XFL to NFL: Three Players Who Turned Their Brief XFL Career Into an NFL One

By Allen Austin

In its brief second try, the XFL proved to be a worthwhile endeavor for a good amount of its players.

For some, it was a chance to lace up their cleats again and hit the gridiron full speed ahead, playing the game they love so much. For others, it was a chance to showcase their talents, that had either been unappreciated, or forgotten by NFL talent scouts and coaches. As I say goodbye to my New York Guardians beat, I thought I’d end on a positive note, focusing on three players who turned this opportunity into something great - an NFL contract.

Let’s start with the gentleman who would’ve probably been the unanimous MVP had the season finished off - PJ Walker.

The Houston Roughnecks signal caller led the way for what was arguably the best team in the league, throwing for 1,338 yards and 15 touchdowns, to only 4 interceptions. He finished the shortened season with a 104.4 quarterback rating.

Walker turned this superior effort into a reunion with his old Temple coach Matt Rhule. Rhule, now the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, brings Walker on board to compete for a backup role behind also newly signed Teddy Bridgewater. Will Grier is the other option for the Panthers, after they traded Kyle Allen, and released superstar Cam Newton.

With the Panthers in the midst of a rebuild, Walker could be used in experimental packages, and will surely see time on the field in the coming season.

Another QB to sign on with the NFL following the shortened season is Jordan Ta’amu. Ta’amu joins the Kansas City Chiefs after having a solid, albeit unspectacular showing with the St. Louis Battlehawks, considered by many the best team from the East Divison of the XFL. Ta’amu threw for 5 TD’s, and over a thousand yards, finishing with a 101.3 rating.

Ta’amu will look to compete to back up reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes. Ta’amu gives the Chiefs an option to use his legs as well as his talented arm. Before the XFL, Ta’amu played very nicely at Ole Miss, setting single-season school record for yards-per-attempt, 300-yard passing games and 400-yard passing games.

On the defensive side of the ball, the XFL’s leading interceptor, Deatrick Nichols, has signed on with the New Orleans Saints. This won’t be Nichols first taste of the NFL, as he previously played six games for Arizona in 2018. The Roughnecks cornerback picked off 3 passes, and had a sack to go along with 24 combined tackles. He also added 6 pass deflections.

These are just three of the recent signees to the NFL from the XFL. Although the XFL ended prematurely, it has opened the door to the league that surely isn’t going anywhere for multiple players, who like me, are really glad the league lasted, even if just for a brief moment in time…again.