Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream – Episode 1 Notes
A quick summary of notes and tidbits from ESPN’s first part in a nine-part docuseries dedicated to the XFL!
The XFL kicks off this Saturday, February 18, 2023. Just three years ago, the XFL was forced to cease operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic under the ownership of WWE mogul Vince McMahon. Now resurrected for its third iteration, the developmental Spring Football league has been hard at work preparing to launch under an entirely new ownership group. Eight distinct franchises comprised of hundreds of players, coaches, and executives have been chomping at the bit working toward kickoff. Well, game day has finally approached. Thousands of man hours have been put in and will now be realized on Saturday.
In connection with the XFL, its broadcast partner, ESPN, has been working on a television series for the league. Dubbed “Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream”, the 9-part docuseries gives viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of the professional football league in full detail.
It highlights the beginnings of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and RedBird Capital collectively acquiring the league, its history-breaking Chairwoman Dany Garcia, her role in the league, the various showcases designed to find players, and so much more. The series airs weekly on ESPN2 and streams on ESPN+ after each episode premieres.
Below is a quick overview mixed with opinions of various points made in the show’s first episode. The breakdown also features the players who were spotlighted along with some final thoughts. Enjoy!
CREDIT: CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@ STARADVERTISER.COM
EPISODE 1 POINTS / SPECULATIONS
Dany Garcia approached The Rock about the idea of buying the XFLin 2020 after its collapse
The Rock admitted to a “steep learning curve” concerning his involvement/understanding of the day-to-day operations of running a professional sports league
Deion Sanders was at the XFL Showcase Event held at Jackson State University (He was the HC of JSU at the time of the showcase)
College Players who attended XFL Showcases had their remaining college eligibility revoked (See Sama Paama)
During Player Onboarding, each player was issued an iPad to be used as their playbook
Speculation: It appeared that Quarterback Cole McDonald impressed the XFL brass enough during his showcase to earn an opportunity to play in the XFL at the conclusion of the event. It’s impossible to know if that is true or not, but that is what it looks like based on the editing of the show
Speculation: Assistant Coaches for all eight teams were involved in letting players know they were being drafted to their respective teams during November’s draft (as seen with HOU DB David Tolentino, Jr.’s piece in Ep. 1)
Players Featured In Ep. 1
OT Jordan Ighofose (JSU Showcase) – Orlando Guardians Draftee
DT Mike Boykin (JSU Showcase) – Houston Roughnecks Draftee
QB Cole McDonald (Hawaii Showcase) – Houston Roughnecks Assignee
DT Sama Paama (Hawaii Showcase) – Seattle Sea Dragons Draftee
QB AJ McCarron – St. Louis BattleHawks Assignee
DB K.J. Sails – D.C. Defenders Draftee (Open Phase)
TE / LS Ryan Becker – Orlando Guardians Draftee
DB David Tolentino, Jr. – Houston Roughnecks Draftee
CREDIT: ABC / ESPN - Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream - Episode 1
Final Thoughts / Opinions
Episode 1 of this series lays the groundwork for the events leading up to and into training camp. It covered the XFL’s new ownership group and their backgrounds prior to the idea of buying the league. It also gave fans a deeper look into the XFL’s various player showcases that were held prior to November’s XFL Draft.
Defensive Tackle Sama Paama is a guy everyone is rooting for. The fact that he gave up his college eligibility for an opportunity in the XFL shows you the type of person he is. The same can be said for Defensive Back David Tolentino, Jr. Quarterbacks Cole McDonald and AJ McCarron received a bit more screen time compared to the remaining players listed above. Episode 1 showcased these players in greater detail and did a great job of it. It also featured a brief overview of most of the league’s head coaches.
Spring Football fans have been waiting for the return of the XFL since it left us back in 2020. Under new ownership, and with a face lift, the league is hoping for the phrase “The third time is the charm” to ring true. Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream gives us fans an even better understanding of what it takes to run a professional sports league. It also helps us to understand the opportunity it will give to all its players this year.
Week One action in the XFL begins with two games on Sat. Feb. 18, and two more games on Sun. Feb 19. For a complete listing of games, click here:
Be on the lookout for a breakdown of Episode 2 next week! #Frenzy