC Jim Skipper, DC David Catapano, GM Stever Ortmayer, QBs Jim Druckenmiller, Tim Hasselbeck and Craig Whelihan, RBs Rashaan Salaam, Roosevelt Potts, Ketric Sanford and Rafael Cooper, WRs Kevin Prentiss, Jeff Ogden, Kelly Campbell, Brian Alford, Willis Marshall, Sean Morey and Damien Dodson, TE AJ Ofodile, Ben Steele and Jay Tant, OL Harry Boatswain, Jesse James, Evan Pilgram, Glenn Rountree, Thomas Guynes, Rod Jones, Brendan Stai, Mike Sheldon and Tim Seymour, DL Antonio Anderson, Christian Peter, Jared Tomich, Tramont Lawless, Ron Warner, Lamanzer Williams, Daniel Benetka and Leonta Rheams, LBs Richard Hogans, Cornell Menafee, Tarek Saleh, Jamie Burrow, Patrick Sapp and Caspor Stiles, DBs Corey Sawyer, Jack Brewer, Tyrone Bell, Bret Cooper, Reggie Hunt, Kevin Cobb and Walter Bernard, K Ola Kimrin and P Brent Bartholomew

2003 Preview - We have a hard time figuring out the Wild. Coach Fontes continues to focus his attention on the defense, but it may be the offense that will determine the future of the Wild. We are not sure Jim Druckenmiller has what it takes to be healthy enough to stay on the field, let alone consistently win games in this league. However, the Wild failed to bring in another signal caller for the second straight offseason. This could be a year in which the Wild struggle to stay in games, even if the defense is able to overcome the lost of LB Paris Lenon, the league's Defensive MVP to the NFL's Green Bay Packers.

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2002 Recap -

San Antonio Commanders - HC Mike Riley, OC Paul Chryst, DC Bill Bradley, GM John Peterson, QBs Michael Bishop, Kevin Daft and Glenn Foley, RBs Aaron Stecker, Ontiwaun Carter, Jesse Haynes and Troy Davis, WRs Thabiti Davis, Justin Swift, Marco Martos, Darrin Chiaverini, Calvin Shexnayder, Ahmad Merritt and LC Stevens, TEs Johnny Huggins, Luther Broughton and Rodrick Monroe, OL Rome Douglas, John Feugill, Steve Herndon, Derek West, Chris Watton, Octavious Bishop, Wilbert Brown, Reggie Nelson and Corey Hulsey, DL Derrick Ham, Jomo Cousins, David Hoelscher, Chartric Darby, Rameel Connor, Corey Callens, Dwight Johnson and Leif Larsen, LBs Corey Atkins, Jashon Sykes, Allen Aldridge, Muadianvita Kazadi, Gary Stills and Kelvin Moses, DBs Duane Hawthorne, Bashir Levingston, DeAuntae Brown, Lloyd Harrison, Reggie Austin and Anthony Malbrough, K Jesus Angoy and P Steve McLaughlin

2003 Preview - Coach Riley brought excitement to San Antonio by reviving the spirit of aggressive defense and big play offense with the most dynamic QB in the league. Adding solid depth by signing Troy Davis and Darrin Chiaverini could make the Commanders’ offense just as dangerous despite the loss of WR Dante Hall to the Kansas City Chiefs. The defense may still be a step behind the offense, but may just be good enough to turn a 35-31 shootout into a 35-21 blowout.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Seattle Sea Devils - HC Rick Neuheisel, OC Kerwin Bell, DC Dennis Thurman, GM Eric Tillman, QBs Akili Smith, Corte McGuffey and Todd Husak, RBs Ken Simonton, Jamal Robertson, Joey Dozier and Shyrone Stith, WRs Dane Looker, Onome Ojo, Dameane Douglas, Vinny Sutherland, Ron Dixon and Cedric James, TEs Darnell Dinkins and Jeremy Brigham, OL Jonathan Himebach, Aaron Hamilton, Pete Pierson, Josh Warner, Jose White, Chris Smith, Broderick Lancaster and Alcender Jackson, DL DeVone Claybrooks, Mike Ulufale, Cecil Caldwell, Moses Harper, Terrell Jurineack, Cleveland Pinkney and Terdell Sands, LBs Hakim Akbar, Keith Adams, Brad Kassell, Antico Dalton and Jonathan Jackson, DBs Clinton Hart, Chris Hudson, Delphfine Lee, Tim Carter, Chad Cota, Ahmad Hawkins and Earthwind Moreland, P Dirk Johnson and K Hayden Epstein

