What was the XFL (2001), and what entities were involved in its operation?

The XFL was a professional American football league that operated for a single season in 2001. It was established as a joint venture between the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE, and the television network NBC.

What was the primary objective behind the XFL's conception?

The XFL was conceived as an outdoor football league designed to commence play immediately after the National Football League (NFL) season concluded. The goal was to capitalize on the public's continued interest in football once the NFL and college football seasons had ended.

How did the XFL differentiate its gameplay and telecasts from other major football leagues?

The XFL promoted a style of play with fewer rules to encourage rougher action compared to other major leagues. Its telecasts incorporated sports entertainment elements inspired by professional wrestling, particularly the WWF's 'Attitude Era,' including concepts like 'heat' and 'kayfabe,' and featured suggestively-dressed cheerleaders. Despite these influences, the games themselves and their outcomes were legitimate and not scripted.

Who were the founders of the XFL, and what was the league's ownership structure?

The XFL was founded by Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol. The league operated as a single entity, meaning all eight teams were uniformly owned and operated by the league itself, rather than following the traditional franchise model with individual owners seen in most major professional sports leagues.

Which television networks broadcasted XFL games during its inaugural season?

NBC served as the primary carrier for XFL games, with additional selected games also being broadcast on UPN and TNN (The National Network, which later became Spike TV and then Paramount Network).

What was the initial television viewership for the XFL's opening night, and how did it change subsequently?

The XFL's first night of play garnered higher television viewership than NBC had initially projected, with an estimated 14 million viewers for the opening game and a 9.5 Nielsen rating. However, ratings experienced an exponential decline in subsequent games, leading to NBC's eventual withdrawal from the venture.

What were the main criticisms directed at the XFL during its single season?

Criticism of the XFL was primarily aimed at the overall quality of play, its on-air presentation, and its perceived connection to the World Wrestling Federation. Many mainstream sports journalists ridiculed the league, and some even jokingly speculated about rigged games, despite assurances of legitimate outcomes.

When and why did the XFL cease operations?

The XFL ceased operations entirely in May 2001, just a few weeks after its season championship game. The primary reason for its closure was the plummeting television ratings, which prompted NBC to pull out of the joint venture. Allegedly, UPN then made excessive demands for continued broadcasting, which hastened the league's demise.

What technological innovations did the XFL pioneer in football telecasts that later became common?

Despite its short existence, the XFL pioneered several on-air technologies that would later become standard in football telecasts. These included the use of aerial skycams, which provide a unique perspective from above the field, and on-player microphones, allowing viewers to hear direct audio from players during games.

What was Vince McMahon's original plan for entering the football league market before founding the XFL?

Vince McMahon's initial plan was to purchase the Canadian Football League (CFL), after the CFL had approached him about acquiring the Toronto Argonauts, with the intention of having it 'migrate south' into the United States. This proposal was, however, quickly rejected by the CFL.

What was NBC's motivation for partnering with the WWF to create the XFL?

NBC had lost its broadcast rights to the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC) to CBS in 1998, ending a long-standing relationship. Prior to McMahon's XFL announcement, NBC was already exploring the creation of its own football league in partnership with Time Warner, indicating a desire to re-enter the professional football broadcasting landscape.

How did the XFL's presentation reflect the WWF's 'Attitude Era'?

The XFL's presentation mirrored the WWF's 'Attitude Era' by adopting a mature and provocative approach to football. This included features like players and coaches wearing microphones and cameras in huddles and locker rooms, trash-talking public address announcers, and scantily-clad cheerleaders who were encouraged to date the players.

Describe the unique pre-game ritual known as 'The Human Coin Toss' in the XFL.

Instead of a traditional coin toss, XFL games began with 'The Human Coin Toss.' This involved placing the football on the 50-yard line and having one player from each team line up on their respective 30-yard lines. At the whistle, both players would scramble for the ball, and the player who gained possession first was allowed to choose the kickoff option. This aggressive method famously resulted in Orlando Rage defensive back Hassan Shamsid-Deen separating his shoulder in the first scramble, causing him to miss the rest of the season.

How were the XFL team markets selected?

The XFL strategically placed four of its teams in the four largest U.S. media markets: New York City/North Jersey, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Greater Los Angeles (during the NFL's absence from Los Angeles). The remaining four teams were located in markets that had previously supported second-tier or rival major leagues, such as Birmingham, Memphis, Las Vegas, and Orlando.

