The XFL served as a pipeline to the NFL for dozens of players between 2020 and 2023. The league positioned itself as a developmental path where players could showcase their skills for NFL scouts. Here is a breakdown of the XFL alumni who earned NFL contracts.
The 2020 Class
P.J. Walker became the first XFL player to sign with an NFL team after the 2020 season ended. The Houston Roughnecks quarterback led the league with 1,338 passing yards and 15 touchdowns in five games. The Carolina Panthers signed him to a two-year, $1.565 million contract.
Walker reunited with head coach Matt Rhule, who coached him at Temple University. He went on to start multiple games for Carolina and later signed with the Cleveland Browns. Walker now plays for the Chicago Bears.
Jordan Ta’amu signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after leading the St. Louis BattleHawks to a 3-2 record. Ta’amu threw for 1,050 yards and rushed for 217 yards in five games. He has since spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed multiple XFL players in 2020, including defensive lineman Cavon Walker and offensive lineman Jarron Jones. Cornerback Deatrick Nichols, who led the XFL with three interceptions, signed with the New Orleans Saints.
The 2023 Class
The XFL’s final standalone season produced even more NFL signings. Twenty-one players signed NFL contracts within three days of becoming eligible on May 15, 2023. By August, that number grew to 37 players signing with 20 NFL teams.
Texas football fans who followed XFL players often used resources like playtexas.com to track betting lines as former XFL stars competed for NFL roster spots during preseason games.
Hakeem Butler led the St. Louis Battlehawks with 51 receptions for 599 yards and eight touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him after an All-XFL season. Butler had previously been a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019.
Kicker John Parker Romo earned All-XFL honors with the San Antonio Brahmas. He converted 17 field goals, including two from beyond 50 yards. The Detroit Lions signed him after the season.
Jack Heflin signed with the New Orleans Saints after recording 25 tackles and one sack for the Houston Roughnecks. He earned All-XFL recognition at defensive line.
Punter Daniel Whelan averaged 45.6 yards per punt for the D.C. Defenders. The Green Bay Packers signed him after his All-XFL campaign.
XFL Alumni Still in the NFL
Several XFL players have built lasting NFL careers. Taylor Heinicke started 24 games for the Washington Commanders after playing for the St. Louis BattleHawks in 2020. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
Long snapper Christian Kuntz played for the Houston Roughnecks in 2020. He has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers since that season.
Donald Parham caught 24 passes for four touchdowns with the Dallas Renegades in 2020. The 6-foot-8 tight end signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and has played multiple seasons in the league.
The Numbers
The XFL produced over 100 players who received NFL workouts or tryout invitations after the 2023 season. XFL President Russ Brandon called the league a “League of Opportunity” that gave players a platform to showcase their abilities.
The UFL continues this tradition. After the 2024 season, 78 UFL players signed with NFL training camps, and 21 landed on active rosters.
