Players Colorado football fans can root for in league’s debut
The XFL is back and it kicks off on Saturday.
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon’s second foray into the world of professional football officially begins when the Seattle Dragons take on the DC Defenders at noon Saturday.
So Colorado fans, which team should you root for? Here’s a look at players with Colorado ties, from Nelson Spruce — who finished his Colorado Buffaloes career as the the Pac12’s all-time receptions leader — to Marquette King, a punter whose booming kicks were as big as his personality:
Dallas Renegades:
Defensive back Doyin Jibowu was a standout at George Washington High School before breaking out at Fort Hays State University. He is the No. 2 strong safety for Dallas.
DC Defenders:
Former Air Force star Jalen Rowell is listed a depth receiver for the Defenders. A pair of former Broncos safeties — Shamarko Thomas and Rahim Moore — are listed as backups on the depth chart.
Houston Roughnecks:
Former CU linebacker Drew Lewis is listed on the roster but not in the depth chart. The Roughnecks lose points for defensive end Kony Ealy, who tormented Peyton Manning during Super Bowl 50 with the Panthers.
Los Angeles Wildcats:
Former CU Buffs receiver Nelson Spruce is one of the Wildcats’ starters and has a shot at being a breakout star, according to an oddsmaker. Sportsbettingdime.com puts Spruce at 70-to-1 odds (19th overall) to win the league MVP. Former Valor Christian and Wyoming offensive lineman Ryan Cummings is on the injured reserve.
New York Guardians:
Mekale McKay is the starting No. 1 receiver for the Guardians. Back in 2017, McKay was part of the Broncos after signing a reserve/future contract. He was cut after four months.
St. Louis Battlehawks:
Punter Marquette King played four games with the Broncos in 2018 before he was released.
Seattle Dragons:
Starting center Dillon Day was with the Broncos from 2015-17, mostly on the practice squad. Starting outside linebacker Steven Johnson played with Denver from 2012-14, appearing in 41 games and starting seven. Starting defensive end Stansly Maponga spent time with the Broncos from 2017-18. He was cut before the start of the 2018 regular season.
Tampa Bay Vipers:
Starting defensive end Deiontrez Mount was part of the Broncos from 2017-18. Starting tight end Nick Truesdall was briefly a member of the Colorado Ice of the Indoor Football League in 2014. And while not quite in Colorado, former Wyoming star Lucas Wacha is the starting middle linebacker for the Vipers.