New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

ByScotty Jenkins

6 min read

New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

In just under a month, the XFL will be taking yet another crack at creating a competing professional football in America. And this time, they're roping in more talented athletes than ever - a few of which were discovered on GMTM.

Four athletes in particular have shared their stories on GMTM in hoped of gaining XFL attention ahead of the draft. Some have battled through years of college football promise and the struggles that followed them as they followed their dream of playing in the pros.

Those four, along with over 350 others will be able to continue that dream after being selected in the 2023 XFL Draft.

Training camps for the eight XFL teams started earlier in January. And on February 18 - 1,041 days after playing their last game, the XFL will debut again. With a few rule changes and a new ownership group, fans are sure to see an exciting group of players on the field just days after the NFL concludes Super Bowl LVII on February 12.






What is the modern XFL?

The XFL is a professional American football league that played its only season in 2020. It was the second version of the XFL, a successor to the original XFL that played a single season in 2001.

The league was "re"-founded by Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, and had eight teams across the United States. It was intended to be a complementary league to the National Football League (NFL), with a focus on player safety and innovative rules. However, the league suspended operations in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and filed for bankruptcy soon after.

The XFL suspended operations in April 2020 and filed for bankruptcy shortly after. However, a group that included Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson purchased the XFL in August 2021 and announced the league will resume operations for a 2023 season.






Who is the XFL's new talent?

The XFL had hundreds of the best former college and professional football players on its 8 team rosters for the 2020 season. Each team had a roster of around 52 players, which includes active players, practice squad, and injured reserve. This means that there were around 416 active players during the 2020 season, who were eligible to play in games.

That number, though, still represents some pretty unbelievable odds for athletes who dream of playing professional football. The 2020 XFL season was very competitive and a handful of standout players were signed to NFL teams after the league folded. The new batch of athletes chosen in the 2023 XFL draft is no exception, with every player coming from a successful college football career or having spent time in one of the other professional football leagues around the world.

A breakdown of the paths to the XFL:

  • Former NFL Players: Athletes who were on an NFL roster for a period of time, either as active players or practice squad members.
  • Former Pro Players from another league: Athletes who have been drafted come from other professional leagues such as the Canadian Football League (CFL) or the Arena Football League (AFL).
  • Former College Football Players: Some players were signed to an XFL team out of college or as undrafted free agents after tryouts and open workouts held by the XFL teams.

The league has had a lot of success with their combines, where XFL coaches and scouts saw players from various levels of football, including NFL and CFL veterans, former college stars, and players from other leagues, or even semi-pro and amateur players.


Some of the new XFL Draft Picks on GMTM:

Jordan McCray has had success at every level of football he's played on - besides the fact that he didn't start playing the sport until his freshman year of high school. Despite the late start, Jordan and his twin brother, Justin both earned a spot at Central Florida, where they won a Fiesta Bowl on either side of the center in 2013.

Jordan McCray
USFL
Position:
 OL

Since college, Jordan has had a stint with four NFL teams including the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and the Chicago Bears.

With experience at the best level and the desire to continue his professional football career, McCray played a season with the USFL's Birmingham Stallions, after using GMTM to get his film in front of coaches:

"The easiest way for Jordan to impress the coaches was to send them highlights, stats and details on his career history. To showcase his talents and skills in the best way possible, Jordan sent the Stallions’ coaching staff his GMTM profile. The coaches thanked him for the information and said they would get back to him in about 48 hours once they had a chance to review his profile. Within 30 minutes, the team called him back to tell him that he was going to be their number one pick." - from a GMTM Article on McCray






Former All-SEC selection from Arkansas Santos Ramirez was also selected in the 2023 XFL Draft. A veteran of the NFL, IFL, and the XFL, the 6'2" defensive back is ramped up to get a chance to play the game outside of an arena again.

Santos Ramirez
Self
Position:
 

Most recently, Ramirez was playing for the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League - where he collected 4 tackles and 1 interception in one game against the Iowa Barnstormers.

A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Ramirez signed with the New York Jets following his college career. He played for the XFL's Seattle Dragons the following year and collected 11 total tackles.






