The XFL Players Who Will Excel in 2022
The original XFL didn’t have the staying power to last beyond the debut season in 2001. Developed by WWE executive Vince McMahon, the XFL floundered and so it was surprising to see it return in 2020. Unfortunately, the league was halted after just five weeks due to COVID-19, with fans forced to halt their sports betting.
The COVID suspension proved fatal for the XFL, which again folded in April 2021 when it filed for bankruptcy. However, there was light on the horizon when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson acquired the XFL with a $15m bid made in conjunction with the Red Bird Capital consortium. With the XFL back on a solid foundation, it was revealed that it would return for a 2022 season. To pass the time, let’s take a look at the top XFL players to watch out for.
The Top Sports Betting Tips
Ahead of the 2022 return, you can get ready by checking out the best sports betting tips before you bet on XFL again. From that list, you will find several accessible sports betting tips that can help to sharpen your strategy.
Money management is crucial and Top 10 Casinos recommends that fans only wager up to 5% of their bankroll and to set profit and loss margins when engaging in online sports betting. As a die-hard fan, it will be easy to stay up-to-date with all of the latest injury news and stats on the top performers. You can also analyze the home and road data to ensure that you are placing bets that are likely to succeed.
The top sports bettors know their strengths and weaknesses. Always set a profit target and a loss limit for your bet. If either is met, the bet is over. Don’t get carried away with winnings and don’t go chasing losses.
XFL Players to Monitor in 2022
With the XFL on hiatus until 2022, anywhere from 50 to 80 players are good enough to be signed on NFL rosters. Understandably, some players don’t want to sit on their hands for all of 2021 and will look for some action. In fact, close to 50 XFL players have already signed with CFL teams for the 2021 season. When the XFL does return, these could be some of the top performers to watch out for in 2022:
- P. J. Walker (QB) – P. J. Walker was the breakout star of the XFL despite only having a short window to impress. Walker had spent two seasons on the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts before signing with the Houston Roughnecks. For 2021, Walker has signed with the Carolina Panthers, though could return in 2022 if he doesn’t reach the active roster;
- Cam Phillips (WR) – Phillips went undrafted in2018 after catching more than 200 balls with Virginia Tech. At six feet tall and with speed to burn, Phillips became a favored target of Walker. Phillips benefited by racking up 455 yards receiving and catching nine touchdowns. With Walker trying out for the Panthers, Phillips followed suit, though couldn’t earn a contract;
- Josh Johnson (QB) – Johnson was known as a journeyman quarterback in the NFL, having previously secured contracts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Football Team. However, the former San Diego Torero couldn’t hold down a starting spot. Not until he switched to the XFL, where he represented the Los Angeles Wildcats. Despite missing one start, Johnson threw 11 touchdowns in just 135 pass attempts. He currently holds a reserve/future contract with the 49ers;
- Jordan Ta’amu (QB) – Ta’amu attempted to forge a career with the Houston Texans after a strong college career with Ole Miss. The Hawaiian native then made a name by signing with the St Louis BattleHawks. Although posting a 72% completion rate, Ta’amu was more of a threat on the ground. Nevertheless, he still threw for five touchdowns in five starts. After stints with Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions, Ta’amu is currently on a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs;
- Derron Smith (S) – Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and was released in November 2017. He then signed with the Browns before leaving for the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football in December 2018. Smith then signed with the Minnesota Vikings in April 2019 before ending up with the Dallas Renegades in October 2019. Posting 16 tackles and one interception, Smith was one of the best performers at safety in the XFL;
- Donald Parham (TE) – Measuring in at six feet and eight inches, Parham accumulated 24 receptions, 307 yards, and four touchdowns for the Dallas Renegades. The towering tight end arrived in Dallas by way of a stop-start NFL career for the Lions and Washington Football Team. With the XFL on hiatus, Parham caught a 19-yard touchdown pass for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2020 NFL season;
- Jamar Summers (CB) – Summers went undrafted in 2018 and signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Summer was cut despite a promising free season. He went to the Alliance of American Football next and played a season with the Birmingham Iron. The league folded and Summers went to the Dolphins, where he was cut, and then Lions, where he was waived. Summers finally reached the XFL and the New York Guardians, for whom he posted one interception and 16 tackles in a brief season.
Fans shouldn’t be too worried that the stars of the 2020 XFL season are now playing elsewhere. They need to remain active and the majority could return in search of a starting spot in 2022. With Dwayne Johnson owning a chunk of the XFL, the league will return strongly. As a former collegiate defensive tackle with the Miami Hurricanes, Johnson is passionate about football.