What controversy arose regarding the name of the Birmingham XFL team?

The Birmingham team was initially named the 'Birmingham Blast,' but this caused outrage among local residents who pointed to the city's history of notorious 'blasts,' including the 1963 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and Eric Rudolph's 1998 bombing of a local abortion clinic. Consequently, the XFL changed the team's name to the more benign 'Birmingham Thunderbolts,' later shortened to 'Bolts.'

What was the actual meaning of the 'X' in XFL, according to the source?

Contrary to popular belief, the 'X' in XFL did not officially stand for 'extreme,' although the league was initially conceived as the 'Xtreme Football League.' However, due to another league forming with that name, promoters clarified that the 'X' did not actually stand for anything specific, though Vince McMahon once quipped that if the NFL was the 'No Fun League,' the XFL would be the 'eXtra Fun League.' Sports Illustrated later suggested the 'X' was a variable, meaning it 'could mean anything.'

When did the XFL's only main player draft take place, and how many players were selected?

The XFL's only main player draft occurred over a three-day period from October 28 to 30, 2000. A total of 475 players were initially selected, with an additional 65 players chosen in a supplemental draft on December 29, 2000.

Name the eight teams that comprised the XFL's Eastern and Western Divisions.

The XFL's Eastern Division consisted of the Birmingham Thunderbolts, Chicago Enforcers, New York/New Jersey Hitmen, and Orlando Rage. The Western Division included the Las Vegas Outlaws, Los Angeles Xtreme, Memphis Maniax, and San Francisco Demons.

When did the XFL's opening game occur, and which teams participated?

The XFL's opening game took place on February 3, 2001, less than a week after the NFL's Super Bowl XXXV. The game featured the New York/New Jersey Hitmen against the Las Vegas Outlaws at Sam Boyd Stadium in Whitney, Nevada.

How was the XFL's regular season structured in terms of games and bye weeks?

The league's regular season spanned ten weeks, with each team playing teams within its own division twice (home and away) and teams from the opposing division once. Notably, there were no bye weeks scheduled during the season.

What was a significant issue affecting team performance during the 2001 XFL season?

Injuries were a major problem across the league, significantly impacting team performance. For instance, only three of the eight starting quarterbacks from Opening Day remained starters by the end of the season, and both Birmingham and Las Vegas were on their third-string quarterbacks by the conclusion of the ten-week schedule.

Describe the XFL's postseason format.

The XFL's postseason format was similar to the one adopted by the AFL for its final season in 1969. The top two teams from each division qualified for the playoffs. To prevent teams from playing each other three times before the championship, the semifinal rounds pitted teams from opposite divisions against each other: the East division champion hosted the West division runner-up, and vice-versa for the West champion and East runner-up.

Which teams competed in the XFL Championship Game, and what was the outcome?

The Los Angeles Xtreme and the San Francisco Demons advanced to the XFL Championship Game, known as the Million Dollar Game. The Los Angeles Xtreme defeated the San Francisco Demons with a score of 38-6 on April 21, 2001, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Who were the major award winners in the XFL's 2001 season?

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2001 XFL season was Tommy Maddox, quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme. The Million Dollar Game MVP was José Cortez, kicker for the Los Angeles Xtreme, and the Coach of the Year award went to Galen Hall of the Orlando Rage.

Who led the XFL in rushing yards and receiving yards during its only season?

John Avery of the Chicago Enforcers led the XFL in rushing yards with 800, while Stepfret Williams of the Birmingham Thunderbolts was the receiving yards leader with 828.

Which quarterback led the XFL in passing attempts, completions, and yards?

Tommy Maddox, quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme, led the XFL in multiple passing categories, including passing attempts (342), passing completions (196), and passing yards (2,186).

Which XFL team had the highest average attendance percentage, and which had the lowest?

The San Francisco Demons had the highest average attendance percentage, filling 85% of Pacific Bell Park with an average of 35,005 attendees. The Birmingham Thunderbolts had the lowest average attendance percentage, filling 20% of Legion Field with an average of 17,002 attendees.

What was a notable characteristic of the XFL's game balls?

The XFL's game balls, manufactured by Spalding, were unique in their appearance, being black with a red 'X' across the sides, rather than the standard brown. However, they were found to be slippery and difficult to handle, requiring them to be rubbed with sandpaper to make them usable during games.