2003 Preview - Coach Rick Neuheisel, the former UCLA QB and University of Washington Head Coach stays close to home with the Sea Devils. Neuheisel will have to bring attention to detail to his squad, as they do not appear to have the talent level of many other clubs in the league. The former QB, Neuheisel decided to jump on a big name QB that was available, Akili Smith as his starter, though the buzz in camp has been inconsistency. Akili was very mistake prone with the Cincinnati Bengals so the Sea Devils may have to lean on the backfield combination of Simonton and Robertson, who were both fantastic in NFL Europe. The defense is going to give up a lot of points.

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2002 Recap -

2003 New York Guardians - HC Rusty Tillman, OC Joe Lombardi, DC Jim Tomsula, GM Steve Ehrhart, QBs Danny Kanell, Moses Moreno, and Wally Richardson, RBs Dino Philyaw, Robert Edwards, Joel Makovicka and Joe Aska, WRs Yatil Green, Craig Yeast, Kirby Dar-Dar, Zola Davis, RJ English, Will Blackwell and Anthony DiCosmo, TEs Ryan Collins, Terry Hardy and Marcus Hinton, OL Michael Thompson, Roger Chanoine, Kaulana Noa, Harvey Goins, Tre Johnson, Curtis McGee, Juan Porter, Troy Stark and David Camacho, DL Dwayne Sabb, Delbert Cowsette, Israel Raybon, Christian Maumalanga, Tom Barndt, James Cotton and Henry Slay, LBs Vernon Crawford, Tyrell Peters, Haven Fields, Lee Woodall, Ben Hanks, Khari Samuel and Ron Merkerson, DBs Damen Wheeler, Tawambi Settles, Butler B'ynote, Calvin Branch, Cecil Doggette, Joey Eloms, Mark Tate and Tyree Talton, P Filip Filipovic and K John Markham

2003 Preview - The former Enforcers' Head Coach Rusty Tillman inherits a team that has been sliding in the wrong direction since the beginning of the league. His first order of business has to be finding QB consistency. He first signed Tim Hasselbeck, and many thought it would be Hasselbeck v. Richardson for the starting job, but reports are suggesting Moreno may be the guy after-all. Tillman is known as a no-nonsense coach with a creative mind, so expect tough play from the Guardians, maybe a few gadget plays and more importantly some closer games.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Orlando Rage - HC Jay Gruden, OC Jeff Brohm, DC Pete Kuharchek, GM Tom Veit, QBs Joe Hamilton, Randy Fasani and Brian Kuklick, RBs Michael Black, Herbert Goodman, Derrick Clark and Brian Shay, WRs Mario Bailey, Dialleo Burks, Todd Floyd, Travis McGriff, Atrews Bell, Shannon Culver and Tony Gaiter, and TEs Lawrence Hart, Nate Jackson and Terrance Huston, OL Jeremy Akers, Garin Patrick, Sean Love, Dan Collins, Cal Dixon, Jason Gamble, Waverly Jackson, Damion Cook, Cheston Blackshear and Kelvin Ingram, DL Randy Chevrier, Sedric Clark, Bill Duff, Jerry Johnson, Andre Purvis and James Roberson, LBs Shawn Banks, Keith Miller, Eugene McCaslin, James Burgess, Jimmy Clements and Rashad Harris, DBs Ricky Bell, Ricot Joseph, Derrick Gardner, Clevan Thomas, Tremain Mack, Tommy Henry, Corey Harris, Stephen Fisher and Marcus Ray, P Dan Macelroy and K Jay Taylor