Joe Powell will be one of the few XFL veterans that will be returning to the league after playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2020. In fact, Powell scored one of the most exciting touchdowns during the 2020 season - the first kickoff return for a touchdown in modern XFL History.

Powell is actually a veteran of most American football leagues having spent time in the NFL, AFL, AAF, XFL, and Canada's CFL. Most recently, the 6'2" safety played a season with the CFL's Hamilton TigerCats and the Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League.

Powell also spent some time with the Buffalo Bills in 2016.






Making his debut in the XFL after being named Offensive Player of the year in the Fan-Controlled-Football league last year, Mitch Kidd is a quarterback bound to bring excitement.

Mitch Kidd
Self
Position:
 

And with an actual coaching staff - full of college and NFL veterans - Kidd will have more help to develop as a passer and play-caller.

"To begin to understand FCF, fans must realize that the sport is dependent on...fans. That goes for any sport in the world, but the FCF takes this another step; league followers quite literally run franchises, capable of calling plays, making trades, and drafting players for their favorite teams." -from the GMTM Article: What Is the FCF and Why Should We Watch?

Drafted by the Orlando Guardians in the most recent XFL draft, Kidd's playmaking ability will be tested against some of the defenses he's faced to date.

A California native and graduate of the Division-III University of Redlands, Kidd has put up stats at every level he's been on. With the same arm and shifty athleticism that earned him notoriety in the FCF, the XFL will be no exception.






Athletes, like these 4 XFL players, are using their GMTM profiles to connect to new opportunities in sports. From professional football to flag football and every league in between, football athletes are showcasing their talent to continue their journey and compete.

Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
College Gymnastics: NIL Changes Dynamic For Young Olympic Gymnasts

College Gymnastics: NIL Changes Dynamic For Young Olympic Gymnasts

All the pressure in the world used to be on teenage gymnasts leading up to the Olympics. The...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri May 05 2023
Which Elite 11 Alumni could be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Which Elite 11 Alumni could be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?

For years, the Elite 11 quarterback camp has been the premier destination for high school...

ByJoey Grant | Thu Apr 27 2023
Auburn Gymnast Suni Lee’s NIL Deals are Gold Medal Worthy

Auburn Gymnast Suni Lee’s NIL Deals are Gold Medal Worthy

The 2020 Olympics were a challenge for all involved, considering the ever-changing logistics and...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Apr 07 2023
College Basketball: Four Coaches Who Could Switch Jobs After March Madness

College Basketball: Four Coaches Who Could Switch Jobs After March Madness

While the games from November through February certainly count in the standings, the tilts that...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Mar 15 2023
Name, Image, & Likeness: March Madness Offers Rare NIL Opportunities

Name, Image, & Likeness: March Madness Offers Rare NIL Opportunities

For college basketball fans around the country, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year....

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Mar 07 2023
Athletes Who Earned Their USA Football Tryout Invite on GMTM

Athletes Who Earned Their USA Football Tryout Invite on GMTM

Does football season really end anymore? The day after the Super Bowl, which marks the end of the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Mar 06 2023
When Values Clash: Tackling the Alignment Problem for Sports Organizations and Athletes

When Values Clash: Tackling the Alignment Problem for Sports Organizations and Athletes

More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt Jr's injury during an amateur football game resulted in...

ByJoey Grant | Thu Mar 02 2023
How Many Scholarships Does Each Collegiate Sport Offer?

How Many Scholarships Does Each Collegiate Sport Offer?

It's time to start applying for schools and begin your recruiting process. You have been working...

ByJohnathan Wright | Tue Feb 21 2023
Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

Five Reasons Why College Basketball Coaches Rescind Scholarship Offers

It’s what you have dreamed of, worked for, and waited on your whole life - a coveted college...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Feb 13 2023
Sports Injuries and Insurance: Four Facts Parents & Recruits Should Know

Sports Injuries and Insurance: Four Facts Parents & Recruits Should Know

Injuries are a major part of athletics, and a high percentage of student-athletes competing in NCAA...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Feb 07 2023
American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

American Football: How To Play Professional Football In Another Country?

Yes, it is definitely possible to play American football overseas. However, this is not common...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
Name, Image, Likeness: Do high school athletes have NIL rights in your state?

