Remember the Defenders? DC’s erstwhile XFL team came and went before most locals paid much attention, but now you’ll get another chance.
A New Owner for the XFL
Created by WWE founder Vince McMahon in 2001, the league flamed out after one season. McMahon brought it back in early 2020—only to have it fail again amid the pandemic. The Defenders were one of eight teams created for that second iteration. Now the XFL is returning once more, this time thanks to current league owner Dwayne Johnson.
A New Chance for the Defenders
This latest incarnation kicks off February 18, again with eight teams. Defenders home games will be at Audi Field, with Reggie Barlow serving as head coach and former NFL coaching star Gregg Williams running defense. At press time, there was no starting QB yet; perhaps Carson Wentz will be available.
A New Option for Commanders Fans?
The 2020 version of the XFL lasted only five weeks, but it was actually a lot of fun, with some beleaguered fans of DC’s NFL team channeling their football enthusiasm to a squad with far less baggage. Speaking of baggage, the team is now offering a variety of merch featuring its clever logo, including hoodies, slides, and a $40 backpack—half the price of a similar item with the Commanders logo.
This article appears in the December 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
DC Defenders Make Their Return With the XFL
The season kicks off February 18.
Remember the Defenders? DC’s erstwhile XFL team came and went before most locals paid much attention, but now you’ll get another chance.
A New Owner for the XFL
Created by WWE founder Vince McMahon in 2001, the league flamed out after one season. McMahon brought it back in early 2020—only to have it fail again amid the pandemic. The Defenders were one of eight teams created for that second iteration. Now the XFL is returning once more, this time thanks to current league owner Dwayne Johnson.
A New Chance for the Defenders
This latest incarnation kicks off February 18, again with eight teams. Defenders home games will be at Audi Field, with Reggie Barlow serving as head coach and former NFL coaching star Gregg Williams running defense. At press time, there was no starting QB yet; perhaps Carson Wentz will be available.
A New Option for Commanders Fans?
The 2020 version of the XFL lasted only five weeks, but it was actually a lot of fun, with some beleaguered fans of DC’s NFL team channeling their football enthusiasm to a squad with far less baggage. Speaking of baggage, the team is now offering a variety of merch featuring its clever logo, including hoodies, slides, and a $40 backpack—half the price of a similar item with the Commanders logo.
This article appears in the December 2022 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Eat, Drink, Shop, Do, and Know
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Washingtonian Magazine
August: Great Festivals & Fairs
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Eat and Drink
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Do
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Shop
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Know
More from News & Politics
Mubadala Citi Open 2024 Is Putting Mics on Players and Hosting Michelin-Star Chefs
Why Is Babydog in All These Famous Artworks?
Varsity Pickleball Will Come to All Montgomery County High Schools This Fall
Can Any Town in the US Dethrone Arlington as the Nation’s Fittest Place?
I Saw “Twisters” in 4DX. I Didn’t Realize It Was a Comedy.
A Gen-Zer’s Guide to Kamala Harris Memes
MAP: How to Get Around DC During Benjamin Netanyahu’s Visit This Week
Olympics 2024: These DC-Area Athletes Will Compete in Paris