Seven players that had success in both the NFL and the XFL

The original XFL operated for one season in 2001, while a new version was launched in 2020. It too would shut down, but the XFL is back! While the XFL has not been in existence as long as other leagues like, there have been a few notable players who have played in the XFL and later made their mark in the NFL.
Here are some top NFL players who had stints in the XFL:
- Tommy Maddox – Maddox had an impressive career in the XFL, leading the Los Angeles Xtreme to victory in the league’s only championship game, the Million Dollar Game. He later returned to the NFL and played as a quarterback for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Rod Smart – Smart gained fame in the XFL as a running back for the Las Vegas Outlaws, where he was known by his nickname “He Hate Me.” He later played in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Corey Ivy – Ivy was a standout cornerback in the XFL for the Los Angeles Xtreme. He later played in the NFL for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Baltimore Ravens.
- Rashaan Salaam – Salaam, a former Heisman Trophy winner, played in the XFL for the Memphis Maniax. He had previously played in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.
- Fred Vinson – Vinson played in the XFL for the Los Angeles Xtreme and then joined the NFL, where he played as a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers.
- Aaron Stecker – Stecker played for the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers and later had a successful NFL career as a running back, primarily with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Kelly Herndon – Herndon played in the XFL for the San Francisco Demons before making his way to the NFL, where he played as a cornerback for the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s essential to note that while the XFL has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn opportunities in the NFL, the league has experienced multiple suspensions and restarts, which have affected its overall longevity and the number of players transitioning to the NFL.
The list above highlights some of the players who used their time in the XFL as a springboard to success in the NFL. This list will be a lot longer in the future with the XFL back and stronger than ever!

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