What was the XFL's policy regarding playing surfaces for its stadiums?

The XFL deliberately mandated the use of natural grass fields, avoiding artificial turf due to its poor reputation for aesthetics and player safety at the time. This requirement meant that no domed stadiums could be used, as none in the U.S. in 2001 could accommodate a grass football field. All XFL fields were designed identically, lacking individual team branding, with end zones and the 50-yard line decorated with the XFL logo and end zones painted black.

How did the XFL's grass field requirement impact northern markets?

In the XFL's northernmost markets, Chicago and New York/New Jersey, the combination of the all-grass requirement, the midwinter playing season, and the prior extensive use by NFL teams caused significant damage to the playing fields. For example, at Chicago's Soldier Field, the wear and tear was so severe that the NFL's Chicago Bears' midfield logo became clearly visible amidst stretches of dirt and dead grass by midseason.

How did the XFL modify the traditional point-after-touchdown (PAT) system?

The XFL eliminated traditional extra-point kicks, viewing them as a 'guaranteed point.' Instead, teams earned a single point after a touchdown by running a single offensive down from the two-yard line, similar to a two-point conversion attempt but for one point. By the playoffs, two-point and three-point conversions were introduced, allowing teams to attempt bonus points from farther distances.

What were the key differences in the XFL's overtime rules compared to other leagues?

XFL ties were resolved with at least one possession per team starting from the opponent's 20-yard line, similar to NCAA and CFL rules. However, the XFL had no first downs, requiring teams to score within four downs. The first team with possession couldn't attempt a field goal until fourth down, and if they scored a touchdown in fewer than four downs, the second team had the same number of downs to match or beat the result. Unlike the CFL and NFL, regular season games could not end in ties.

How did the XFL's 'bump and run' coverage rule evolve during the season?

Early in the season, the XFL permitted full 'bump and run' coverage, allowing defensive backs to hit wide receivers anywhere on the field before the quarterback released the ball, provided the hit came from the front or side. However, after the fourth week, this rule was restricted to the first five yards from the line of scrimmage, similar to NFL and CFL rules, in an effort to boost offensive production.

What unique punting rules did the XFL implement?

The XFL introduced several unique punting restrictions designed to keep the play alive. These included a 10-yard penalty for punting out of bounds, effectively outlawing the 'coffin corner punt.' Kicking teams could recover any punt that traveled at least 25 yards past the line of scrimmage, and the receiving team was required to attempt a return or lose possession. Additionally, a 'danger zone' rule prohibited the kicking team from coming within five yards of the punt returner, similar to the CFL's 'no yards' penalty, and fair catches were not recognized.

How did the XFL's play clock differ from the NFL's, and what was its purpose?

The XFL utilized a play clock of 35 seconds from the conclusion of the previous play, which was five seconds shorter than the contemporary NFL play clock of 40 seconds. This adjustment was implemented in an effort to speed up the pace of the game.

What were the roster limits and salary structure for XFL players?

Each XFL team was limited to an unusually low 38 players, compared to 53 in the NFL, partly to control payroll costs and curb the use of specialists. Player salaries were standardized: quarterbacks earned $5,000 per week, kickers $3,500, and all other uniformed players $4,500. Winning teams received a $2,500 bonus per player, playoff winners $7,500, and the championship team split $1,000,000, with players responsible for their own health insurance.

What was the XFL's policy on jersey nicknames, and who was a famous example?

The XFL allowed players to wear nicknames on the back of their jerseys instead of their legal last names, a practice uncommon in most professional sports leagues. Players could change their nicknames weekly, and this feature gained significant exposure through backfield camera angles. Rod Smart, a running back, famously gained popularity for his jersey nickname, 'He Hate Me.'

How did the XFL's camera perspectives influence future football broadcasts?

The XFL helped popularize the use of the 'sky cam,' which provides a unique overhead view behind the offensive unit, and on-field cameramen (nicknamed 'Bubba Cam') that offered a perspective similar to video games. After the XFL's demise, the sky cam was adopted by NFL broadcasters, and NBC even experimented with using XFL-style camera angles extensively for some of its 'Thursday Night Football' games.

What incident involving 'Saturday Night Live' led to changes in XFL broadcast scheduling?