2003 Preview - If it wasn't for the Los Angeles Stars, I think the Rage would be the premier franchise in the league and their WRs corps is also the reason why. WRs Burks, Bailey and Culver are the best trio in the league, and Hamilton is a big play waiting to happen under center. If he can find more consistency in 2003 under newly promoted Head Coach Jay Gruden, the Rage may finally surpass the Stars. The offensive line led by Gamble and Akers is perhaps the league's best, and RB Clark isn't too shabby himself. The defense is hard to run against, but the secondary has to improve.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Birmingham Steel - HC Gerry DiNardo, OC Kippy Brown, DC Curley Hallman, DC Tim Berryman, QBs Spergon Wynn, Romaro Miller and Eric Kresser, RBs Curtis Alexander, Madre Hill, Deon Dyer and James Bostic, WRs Stepfret Williams, Quincy Jackson, Trevor Insley, Kevin Drake, Randy Hymes, Marcus Knight and Kaipo McGuire, TEs Ed Smith, Scott Thompson and Reggie Johnson, OL Ed King, Ozell Powell, Jarvis Borum, Anthony Cesario, Jay Hagood, Michael Lies, Jeremese Jones, Matt Hogg, Mike Edwards and Antonio Fleming, DL Quinton Reese, Charles Preston, Ernest Grant, Emarlos Leroy, Cedric Pittman, Jarrett Loggins and Reggie McGrew, LBs Trev Faulk, Keith Franklin, Lemanski Hall, Malcolm Hamilton, Jamal Brooks and James Willis, DBs Duane Butler, Calvin Jackson, Toya Jones, Lee Flowers, Rodregis Brooks, Tyrone Drakeford, Eric Sloan and Chris Shelling, P Rodney Williams and K Lawrence Tynes

2003 Preview - Coach DiNardo got the most out of his squad last season, winning the division and making it all the way to the Million Dollar Game. Can the Steel repeat that feat or will having a target on their back make life difficult in Birmingham? The addition of rookie DT Reggie McGrew to the Steel defense could help make Birmingham’s defense elite.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Memphis Express - HC Bart Andrus, OC Vince Martino, DC David Duggan, GM Michael Lang, QBs Tee Martin, Kevin Thompson and Tony Graziani, RBs Darnell Autry, Demontray Carter, Norman Miller and Sedrick Shaw, WRs Andy McCullough, Alonzo Johnson, Isaac Byrd, Milton Wynn, Jarrick Hillary, Snoop Minnis and Tony Simmons, TEs James Hill, Marlon Chambers and John Waerig, OL Dennis O'Sullivan, Joe Wong, O'Lester Pope, Oliver Ross, Brad Williams, Bernard Robertson, LeShun Daniels, Lennie Friedman and Robert Hicks, DL DeAngelo Lloyd, Stalin Colinet, Mao Tosi, Winfield Garnett, Gillis Wilson, DJ Cooper, Abdul-Salam Noah, Jon Kirksey and Jabbar Threats, LBs Donnie Spragan, Dwaine Carpenter, Canute Curtis, Marc Megna and OJ Childress, DBs Blaine McElmurry, DeShone Mallard, DeRon Jenkins, Quincy Coleman, Jahi Henley, Darwin Brown, Tim Strickland, Jon Hesse and Nick Ferguson, P Bill LaFleur and K Axel Kruse

2003 Preview - Memphis was one of the worst teams in the league last season as expected for an expansion team. They brought in some interesting prospects, not the least of which is former 2nd round pick WR Snoop Minnis, but if Head Coach Bart Andrus cannot ignite the culture of winning in the Express it could be another long season, something Andrus cannot afford. This is a team that is still a few years away from even being competitive and the fan base isn't going to be excited to hear that.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Chicago Enforcers - HC Mike Singletary, OC Peter Vaas, DC Doug Plank, GM Dick Butkus, QBs Jarious Jackson, Leon Murray and Kevin McDougal, RBs Brent Moss, LeShon Johnson and Charles Wiley, WRs Roell Preston, Antonio Chatman, Aaron Bailey, Khori Ivy, Charles Jordan, Frisman Jackson, Zechariah Lord and Luther Leverson, TEs William Tate, Rod Rutledge and Tyji Armstrong, OL Paul Janus, Jerry Wisne, Derrick Turner, Tupe Peko, Chris Perez, DeMingo Graham, Rob Murphy and Tony Ramirez, DL Larry Fitzpatrick, Nathan Davis, Grant Irons, Sterling Palmer, Colston Weatherington and Cyron Brown, LBs Jamie Baisley, Chike Egbuniwe, Jude Waddy, Carlos Timmons, Cornelius Anthony and Casey Dailey, DBs JoJuan Armour, Kory Blackwell, Chris Watson, Jordan Younger, Ligarius Jennings, Troy Saunders and Kerry Cooks, P Ignacio Brache and K Brad Palazzo