Name, Image, Likeness: Do high school athletes have NIL rights in your state?

We are well over a year into a new era of college sports. Back in the summer of 2021, the Supreme...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Jan 26 2023
Digital Talent Identification: Volleyball Canada's Solution for Saving Athletes Thousands

Digital Talent Identification: Volleyball Canada's Solution for Saving Athletes Thousands

The average family of a youth volleyball player will spend $30,000 a year to compete at an elite...

ByJoey Grant | Tue Jan 24 2023
New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

New XFL Draft Picks use GMTM to be seen by coaches and fans

In just under a month, the XFL will be taking yet another crack at creating a competing...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Jan 20 2023
Unlocking Billions: How World-Class Sports Organizations Manage Talent for Success

Unlocking Billions: How World-Class Sports Organizations Manage Talent for Success

What is the thing that has driven the $90 billion Sports industry? Talent Without talent, Sports...

ByJoey Grant | Thu Jan 19 2023
How Organizations Are Finding Athletes and Success on GMTM

How Organizations Are Finding Athletes and Success on GMTM

Over the past year, organizations have been utilizing GMTM to better engage with athletes and to...

ByTiffany Allen | Thu Jan 05 2023
2022 Recap: GMTM Continues To Innovate How Teams Engage And Recruit

2022 Recap: GMTM Continues To Innovate How Teams Engage And Recruit

Since GMTM first launched a Virtual Event in 2020, a lot has changed on the platform. New social...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Dec 30 2022
World Cup 2022: How social issues have taken global attention off the pitch in Qatar

World Cup 2022: How social issues have taken global attention off the pitch in Qatar

Qatar has taken center stage in the sports world in recent weeks as it welcomed soccer fans for the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Dec 19 2022
How Climbing Canada Successfully Qualified Athletes Without In-Person Events

How Climbing Canada Successfully Qualified Athletes Without In-Person Events

During the pandemic, many sports organizations had to get creative and find new ways of interacting...

ByTiffany Allen | Sun Dec 11 2022
How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

How similar is the NCAA Transfer Portal to free agency in professional sports?

The NCAA Transfer Portal is a great platform that is beneficial to student-athletes. It allows...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Dec 02 2022
Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

Which College Sports Mascots Are The Most Polarizing?

They’re one of the most crucial aspects to a college sports viewing experience. The players?...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Nov 21 2022
What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

What It's Like To Play Professional Volleyball In A Different Country

At some point throughout their lifetime, every athlete has the dream to play professionally, even...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 16 2022
Which High Schools In America Produce The Most Female College Athletes?

Which High Schools In America Produce The Most Female College Athletes?

It may come as no surprise to hear parents want what is best for their children. If parents have...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Nov 15 2022
How To Play Division-I College Football: Four Requirements For Every Athlete

How To Play Division-I College Football: Four Requirements For Every Athlete

It is no secret that it is often a young football athlete's dream to play their favorite sport at...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Nov 14 2022
How GMTM Helps Athletes Get Discovered

How GMTM Helps Athletes Get Discovered

At GMTM, we believe that Athletes shouldn’t be limited in what they can achieve based on their...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Nov 10 2022
Is playing Division-II college sports worth it?

Is playing Division-II college sports worth it?

Being a Division II collegiate athlete was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Having...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Nov 08 2022
Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five More College Football Traditions You Need To See

Part two of some of the best division 1 college football game day traditions throughout the United...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

Bucket List: Five College Football Traditions You Need To See

One of the best parts about college football are the traditions that have been around for decades....

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Nov 05 2022
Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

Eight Football Athletes Using GMTM To Find Opportunities To Play

There doesn't seem to be a clear start and finish to the football season anymore. In today’s day...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Oct 28 2022
What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

What are College Football’s New Overtime Rules?

In the 21st century, major sports have had to walk an interesting tightrope. They’ve had to balance...

ByAndrew Pistone | Mon Oct 24 2022
How To Complete The 5-10-5 Shuttle Run Drill

How To Complete The 5-10-5 Shuttle Run Drill

The 5-10-5 Shuttle Run, also known as the Pro Agility Test is one of the most popular drills used...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Oct 17 2022
The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

The Four Best Quarterbacks Turned Wide Receivers in NFL History

Playing quarterback may be the toughest job in professional sports, with just thirty-two jobs in...