A double overtime game between the Los Angeles Xtreme and Chicago Enforcers, compounded by a power outage, significantly delayed the start of 'Saturday Night Live.' This angered Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, leading the XFL to implement a policy of cutting off coverage at 11:00 PM Eastern Time for the remainder of the season, regardless of whether the game had concluded.

Why did Jerry Lawler leave the XFL broadcast team?

Jerry Lawler, a WWF commentator, left the XFL broadcast team after week five. His departure was in protest of the firing of his then-wife, Stacy Carter, from the WWF, and also due to his own dissatisfaction with being pressured into providing commentary for XFL games, as he openly admitted on-air that he had little interest or background in football.

What was the critical consensus regarding the XFL's quality of play and broadcast style?

While the willingness of Las Vegas bookmakers to accept bets on XFL games helped establish their legitimacy against claims of predetermined outcomes, critics generally panned the league for its boring quality of football and tawdry broadcast style. However, the telecasts on TNN, UPN, and the Matt Vasgersian-led NBC coverage were considered comparatively more professional.

What was the lowest television rating achieved by an XFL game on a major network?

An XFL game between the Chicago Enforcers and New York/New Jersey Hitmen, broadcast on NBC on March 31, received a 1.5 rating. At that time, this was the lowest rating ever recorded for any major network primetime weekend first-run sports television broadcast in the United States, facing stiff competition from the NCAA basketball tournament.

How did the lack of media coverage contribute to the XFL's failure?

During its season, many news and sports networks, even local ones in XFL cities, largely failed to show highlights or report scores. This lack of mainstream media attention contributed to the public perceiving the XFL as a 'joke league' rather than a serious competitor to the NFL, further eroding its audience and legitimacy.

What financial consequence did the XFL's failure have for NBC?

NBC incurred a $35 million loss on the XFL venture. This financial setback was a contributing factor in the network's decision to shift away from sports broadcasting, leading to the termination of its contract with the NBA, which was then its last significant professional sports package, in favor of focusing on scripted entertainment.

What symbolic event occurred before the XFL season began that was retrospectively seen as an ill-omen?

A promotional blimp for the XFL crashed in Oakland, California, on January 9, 2001, a month before the opening game. The blimp lost control after flying over an NFL playoff game, forcing pilots to evacuate. It eventually caught on a sailboat mast and draped over a restaurant and power line, requiring $2.5 million in repairs and being retrospectively viewed as an ill-omen for the league's fortunes.

How did the XFL's cheerleaders influence other sports leagues?

The XFL's racier-than-average cheerleaders are credited with inspiring the creation of the Lingerie Football League, which later rebranded as the Extreme Football League. This league has since grown to become the largest women's American football professional league.

What was the fate of the United Football League (2009-2012) in comparison to the XFL?

The United Football League (UFL), which launched its inaugural franchises in several former XFL markets and stadiums, drew significantly fewer fans and much less media attention than the XFL. For example, the XFL's San Francisco Demons averaged 35,000 fans, while the UFL's California Redwoods in the same ballpark averaged only 6,000.

What was the title and focus of the ESPN Films documentary about the XFL?

ESPN Films produced a '30 for 30' documentary titled 'This Was the XFL.' The title is a play on Vince McMahon's famous 'This is the XFL!' declaration before the league's opening game, with 'was' reflecting its failure. The film discusses the long-standing friendship between Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol, as seen through the eyes of Dick's son, Charlie Ebersol, who directed it.

Which notable XFL player went on to become an NFL starting quarterback and lead his team to the playoffs?

Tommy Maddox, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme, signed with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers after the XFL folded. He later became the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 2002, leading them to the playoffs that year, and continued to start for them into 2004.

Who was the last active player from the original XFL, and in what league did he play?

The last active player to have played in the XFL was Canadian placekicker Paul McCallum, who last played for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL) during the 2016 CFL season.

Which former XFL player achieved the rare feat of winning an XFL Championship, a Grey Cup, and a Super Bowl?

Bobby Singh is noted as the only former XFL player to have won an XFL Championship, a Grey Cup (with the 2006 BC Lions), and a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXIV with the St. Louis Rams).

