ARLINGTON, TEXAS (June 13, 2023) – The XFL today announced it has partnered with Nick Novak, founder of Novak Kicking & Consulting and former professional football placekicker, to run a specialist showcase in San Diego, Calif. on October 22, 2023. This event will focus specifically on kickers, punters, and long snappers, providing a dedicated forum for specialists to exhibit their skill set exclusively for the XFL’s player personnel departments.
“Last year, we saw great success in identifying talent through the specialist showcase,” said Doug Whaley, XFL Senior Vice President, Player Personnel. “Two players we found from this showcase signed NFL contracts following our season. We are excited to partner with Nick and his team again this year to allow our respective coaches and staff to find more elite specialists.”
“I am honored to host this showcase for the XFL in October,” said Novak. “Last year, we had 18 players who attended and received a contract from the XFL. I am looking forward to once again providing a platform that creates the best opportunity for free agents.”
Two of the 18 specialists who received XFL contracts last year have signed with NFL teams. Punter Daniel Whelan of the D.C. Defenders signed with the Green Bay Packers, and kicker Parker Romo of the San Antonio Brahmas signed with the Detroit Lions.
Novak Kicking & Consulting will manage the event, which will take place at Maranatha Christian School in San Diego, Calif. XFL coaches and personnel directors will attend to evaluate player performance.
Registration
All specialists must register at www.nicknovak.com to be considered for the event. If accepted, you will receive a formal invitation.
About Novak Kicking & Consulting
Novak Kicking and Consulting is under the direction of 15-year pro football veteran Nick Novak. Novak, a University of Maryland product is a 10-year NFL veteran having kicked for Chicago, Arizona, Kansas City, Washington, Houston and San Diego. Novak also played for UFL Florida Tuskers, AAF Birmingham Iron, and most recently XFL Wildcats. Named to the San Diego Chargers 2010 All Decade Team, Novak is 6th on the all-time Chargers scoring list with 503 points and still holds the Chargers record with 32 consecutive field goals.
For more information, please contact program director Bo Navarro at 619-305-8764 or at bnavarro@prolineimage.com
ABOUT THE XFL
The XFL is a fan-first, fast-paced global professional football league with innovative rules and an enhanced 360-degree game experience. Anchored in world-class football, the XFL brings entertainment and innovation to advance the sport, expand player opportunities, and change the way that fans experience the game. The XFL has eight teams in Arlington (TX), Houston (TX), Las Vegas (NV), Orlando (FL), San Antonio (TX), Seattle (WA), St. Louis (MO), and Washington, D.C. The XFL is owned by Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners and launched in February 2023.
