If you are a fan of the XFL, football, or riveting sports documentaries, ESPN’s show “Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream” should be high on your watchlist. This nine-part docuseries provides a behind-the-scenes look at the building of a league and its teams, embodying the XFL’s motto: “Where dreams meet opportunity”. Here’s why you should watch it and how you can catch all the episodes on ESPN+ and Hulu.
Why Watch Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream?
“Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream” offers an all-access look into the lives of players in the 2023 XFL as they showcase their skills in the sport they love. The series is not only about football but also about the perseverance, passion, and dedication of the athletes aiming to move up the football chain.
Where to Watch?
All nine episodes of the series are available for streaming on ESPN+ and Hulu. Now, let’s take a closer look at each episode.
Episode Recaps
Episode 1 – Building the Dream
Player 54 goes all-access with XFL players and coaches, such as AJ McCarron & Hines Ward. Co-owned by Dany Garcia & Dwayne Johnson, the league is where dreams meet opportunity.
Episode 2 – Battle Tested
“Player 54” goes all-access with XFL players and coaches, such as AJ McCarron focusing on the St Louis Battlehawks.
Episode 3 – Viper’s Vice
The Vegas Vipers look to avenge their opening game loss when they host the D.C. Defenders. Vipers receiver Martavis Bryant hopes to play again in the NFL, while Sean Price, a police officer and Bryant’s teammate, finds parallels between his careers.
Episode 4 – Meet Me in St. Louis
This episode introduces us to the coaching staff of the Brahmas, which includes two Steelers greats, Head Coach Hines Ward and Linebackers Coach Joey Porter. This episode follows the Brahmas’ rally against Max Borghi and the Roughnecks, coached by iconic Rams receiver Ricky Proehl and his son Austin, bringing professional football back to St. Louis.
Episode 5 – To Slay the Dragon
Episode 5 reveals tensions rising for head coach Terrell Buckley and the winless Orlando Guardians, who host the Seattle Sea Dragons, a team looking to extend their win streak with help from breakout wide receiver Jahcour Pearson.
Episode 6 – Keep the Dream Alive
This episode documents the Orlando Guardians facing their toughest test yet when they meet Gregg Williams’ ruthless D.C. Defenders defense. The Defenders then turn their attention in Week 8 to an interdivision matchup with critical playoff implications against the surging Seattle Sea Dragons.
Episode 7 – Playground Habits
Episode 7 continues the all-access look at players in the new XFL, focusing on Seattle Sea Dragons QB Ben Dinucci.
Episode 8 – Welcome to Chaos
This XFL playoff episode follows the same format, continuing the behind-the-scenes look at the athletes in the XFL focusing on the XFL playoffs.
Episode 9 – Dreams Realized
Episode 9 concludes the series, providing a final look at the players in the new XFL as the DC Defenders take on the Arlington Renegades in the XFL Championship.