ByBryan Armetta | Sun Oct 16 2022
Three Tell-Tale Signs You Are Ready For College Sports

Three Tell-Tale Signs You Are Ready For College Sports

Plenty of high school athletes think they have what it takes to play sports in college. However,...

ByBryan Armetta | Thu Oct 13 2022
USA Football Hosts Adult Flag Digital Combine To Discover National Team Athletes

USA Football Hosts Adult Flag Digital Combine To Discover National Team Athletes

This fall, USA Football is hosting a Digital Combine on...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 12 2022
How Athletic Scholarships Work: A Quick Guide To Paying For College

How Athletic Scholarships Work: A Quick Guide To Paying For College

It is no secret that college is expensive, and as time goes on, the price continues to increase....

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Oct 11 2022
Why Is Boise State’s Football Field Blue?

Why Is Boise State’s Football Field Blue?

Some of college football’s most daunting homefield advantages come to mind pretty quickly. The Big...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Oct 11 2022
Johnson V NCAA: The Next Case That Can ReShape the future of the NCAA

Johnson V NCAA: The Next Case That Can ReShape the future of the NCAA

By now we are all familiar with the Alston case that shifted the dynamics of college sports, as...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Oct 06 2022
Think you can play college football? Here’s what to expect in the recruiting process

Think you can play college football? Here’s what to expect in the recruiting process

Playing college football is a dream for many high schoolers but the recruiting process can be...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Oct 06 2022
How To Run Faster: Five Best Strength Training Workouts For Track Athletes

How To Run Faster: Five Best Strength Training Workouts For Track Athletes

In order to be successful in track, athletes should devote a considerable amount of time to lifting...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 05 2022
College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

College Football's "Dead Money": Why Fired Coaches Keep Getting Paid

We’re at the point in the college football calendar where teams are assessing whether they’d like...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Sep 28 2022
What are "Guarantee Games" in College Football?

What are "Guarantee Games" in College Football?

As the 2022 college football season gets underway, there are many behemoth matchups on the calendar...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Sep 25 2022
College Football: Five Stars Who Could Have Benefitted Most from NIL Ruling

College Football: Five Stars Who Could Have Benefitted Most from NIL Ruling

The NCAA's Division I Board of Directors announced a new...

ByBryan Armetta | Sat Sep 24 2022
What Does Redshirt Mean? And The Reasons Why Players Do It?

What Does Redshirt Mean? And The Reasons Why Players Do It?

Any athlete with a love for competition hates sitting on the sideline, but once he or she gets to...

ByCorey Roepken | Mon Sep 19 2022
Frequently Asked Questions For GMTM Users

Frequently Asked Questions For GMTM Users

Being a new platform working to revolutionize the way athletes are connected with opportunities is...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Sep 19 2022
What Every College Athlete Should Know Before Freshman Year Starts

What Every College Athlete Should Know Before Freshman Year Starts

The shift from high school to college is a big one. Throw playing a collegiate sport in and it can...

ByLily Ford | Sun Sep 18 2022
How Continued Legalization of Sports Betting Affects College Sports

How Continued Legalization of Sports Betting Affects College Sports

In recent years the taboo of sports betting has started to come down and gambling on your favorite...

ByJamison White | Sun Sep 18 2022
EA Sports To Create College Football Video Game With These Updates

EA Sports To Create College Football Video Game With These Updates

After FOX Sports released a documentary on Christmas Day chronicling the life and career of the...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sat Sep 17 2022
What CFB Programs Are Developing The Most NFL Talent At Each Position

What CFB Programs Are Developing The Most NFL Talent At Each Position

More than most sports, the fundamentals of Football change greatly depending on which position you...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Fri Sep 16 2022
College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

College Basketball: What Is The NCAA Transfer Portal And How Does It Work

With the ever-changing NCAA and college athletics scene, transfer athletes have become more and...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 15 2022
Trending Up: High School Football Athletes on GMTM - Week 2

Trending Up: High School Football Athletes on GMTM - Week 2

Football is back and tens of thousands of high school football players are on the field making...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Sep 15 2022