2003 Preview - New Head Coach Mike Singletary knows defense, having served on the defensive coaching staff for the Baltimore Ravens, and playing for the Chicago Bears, and he knows that Chicago will need to overhaul a defense that has simply not been up to snuff the past two years. Even with talented players the Enforcers have been anything but stalwart and, to a large degree that is why Singletary was chosen. His defensive pedigree is solid, now he gets the chance to prove it with the Enforcers. RBs Avery and Johnson will once again have to be the focal point of this team's offense. Avery wasn't pleased with how he was used last year, and a coaching change was a welcomed sight for him. He should play motivated.

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2002 Recap -

2003 Columbus Ghosts - HC Earle Bruce, OC Brent Pease, DC Fred Pagac, GM Chris Spielman, QBs Joe Germaine and Scott Covington, RBs Michael Wiley, Travis Prentice, Curtis Keaton and Joe Montgomery, WRs Ken-Yon Rambo, Mike Furrey, Ron Dugans, Randy Gatewood, Danny Farmer and Avion Black, TEs Chris Eitzmann and Sean Manuel, OL Victor Leyva, Chris Janek, Dan Greer, Antwan Kirk-Hughes, Javiar Collins, Alonzo Cunningham, Lewis Kelly and Terrance Simmons, DL Matt Finkes, Jevon Langford, Tom Briggs, Jermaine Smith, Byron Frisch and Norris McCleary, LBs Brad Jackson, Jody Littleton, Julian Duncan, Josh Parry and Riall Johnson, DBs Central McClellion, Cornelius Coe, Dwayne Stukes, Steve Bellisari, Damon Moore, Derek Combs, Rashidi Barnes and Nijrell Eason, P Travis Dorsch and K Matt Bryant

2003 Preview - The former Ohio State Buckeyes' Head Coach Earle Bruce will be building a new XFL franchise from the ground up, and one with a lot of Ohio in its blood. Not only did the front office bring in former Buckeyes throughout the roster, but then signed a few former Bengals and Browns as well. It will be a home-town team, to be sure, but can Bruce build up an expansion team from the ground up? There is talent there, but depth is a huge concern, especially in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Last edited by BengalErnst on Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:27 am, edited 53 times in total.
BengalErnst
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Re: XFL 2001

Postby BengalErnst » Sun Nov 21, 2021 3:24 pm

XFL Signs Two National Sponsors

February 11, 2003

Greenwich, CT - The XFL announced new national partnerships with Gatorade and Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership for the 2003 season. "With the addition of Gatorade and Aaron's, the XFL continues to emerge as a leading sponsor-friendly property that can integrate products with our athletes and tap into the tremendous sponsor loyalty of both our in-arena fans and our viewers," said Co-Founder Dick Ebersol. "Both companies believe in our passion and commitment to grow indoor football. Gatorade adds an authentic presence to our game."

"The XFL's early success proves that America has an endless thirst for football and that Gatorade is perfectly situated on the bench with this emerging sports property," said Tom Fox, Gatorade vice president of sports marketing. "Gatorade is excited about the integration between the athlete and our product and the loyalty XFL fans show to sponsors' products."
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XFL Week 1: Rage Welcome Sea Devils to the XFL

February 17, 2003

Seattle, WA - It’s no contest in Seattle between the Sea Devils and Rage. The Rage led, 35-3, at halftime. Quarterback Hamilton threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Backup QB Brian Kuklick played the entire 2nd half and threw two touchdowns himself. The Sea Devils had three turnovers, two of them, interceptions thrown by quarterback Akili Smith. Not a bad way to start the season to have your starters essentially playing a preseason game. Not exactly the kind of start the 41,384 Sea Devils fans in attendance was hoping for as the Orlando Rage welcomed the expansion team to the XFL.