Xfl 2001 Wiki: Gridiron Gambit: The XFL's Audacious Experiment of 2001

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Genesis of the XFL

A Bold Joint Venture

The XFL emerged in 2001 as a professional American football league, a 50-50 joint venture between the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and NBC. Conceived by Vince McMahon and Dick Ebersol, the league aimed to capitalize on the public's desire for football immediately following the NFL season, offering a distinct, "rougher" style of play and integrating elements of sports entertainment.^[1]

Sports Entertainment Meets Gridiron

Drawing heavily from the WWF's "Attitude Era," the XFL promised "real" football with fewer rules and an emphasis on aggressive play. Telecasts featured professional wrestling commentators, suggestively-dressed cheerleaders, and on-field microphones for players and coaches. Despite these theatrical elements, McMahon consistently asserted that the games were "100% sport," with legitimate outcomes determined on the field.^[10]

A Swift Demise

Despite an initial strong viewership, ratings quickly plummeted, leading NBC to withdraw after a single season. Further demands from UPN regarding programming conflicts ultimately led McMahon to announce the league's closure in May 2001, just weeks after its championship game. The XFL's brief existence was widely regarded as a "colossal failure" by many, including McMahon himself.^[2]^[3]

Organizational Structure

Single-Entity Model

Unlike most major professional sports leagues that operate on a franchise model with individual team owners, the XFL was structured as a "single-entity league." This meant that the league uniformly owned and operated all eight of its teams as one corporation, eliminating individual ownership and centralizing control.^[6]

Strategic Market Placement

The league strategically placed its eight teams in two divisions. Four teams were located in the largest U.S. media markets (New York/New Jersey, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles), notably during the NFL's absence from Los Angeles. The remaining four were in markets with a history of supporting second-tier or rival leagues, such as Birmingham, Memphis, Las Vegas, and Orlando.^[12]

Team Naming Conventions

XFL teams were given distinctive names, often evoking themes of "uncontrolled insanity" or "criminal activity," such as the Memphis Maniax, Orlando Rage, Los Angeles Xtreme, and San Francisco Demons. A notable exception was the Birmingham team, initially named the "Birmingham Blast," which was changed to the "Birmingham Thunderbolts" after local residents expressed outrage due to the city's history with bombings.^[12]

Eastern Division

Birmingham Thunderbolts
Chicago Enforcers
New York/New Jersey Hitmen
Orlando Rage

Western Division

Las Vegas Outlaws
Los Angeles Xtreme
Memphis Maniax
San Francisco Demons

Distinctive Rule Modifications

The "Human Coin Toss"

Replacing the traditional coin toss, each game began with a "Human Coin Toss." One player from each team would sprint 20 yards to recover a football placed at the 50-yard line. The player who gained possession determined their team's kickoff option. This rule famously led to the league's first injury, a separated shoulder for Orlando Rage's Hassan Shamsid-Deen, in the inaugural game.^[11]^[25]

No PAT Kicks

To eliminate the "guaranteed point" of an extra-point kick, the XFL initially required teams to run a single offensive down from the two-yard line for one point after a touchdown. This was functionally similar to a two-point conversion. Later in the season, two-point and three-point conversions were introduced, allowing teams to attempt bonus points from farther distances. This rule influenced later leagues like the Alliance of American Football.^[16]

Accelerated Play & Overtime

The XFL implemented a 35-second play clock, five seconds shorter than the NFL's contemporary 40-second clock, to speed up the game. Ties were resolved in an NCAA-style overtime format, with each team getting at least one possession from the opponent's 20-yard line. Unlike the NFL and CFL, XFL games could not end in a tie, even during the regular season.^[17]

Jersey Nicknames

Players were permitted to wear nicknames on the back of their jerseys, a stark contrast to the legal last names required by most professional leagues. This feature gained significant attention, with Rod Smart's "He Hate Me" becoming particularly iconic. However, some coaches, like Gerry DiNardo of the Birmingham Thunderbolts, banned the practice for their teams.^[28]^[29]

Field and Equipment Quirks

The league mandated natural grass fields, avoiding artificial turf, which led to significant wear and tear on some stadiums, notably Chicago's Soldier Field. All fields featured identical XFL branding in the endzones and at midfield. The official game balls, black with a red "X," were notoriously slippery and required sandpaper treatment to be usable.^[22]^[23]

Punting Innovations

The XFL introduced several unique punting rules designed to keep the ball in play and encourage returns. These included a 10-yard penalty for punting out of bounds, allowing the kicking team to recover a punt after it traveled 25 yards, and a "danger zone" rule prohibiting kicking team players from approaching the returner within five yards. Fair catches were also explicitly disallowed.^[27]

