The New York Guardians are a professional football team that competed in the XFL New York Guardians league. Known for their grit and loyal fan base, the team quickly became one of the XFL’s most recognized franchises. The New York Guardians brought excitement, energy, and a fighting spirit that defined their place in modern football history.
Established
2020
City
New York - Orlando
League History
2020 - Present / XFL
Team History
2023 - Present / Orlando Guardians
2020 - 2022 / New York Guardians
Nickname
Guardians – As the XFL prepares to kick off its inaugural season, fans of the New York Guardians are eager to learn more about their team’s nickname. The name “Guardians” was chosen for various reasons: it reflects both the strength and pride of being from New York City and a commitment to protecting and defending those in need.
New York Guardians Origin
The term “guardian” has long been used in literature and mythology as an embodiment of protection or defense. It is also commonly used when referring to someone who looks out for another person's interests or safety—a fitting metaphor for any sports fan hoping their team will rise against opponents on game day!
In addition, an inherent connection between guardianship and loyalty resonates deeply among New Yorkers; they take great pride in standing by one another during difficult times. This sense of solidarity can be seen throughout many aspects of life within NYC, including sports fandom, where cheering on your favorite teams often feels like partaking in something larger than yourself—something that binds you together with fellow citizens under a shared identity.
Finally, while most people associate guardianship with strength alone (as evidenced by superheroes such as Superman), there is also an element of compassion involved; after all, protecting others requires empathy just as much it does courage! This combination makes perfect sense, given how passionate football fans are about supporting their teams through thick and thin no matter what happens on game day – making them a true Guardians!
Championship
XFL Championships 0
Stadium
2023 - Present / Camping World Stadium
2020 - 2022 / MetLife Stadium
Owner
2023 - Present / RedBird Capital Partners
2020 - 2022 / Alpha Entertainment, LLC
Coach
2023 - Present / Terrell Buckley
2020 - 2022 / Kevin Gilbride
- 2019
- 2020
-
Guardians Team Formation
New York is one of two metropolitan areas, the other being Los Angeles, to have hosted teams in both the original XFL in 2001 and the 2020 XFL; the New York/New Jersey Hitmen were the Guardians’ predecessors in the previous league. The New York metropolitan area has 16 professional teams in some form or another, including three NHL teams, two ... -
XFL and Guardians Covid-19 Shutdown
The Guardians inaugural season was cut short due to the 2019 – 2020 coronavirus pandemic and the XFL officially suspended operations for the remainder of the season on March 20, 2020.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
New York Guardians History
The New York Guardians are a professional football team competing in the XFL, proudly representing East Rutherford, New Jersey. As part of the XFL New York Guardians, the team was founded in 2019 and began play in the league’s 2020 inaugural season. Owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Gerry Cardinale, the New York Guardians quickly became a fan favorite, drawing strong support at MetLife Stadium with their intense style of football and loyal fanbase.
Under the leadership of head coach Kevin Gilbride, the New York Guardians made an immediate impact in the XFL, finishing their first season with an impressive 7–3 record. This performance secured them second place in the Eastern Division, trailing only the DC Defenders. Quarterback Matt McGloin led the offensive unit with over 2,200 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, while maintaining a solid 64% completion rate. His leadership, combined with the team’s disciplined defense, helped establish the Guardians as a serious contender in the league’s early days.
Defensively, linebacker Avery Moss became a standout star, recording six sacks, two forced fumbles, and 46 total tackles. His performance earned him the XFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award, further elevating the reputation of the XFL New York Guardians as a well-balanced and tough football team. The New York Guardians football defense gained recognition for their aggressive tactics and consistent ability to shut down opponents during crucial moments.
Despite a strong season, the pandemic halted operations before the team could continue its upward trajectory. However, when the XFL was revived under new leadership in 2023, the New York Guardians football team remained an essential part of the league’s identity, representing New York’s enduring love for competitive football.
Guardians Achievements
Impressive Inaugural Season (2020)
The New York Guardians recorded a 7–3 season in their XFL debut, showcasing strong team chemistry and disciplined execution. This success built the foundation for their loyal following across New York and New Jersey.
Defensive Excellence and Recognition
Avery Moss’s dominant performance earned him league-wide recognition, making him one of the XFL’s most respected defenders. His contributions symbolized the resilience and grit of the New York Guardians football team.
With a promising core roster and new coaching strategies, the XFL New York Guardians are determined to reclaim their dominance in upcoming seasons. Their continued development and passionate fan support make them one of the most exciting franchises in modern XFL history.
The New York Guardians continue to represent strength, unity, and the unbreakable football spirit of New York. Their journey through the XFL stands as a reminder of resilience, teamwork, and ambition—qualities that define this remarkable franchise both on and off the field.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history