Life after the XFL in 2020 for many who played in the league has not been easy, but many of its players have taken different paths to continue their pro-playing careers. And one of those paths, the CFL, is about to reopen.
Over 30 XFL players who played in the league in 2020 are currently on NFL rosters. Players like Carolina Panthers QB PJ Walker, Washington QB Taylor Heinicke, Los Angeles Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr and Carolina Panthers fifth-round draft pick Safety Kenny Robinson.
In the past, The options have always been limited for American-born pro football players, who end up on the outside of the NFL looking in. The CFL has always been a safe haven for pro football players seeking to continue their careers. Still, the times could be changing with the return of the USFL, eventually the XFL, and many other leagues that could look to inhabit the American pro football landscape in the future.
But for now, In 2021, the best option for players outside of the NFL remains the Canadian Football League.
Back in 2020, when the pandemic hit, the XFL players who did not sign onto NFL rosters gazed their sights on the great football league up north. Several players latched onto Canadian teams hoping that the CFL would be able to brave the pitfalls of the pandemic, but unfortunately, the CFL had to cancel their 2020 season.
Fast forward to a year later, and despite all the hurdles, uncertainty, and tribulation in the time since, the CFL is days away from announcing the return of their league, with their 2021 season kicking off on August 5th.
American football players on CFL rosters have been in contact with their respective teams. Many players have been told to arrive and report to Canada on July 2nd for quarantine before starting camp and preparations for the coming season on roughly July 10th.
As of June 10th, 83 players who were a part of the XFL, in some form or fashion, have signed on with CFL teams.
It’s worth noting that the CFL has a ‘Game Rule Ratio’ in place for their team’s rosters. The rule limits how many American players are allowed on rosters when the season starts.
Because of the unique circumstances surrounding the upcoming shortened CFL season. The new guidelines will make things even more challenging for International players in their hopes of making a roster.
Hearing some details on the amended CBA ratified by the CFLPA for 2021 season: There will be no pre-season. Teams will be allowed to expand practice rosters by 5 as long as border/quarantine remains. Roster reduced from 46 to max of 44. 1 global player per team, 2 QB's. 1/2 #CFL
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) June 10, 2021
On game days, Each CFL team may have a maximum of 44 players, including two players who shall be identified as quarterbacks and 42 other players, of whom no more than 20 can be American players.
So with that in mind, it could limit how many of these XFL players end up making CFL regular-season rosters. It’s a rule that the CFL has had in place for a long time now to protect its homegrown sport and national players.
The odds are always against American players in gaining entry onto regular-season CFL rosters. So the overall list will be significantly reduced when the season starts.
For XFL fans, this is a list of players to keep track of during the CFL season. I suspect that many XFL enthusiasts will be turning their attention to the Canadian game due to the recent talks between both leagues and because of their familiarity with these players.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed former @XFLRoughnecks and XFL leading receiver Cam Phillips @camphil5
There are now 82 former XFL players on CFL rosters. American players are expected to report to their Canadian teams in early July. With the season starting in early August. https://t.co/UqBxAVf8cepic.twitter.com/gXzjo8CdTw
I am a pro football writer who has extensively covered and reported on multiple leagues over the years. I started covering the XFL back in 2001. You can follow me on Twitter @byMikeMitchell