The 2001 Season: A Whirlwind

On-Field Dynamics

The XFL's inaugural season commenced on February 3, 2001, just after Super Bowl XXXV. The ten-week regular season saw teams play divisional opponents twice and inter-divisional teams once. The Western Division proved more competitive, while the Eastern Division was dominated early by the Orlando Rage, led by quarterback Jeff Brohm, who boasted the league's highest QB rating before a career-ending injury. Injuries were a pervasive issue, leading to frequent quarterback changes across the league.^[16]

Broadcast Challenges

Opening night garnered an impressive 14 million viewers and a 9.5 Nielsen rating, exceeding NBC's projections. However, ratings rapidly declined, leading to widespread criticism of the quality of play and the "tawdry" broadcast style. A double-overtime game that delayed Saturday Night Live angered NBC executives, resulting in a policy to cut off XFL broadcasts at 11:00 PM ET, regardless of game status.^[17]

The Million Dollar Game

The season culminated on April 21, 2001, with the Los Angeles Xtreme defeating the San Francisco Demons 38-6 in the championship game, famously dubbed the "Million Dollar Game" for the prize awarded to the winning team. Despite respectable paid attendance figures, the league's financial viability was undermined by its plummeting television ratings and NBC's decision to withdraw.^[43]^[44]

**2001 XFL Regular Season Standings**
Eastern Division
Team	Won	Lost	Pct.	GB
y-Orlando Rage	8	2	.800	–
x-Chicago Enforcers	5	5	.500	3
New York/New Jersey Hitmen	4	6	.400	4
Birmingham Thunderbolts	2	8	.200	6
Western Division
Team	Won	Lost	Pct.	GB
y-Los Angeles Xtreme	7	3	.700	–
x-San Francisco Demons	5	5	.500	2
Memphis Maniax	5	5	.500	2
Las Vegas Outlaws	4	6	.400	3

y-clinched division, x-clinched playoff berth

Enduring Legacy

Broadcast Innovations

Despite its commercial failure, the XFL pioneered several on-air technologies that later became standard in football telecasts. Most notably, it helped popularize the use of aerial "Skycams," providing unique perspectives behind the offensive unit. On-player microphones were also extensively used, offering unprecedented access to game-time audio. These innovations were eventually adopted by NFL broadcasters, enhancing the viewer experience across the sport.^[31]^[34]

The Brand's Resilience

Vince McMahon retained control of the XFL brand, which, despite its initial failure, saw renewed interest following ESPN Films' 2017 "30 for 30" documentary, This Was the XFL. This resurgence led to a new iteration of the XFL in 2020, launched by McMahon's Alpha Entertainment, which aimed for a more traditional football product without the wrestling gimmicks. This second league, however, was also cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and later sold to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Dany Garcia, eventually merging into the United Football League in 2024.^[59]^[74]

Cultural Footprint

The XFL's unique team names and logos occasionally appear in films and television, such as the 2000 sci-fi movie The 6th Day, often due to more accessible licensing compared to NFL branding. The league's "racier-than-average" cheerleaders also inspired the creation of the Lingerie Football League (now Extreme Football League), which became a prominent women's American football league.^[56]^[57]

Notable Players & Achievements

Standout Performers

The XFL, though short-lived, provided a platform for several players who went on to achieve further success in other professional leagues. Los Angeles Xtreme quarterback Tommy Maddox was named the league's MVP, later becoming a starting quarterback for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and winning Super Bowl XL. Rod Smart, famous for his "He Hate Me" jersey nickname, also played in the NFL and Super Bowl XXXVIII.^[61]

**Passing Leaders (over 100 pass attempts)**
Name	Team	Att	Comp	%	Yards	YDs/Att	TD	TD %	INT	INT %	Long	Sacked	Yds lost	Rating
Tommy Maddox	LA	342	196	57.3	2186	6.39	18	5.3	9	2.6	63	14	91	81.2
Mike Pawlawski	SF	297	186	62.6	1659	5.59	12	4	6	2	35	16	141	82.6
Jim Druckenmiller	MEM	199	109	54.8	1499	7.53	13	6.5	7	3.5	49	15	89	86.2
Casey Weldon	BIRM	164	102	62.2	1228	7.49	7	4.3	5	3	80 (TD)	7	44	86.6
Kevin McDougal	CHI	134	81	60.4	1168	8.72	5	3.7	3	2.2	56	8	69	91.9
Brian Kuklick	ORL	122	68	55.7	994	8.15	6	4.9	10	8.2	81 (TD)	7	42	64.7
Jeff Brohm	ORL	119	69	58.0	993	8.34	9	7.6	3	2.5	51 (TD)	11	78	99.9
Wally Richardson	NY/NJ	142	83	58.5	812	5.72	6	4.2	6	4.2	33 (TD)	17	107	71.1
Ryan Clement	LV	138	78	56.5	805	5.83	9	6.5	4	2.9	46	10	59	83.2

