The XFL is returning for its 2023 season, with opening day rapidly approaching. And there will be a lot of former New Orleans Saints players crowding the sidelines in Saturday’s kickoff game between the Las Vegas Vipers and Arlington Renegades — it’ll be broadcast nationally on ABC, beginning at 2 p.m. CT.
Seven of the spring league’s eight teams have at least one former Saints player on their roster. Some of these players were only in New Orleans for a few weeks, just long enough to learn the playbook and pour a cup of coffee. Others were draft picks, free agent signings, and fan-favorites.
But at some point they all walked onto the practice field on Airline Drive in a helmet with a fleur-de-lis on it, and we’re rooting for them as they chase their second shot at playing pro football. Here’s the full list:
1
TE Alex Ellis, Arlington Renegades (2017-2018)
2
OL Brian Folkerts, Arlington Renegades (2012)
3
OL Maea Teuhema, Arlington Renegades (2018)
4
DL Tomasi Laulile, Arlington Renegades (2019)
5
CB Jordan Miller, Arlington Renegades (2021)
6
OL Sage Doxtater, Houston Roughnecks (2022)
7
QB Brett Hundley, Vegas Vipers (2022)
8
TE Brandon Dillon, Vegas Vipers (2022)
9
OL Isaiah Williams, Vegas Vipers (2018)
10
TE Alize Mack, San Antonio Brahmas (2019)
11
TE Deon Yelder, San Antonio Brahmas (2018)
12
OL Derrick Kelly, San Antonio Brahmas (2019-2022)
13
LB Joel Dublanko, San Antonio Brahmas (2022)
14
DB Jack Koerner, San Antonio Brahmas (2022)
15
K John Parker Romo, San Antonio Brahmas (2022)
16
DL Niko Lalos, Seattle Dragons (2022)
17
CB Linden Stephens, Seattle Dragons (2018)
18
DB Bryce Thompson, Seattle Dragons (2021-2022)
19
LB Travis Feeney, St. Louis Battlehawks (2016-2017)
20
RB Ryquell Armstead, D.C. Defenders (2021)
21
RB Abram Smith, D.C. Defenders (2022)
22
TE Ethan Wolf, D.C. Defenders (2020-2021)
23
P Daniel Whelan, D.C. Defenders (2022)
24
TE Kahale Warring, D.C. Defenders reserve (2022)