"When you get a crowd like we had, you want to give them something to cheer for," said Seattle head coach Rick Neuheisel. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that today. Our receivers weren't getting open, but when they did they dropped the darn thing. We needed to execute better in every phase. It was sloppy all around for us."

-- (0-0)Rage 49 - 17 Sea Devils(0-0)
(ORL): QB Hamilton - 11/17 216 yards, 2 TDs, QB Kuklick - 10/14 213 yards, 4 TDs, RB Clark - 14 carries, 130 yards, 1 TD, WR Bailey - 7 catches, 117 yards, 1 TD, WR Burks - 5 catches, 87 yards, 1 TD, WR Culver - 4 catches, 129 yards, 2 TDs
(SEA): QB Smith - 19/45 267 yards, 2 INTs, RB Simonton - 10 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD, WR Looker - 7 catches, 58 yards, WR Sutherland - 4 catches, 120 yards

-- (0-0)Guardians 14 - 24 Stars(0-0)
(NY): QB Richardson - 18/29 213 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, RB Aska - 7 carries, 14 yards, WR Green - 5 catches, 111 yards, WR Dar Dar - 5 catches, 34 yards, 1 TD
(LA): QB McNown - 23/33 254 yards, 2 TDs, RB Shehee - 18 carries, 42 yards, RB Oxendine - 9 carries, 71 yards, WR Copeland - 5 catches, 91 yards, WR McDonald - 4 catches, 31 yards, 1 TD

XFL Week 1: Desperados Relinquish Ghosts

February 18, 2003

Dallas, TX - A revamped defensive unit, coupled with an always explosive offensive, led the Dallas Desperados to a 31-19 triumph over the Columbus Ghosts. Picking up where he left off last season, Clint Stoerner, the league's leading passer in 2002, completed 24-of-33 passes for 220 yards and three touchdowns, earning game MVP honors. Also picking up where he left off last season was WR James Hundon, who led all receivers with seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Although the offensive players earned the accolades, it was the defense that put Dallas over the top. The defense stopped the Ghosts offense from finding the end zone until the 4th quarter. Newcomer LB Darren Hambrick led the team with ten tackles.

-- (0-0)Ghosts 19 - 31 Desperados(0-0)
(COL): QB Germaine - 19/33 227 yards, 1 TD, RB Wiley - 13 carries, 40 yards, WR Rambo - 6 catches, 63 yards, WR Furrey - 4 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD
(DAL): QB Stoerner - 24/33 220 yards, 3 TDs, RB King - 13 carries, 69 yards, RB Battle - 12 carries, 79 yards, WR Hundon - 7 catches, 103 yards, 1 TD, WR Sippio - 5 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD

-- (0-0)Outlaws 19 - 16 Express(0-0)
(LV): QB Carmazzi - 19/28 243 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, RB Phillips - 13 carries, 62 yards, WR Nash - 7 catches, 77 yards, WR Vanover - 4 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD
(MEM): QB Martin - 17/32 127 yards, 2 INTs, RB Shaw - 15 carries, 26 yards, WR Minnis - 4 catches, 53 yards

XFL Week 1: Bishop sets XFL Rushing Record

February 19, 2003

Minneapolis, MN - San Antonio Commanders QB Michael Bishop became the first quarterback in XFL history to record a 100-yard rushing game in the team's 37-6 throttling of the Minneapolis Wild before a crowd of 25,403. Bishop broke the record with 17 seconds left in the third quarter when he rushed for a 31-yard touchdown. The former Heisman Trophy runner up finished with six rushes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. He also passed for 236 yards and a touchdown.

-- (0-0)Commanders 37 - 6 Wild(0-0)
(SA): QB Bishop - 22/35 236 yards, 1 TD, RB Stecker - 13 carries, 57 yards, WR Chiaverini - 6 catches, 85 yards, 1 TD, WR Merritt - 5 catches, 78 yards
(MIN): QB Druckenmiller - 11/17 162 yards, 2 INTs, RB Salaam - 15 carries, 50 yards, WR Morey - 6 catches, 45 yards, WR Prentiss - 3 catches, 53 yards
Last edited by BengalErnst on Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:06 pm, edited 22 times in total.
BengalErnst
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