**Rushing Leaders**
Name	Team	Att	Yds	Ave.	Long	TDs
John Avery	CHI	150	800	5.3	73 (TD)	5
Rod Smart	LV	146	555	3.8	31	3
James Bostic	BIRM	153	536	3.5	56	2
Rashaan Salaam	MEM	114	528	4.6	39 (TD)	5
Derrick Clark	ORL	94	395	4.2	19	7
Saladin McCullough	LA	88	384	4.4	22	5
Joe Aska	NY/NJ	82	329	4.0	42	3
Micheal Black	ORL	83	320	3.9	20	0
LeShon Johnson	CHI	72	287	4.0	41	6
Rashaan Shehee	LA	61	242	4.0	28	0

**Receiving Yardage Leaders (over 175 yards)**
Name	Team	Rec	Yds	Ave.	Long	TDs
Stepfret Williams	BIRM	51	828	16.2	92 (TD)	2
Charles Jordan	MEM	45	823	18.3	49	4
Jeremaine Copeland	LA	67	755	11.3	34	5
Dialleo Burks	ORL	34	659	19.4	81 (TD)	7
Aaron Bailey	CHI	32	546	17.1	50	3
Quincy Jackson	BIRM	45	531	11.8	36 (TD)	6
Darnell McDonald	LA	34	456	13.4	39	8
Daryl Hobbs	MEM	30	419	14	49 (TD)	5
Jimmy Cunningham	SF	50	408	8.2	26	3
Kirby Dar Dar	NY/NJ	22	405	18.4	77 (TD)	2

Post-XFL Careers

Many XFL players transitioned to other professional leagues, including the NFL and CFL. Notably, seven XFL alumni went on to play in a Super Bowl, with several winning the championship. Bobby Singh holds the unique distinction of winning an XFL Championship, a Grey Cup (CFL), and a Super Bowl. The last active XFL player, Canadian placekicker Paul McCallum, retired from the CFL in 2016.^[62]^[63]

Players Who Played in the CFL

Kelvin Anderson
John Avery
Duane Butler
Jeremaine Copeland
Jerry Crafts
Marcus Crandell
Reggie Durden
Eric England
Daryl Hobbs
Kelvin Kinney
Paul Lacoste
Kelly Malveaux
Paul McCallum
Saladin McCullough
Scott Milanovich
Yo Murphy
Noel Prefontaine
Bobby Singh
Rod Smart
Bernard Williams

Players Who Won a Grey Cup

Kelvin Anderson (1998, 2001 Calgary Stampeders)
John Avery (2004 Toronto Argonauts)
Jeremaine Copeland (2002 Montreal Alouettes, 2008 Calgary Stampeders)
Marcus Crandell (2001 Calgary Stampeders, 2007 Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Reggie Durden (2002 Montreal Alouettes)
Eric England (2004 Toronto Argonauts)
Paul McCallum (2006, 2011 BC Lions)
Scott Milanovich (2012 Toronto Argonauts as head coach)
Yo Murphy (2007 Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Noel Prefontaine (2004, 2012 Toronto Argonauts)
Bobby Singh (2006 BC Lions)

Players Who Played in the NFL

Bennie Anderson
Joe Aska
John Avery
Aaron Bailey
Pat Barnes
Michael Blair
Jeff Brohm
Butler By'not'e
José Cortez
Kirby Dar Dar
Isaac Davis
Jim Druckenmiller
Jamal Duff
Keith Elias
Eric England
Leomont Evans
Mike Furrey
Steve Gleason
Alvin Harper
Kelly Herndon
Daryl Hobbs
James Hundon
Corey Ivy
LeShon Johnson
Charles Jordan
Kevin Kaesviharn
Paris Lenon (last former XFL player on an NFL roster, 2013)
Tommy Maddox
Yo Murphy
Latario Rachal
David Richie
Angel Rubio
Rashaan Salaam
Nicky Savoie
Rashaan Shehee
Rod Smart
Ed Smith
Kevin Swayne
Brad Trout
Casey Weldon
Craig Whelihan
Stepfret Williams

