After following the heroics of XFL legends Taylor Heinicke and PJ Walker for much of the 2022 NFL, it was former Dallas Renegade Tight End Donald Parham who is the main headliner for fans of the XFL this weekend. Parham whose football career may have been in jeopardy come this time last year seemed to have reached the pinnacle of the Chargers 2022 playoff run.
Parham only had one reception for three yards, but he managed to find the end-zone for the first time this season. Parham’s touchdown signaled the long way back after a scary injury last December. Despite being placed on the PUP and IR this season Parham has battled back and has seen the fruits of labor reward with a touchdown from Justin Herbert in the 4th QTR of the Chargers Week 17 blowout vs the Rams.
Former Houston Roughneck LB DeMarquis Gates also made his 2nd appearance in 2022 NFL season. Most recently with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions appeared on multiple facets of special teams for the Bears in week 17. Gates has been an alt-league fixture being named to the All-XFL and All-USFL teams in addition to playing in the AAF and CFL in his career. Gates recorded his 1st NFL tackle five years since being undrafted out of Ole Miss.
Godwin Igwebuike added 31 All-Purpose Yards (24 Kick Return, 3 Receiving, 4 Rushing), during the Seahawks Week 17-win vs the Jets. Igwebuike remains the Seahawks primary kick returner as the Seahawks remain alive in their quest for 2022 playoff run. Igwebuike also recorded a tackle on special teams as well. The former Seattle Dragon has recorded 286 total all-purpose yards in four games this season. For 2023 it’s not out of the question that could challenge USFL MVP for the pro-bowl as a returner in the NFC.
Roster Moves:
Former Dallas Renegades Safety Micah Abernathy was signed to the Falcons 53-Man roster for the final leg of the season. Abernathy has spent the first 16 weeks on the Packers practice squad appearing in two games prior to week 17 recording a tackle. Abernathy was inactive for the Falcons during their week 17 win.
Recent XFL Draftee Jessie Lemonier who was drafted by the Arlington Renegades was signed by the Houston Gamblers only too be traded to the Birmingham Stallions for former Calgary Stampeders QB Montell Cozart. He is the 5th XFL draftee to opt to go to the USFL. He’s recorded 17 tackles in his NFL career.
Workouts:
Jack Coan Quarterback for the San Antonio Brahmas was working out for the Dolphins this week. The Dolphins are only carrying Three Quarterbacks and are down QB1 Tua Tagovailoa who has been ruled out due to a concussion. The Dolphins go into week 17 with Teddy Bridgewater starting and rookie Skylar Thompson as the backup.
Abram Smith continues his tour of NFL workouts. This week Smith worked out for the Packers, who have been working out Alt-League Running Backs multiple times this week. This week the Packers have worked out USFL running backs Mark Thompson and BJ Emmons before Smith came into Green Bay on the 28th.
The Raiders worked out DC Defenders Linebacker Andre Mintze this week as well. The Raiders who have recently placed multiple Linebackers on the Injured Reserve look to limp their way to the end of the season. The Raiders opted to sign Trent Harris over Andre Mintze.
Week 17 saw the return of Parham to the headlines, along with the benching of former Battlehawk Taylor Hienicke. While other XFL alums played minor roles this week to see Parham finally score a touchdown in week 17, is not only heartwarming to fans of the XFL, but also to fans of football in general. For week 18, with many teams already eliminated it’s not out of the question to see more XFL alums make their debuts in the final week of the season in hopes of extending their pro careers.
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