The third of six XFL player showcases took place yesterday in Hawaii. The event occurred at XFL co-owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s old high school McKinley. Co-owner and Charwoman Dany Garcia was also in attendance, along with XFL President Russ Brandon.
The showcase had over 100 players competing. According to Christian Shimabuku of KHON many former HU players were in attendance, including QBs Bryant Moniz and Cole McDonald.
“Former University of Hawaii defensive backs Daniel Masilfilo, Ikem Okeke, Quentin Fraizer were present, as well as former UH linebackers Solomon Matautia and Benetton Fonua, defensive lineman Pita Tonga, quarterbacks Bryant Moniz and Cole McDonald, and receiver Cedric Byrd.”
Former UH head coach and current Seattle Dragons Offensive Coordinator June Jones also attended. It makes you wonder if players like Cole McDonald get drafted to the XFL Seattle Franchise.
Garcia said of coming to Hawaii.
“There were a lot of number ones, and Hawaii was tied with them. There was absolutely no doubt that we were coming here.”
One reporter asked The Rock if the XFL would ever set up a franchise in Hawaii. He said they would be interested. But clearly it would be way down the road.
“We have talked about that, but a few things would need to happen as we stand the league up. Franchising our league out is very important to us. The expansion and growth of it. We will take it one step at a time.”
We get a break from the XFL Showcase tour until mid-July when the team moves on to the HBCU Showcase at Jackson State University.
Andy Gonzalez
June 26, 2022 at 12:59 pm
If I remember correctly World Football League `1974-75 was the last time a pro football team played in Hawaii . Called The Hawaiians…
Dude
June 27, 2022 at 3:10 pm
You’d have to have some exhibition games there to gauge interest. With the costs of Hawaii, the flights, time difference, Covid rules (if it happens again), and apathy at times for football…I think you’d need 30,000 at a game to consider it. That’s a tough number to draw even for the longtime university football program, I don’t see an XFL team cutting it. I’d put a team in San Diego first, Portland 2nd, and Arizona 3rd before thinking Hawaii.