Jordan Ta'amu #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks | Bob levey/getty images/afp
The XFL wrapped up its 2023 season on May 13. For some players, they get a few months off to rest. For others, they’ll jump right into the NFL offseason training program. But that is what is so great about the XFL: it has opened doors for many players to sign with the NFL and offered some second chances at the next level.
Here are some XFL players that have been in the spotlight of the latest NFL news since they are taking the leap to the NFL.
1. Hakeem Butler, WR
- Signed by: Pittsburgh Steelers
- XFL team: St. Louis Battlehawks
Hakeem Butler was initially a fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. He also spent some time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Butler never found his footing in the NFL but flourished as a tight end in the XFL this year. He reeled in 51 receptions for 599 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him All-XFL honors.
Hakeem Butler TD for the Battlehawks. That’s 6 receiving touchdowns for him this season.
I think an NFL team will make the call for him to join a roster for training camp this summer/fall. pic.twitter.com/SYci4ten5R — Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) April 8, 2023
2. Ben DiNucci, QB
- Signed by: Denver Broncos
- XFL team: Seattle Sea Dragons
The Dallas Cowboys originally selected Ben DiNucci in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft. He played just three games for the Cowboys and started one before he was waived in 2022.
The XFL gave him an opportunity to polish his skills after he was selected by the Sea Dragons in the first round of the 2023 XFL Draft. He led the Sea Dragons to a 7-3 record, throwing for 2,671 yards on 242-of-374 passing with 20 touchdown passes, three rushing TDs, and 13 interceptions.
Ben DiNucci with the Mahomes-esque flip to Josh Gordon for a TD in the XFL.
This is the content you didn’t know you need. pic.twitter.com/Tre1gdaM9o — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2023
3. Bryce Thompson, DB
- Signed by: Miami Dolphins
- XFL team: Seattle Sea Dragons
Bryce Thompson wasn't drafted in 2021 but was able to start for the Seattle Sea Dragons this past season. He stacked up 34 tackles (21 solo, 13 assists) through 10 games this season, including 0.5 sacks and four tackles for loss to go with two interceptions.
Former Tennessee DB Bryce Thompson turns XFL success into NFL signinghttps://t.co/RvPqrO91EO pic.twitter.com/NUYiLcxoVb
— Volquest Staff (@Volquest_On3) May 16, 2023
4. Jordan Thomas, TE
- Signed by: Carolina Panthers
- XFL team: Orlando Guardians
Jordan Thomas was a sixth-round pick for the Houston Texans back in 2018 and jumped around the NFL until 2022. He totaled 148 yards and three scores on eight receptions for the Guardians this season and made a viral play off of a fake punt.
Update: The #Panthers are signing former #XFL TE Jordan Thomas, who was signed as Linebacker, so he's making a late-career position switch.
During his time on the XFL, he made this amazing play off a fake punt. Panthers also signed WR Gary Jenningspic.twitter.com/FTvyeWm3ts — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 16, 2023
5. Austin Faoliu, DL
- Signed by: Seattle Seahawks
- XFL team: Seattle Sea Dragons
Austin Faoliu was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys following the 2021 NFL draft. He saw action in one game before he was waived in 2022.
He made a name for himself in the XFL after he finished the 2023 season with 24 total tackles, one sack, and two tackles for a loss, and earned a spot on the All-XFL defensive team this year.
Austin Faoliu (@Faoliu_10) with the push/pull.
No dance partners in the trenches! #stoptherun #xfl pic.twitter.com/5ULJ5eoHSP — DLineVids (@dlinevids1) April 18, 2023
6. Jack Heflin, DL
- Signed by: New Orleans Saints
- XFL team: Houston Roughnecks
Jack Heflin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in 2021. He also spent some time on the New York Giants practice squad before he was released in 2023. Heflin also made the All-XFL defensive team this past season and finished with 25 total tackles, one sack, and three tackles for a loss.
Remember that time like 16 hours ago when Jack Heflin murdered a man on national television?
Good times... pic.twitter.com/ojfLl1gEFJ — Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) August 26, 2022
7. LaCale London, DL
- Signed by: Atlanta Falcons
- XFL team: St. Louis Battlehawks
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, LaCale London was picked up by the Chicago Bears. He spent two years with Chicago before he was waived in 2022.
Playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2023, he logged 33 tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for a loss and he was named XFL defensive player of Week 2 after forcing two fumbles against the Sea Dragons.
Lacale London is a bulldozer on that @XFLBattlehawks DL pic.twitter.com/UHx3PcKXYh
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) February 24, 2023
The NFL has signed a total of 51 XFL players so far. The NFL rumors are true though, not all of them will make it into the league, but we’ll be rooting for the underdogs nonetheless.
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