XFL Team History

The XFL, a professional football league founded by Vince McMahon, had two separate iterations. The original XFL debuted in 2001, while the league was revived in 2020. Let's explore the team histories of both versions of the XFL.

In the inaugural season of the XFL in 2001, there were eight teams that brought a fresh and edgy approach to football. The Las Vegas Outlaws, coached by Jim Criner, were one of the standout franchises of the league. Led by quarterback Ryan Clement and running back Rod Smart, famously known as "He Hate Me," the Outlaws entertained fans with their explosive offense. Despite their exciting playstyle, the Outlaws finished with a 4-6 record, falling short of the playoffs.

Another notable team in the original XFL was the Los Angeles Xtreme. Coached by Al Luginbill, the Xtreme showcased a balanced and disciplined style of play. Led by quarterback Tommy Maddox, who was named the league's Most Valuable Player, and running back Saladin McCullough, the Xtreme dominated the regular season with a league-best 8-2 record. They went on to win the XFL's inaugural championship, defeating the San Francisco Demons in the championship game.

Fast forward to the revival of the XFL in 2020, the league introduced eight new teams, each with their own unique identities. The DC Defenders, coached by Pep Hamilton, made an immediate impact in the league. Led by quarterback Cardale Jones, the Defenders boasted a strong offense and a stout defense. They started the season with a 2-0 record before the league's operations were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another standout team in the 2020 XFL was the Houston Roughnecks. Coached by June Jones, the Roughnecks took the league by storm with their high-powered offense. Led by quarterback P.J. Walker, who emerged as one of the league's stars, and a talented group of receivers, the Roughnecks dominated the regular season with an undefeated 5-0 record. Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to the pandemic, denying the Roughnecks a chance to compete for the championship.

The team histories of the XFL franchises in both iterations highlight the league's commitment to providing fans with an exciting and innovative football experience. While the original XFL's run was short-lived, the league left an indelible mark on the football landscape. The revival of the XFL in 2020 showed promise before being cut short, leaving fans eager for its return.