Players Who Played in the Super Bowl

Ron Carpenter (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)
Isaac Davis (Super Bowl XXIX, San Diego Chargers)
Alvin Harper (Super Bowl XXVII, Super Bowl XXVIII, Dallas Cowboys)
Kelly Herndon (Super Bowl XL, Seattle Seahawks)
Corey Ivy (Super Bowl XXXVII, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Paris Lenon (Super Bowl XLVIII, Denver Broncos)
Tommy Maddox (Super Bowl XL, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Yo Murphy (Super Bowl XXXVI, St. Louis Rams)
Bobby Singh (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)
Rod Smart (Super Bowl XXXVIII, Carolina Panthers)

Players Who Won a Super Bowl

Ron Carpenter (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)
Fred Coleman (Super Bowl XXXVI, New England Patriots)
Alvin Harper (Super Bowl XXVII, Super Bowl XXVIII, Dallas Cowboys)
Corey Ivy (Super Bowl XXXVII, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Tommy Maddox (Super Bowl XL, Pittsburgh Steelers)
David Richie (Super Bowl XXXII, Denver Broncos)
Bobby Singh (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)

Players Who Won both an XFL Championship and Super Bowl

Ron Carpenter (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)
Tommy Maddox (Super Bowl XL, Pittsburgh Steelers)
David Richie (Super Bowl XXXII, Denver Broncos)
Bobby Singh (Super Bowl XXXIV, St. Louis Rams)

Players Who Won an XFL Championship, Grey Cup, and Super Bowl

Bobby Singh

Players Who Played in the Arena Football League

Jerry Crafts
Eric England
Mike Furrey
Mark Grieb
James Hundon
Kelvin Kinney
Tommy Maddox
Kevin Swayne
Craig Whelihan

Players Who Wrestled for WWE

Richard Young (Ricky Ortiz)

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References

List of stadiums courtesy of xflboard.com.

A full list of references for this article are available at the XFL (2001) Wikipedia page

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Gridiron Gambit: The XFL's Audacious Experiment of 2001

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Genesis of the XFL 💡

🤝 A Bold Joint Venture

🎭 Sports Entertainment Meets Gridiron

📉 A Swift Demise

Organizational Structure 🏗️

🏢 Single-Entity Model

🗺️ Strategic Market Placement

📛 Team Naming Conventions

Eastern Division

Western Division

Distinctive Rule Modifications 📜

🤸 The "Human Coin Toss"

🚫 No PAT Kicks

⏱️ Accelerated Play & Overtime

🎽 Jersey Nicknames

🏟️ Field and Equipment Quirks

🦵 Punting Innovations

The 2001 Season: A Whirlwind 🌪️

🏈 On-Field Dynamics

📺 Broadcast Challenges

🏆 The Million Dollar Game

Enduring Legacy 📈

🎥 Broadcast Innovations

🔄 The Brand's Resilience

🌟 Cultural Footprint

Notable Players & Achievements 🏅

⭐ Standout Performers

🌐 Post-XFL Careers

Players Who Played in the CFL

Players Who Won a Grey Cup

Players Who Played in the NFL

Players Who Played in the Super Bowl

Players Who Won a Super Bowl

Players Who Won both an XFL Championship and Super Bowl

Players Who Won an XFL Championship, Grey Cup, and Super Bowl

Players Who Played in the Arena Football League

Players Who Wrestled for WWE

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Genesis of the XFL

A Bold Joint Venture

Sports Entertainment Meets Gridiron

A Swift Demise

Organizational Structure

Single-Entity Model

Strategic Market Placement

Team Naming Conventions

Distinctive Rule Modifications

The "Human Coin Toss"

No PAT Kicks

Accelerated Play & Overtime

Jersey Nicknames

Field and Equipment Quirks

Punting Innovations

The 2001 Season: A Whirlwind

On-Field Dynamics

Broadcast Challenges

The Million Dollar Game

Enduring Legacy

Broadcast Innovations

The Brand's Resilience

Cultural Footprint

Notable Players & Achievements

Standout Performers

Post-XFL Careers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice