DC Defenders

UFL (2024) team based in Washington, D.C.

DC Defenders

Current season
Established December 5, 2018; 5 years ago (2018-12-05)
Play in Audi Field (Washington, DC)
League/conference affiliations
XFL (2020–2023)

* East Division (2020)
* North Division (2023)

United Football League (2024–present)

* XFL Conference (2024–present)

Current uniform

Team colors| Red, white, silver[1]

Personnel
Owner(s)| Fox Corporation (50%), Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, RedBird Capital Partners (50%)
Head coach| Reggie Barlow
Team history

* DC Defenders (2020–present)

Championships
League championships (0)

Conference championships (0)

Division championships (1)

* XFL North: 2023

Playoff appearances (1)

* XFL: 2023

Home stadium(s)

* Audi Field (2020, 2023–present)

The DC Defenders are a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C. The Defenders compete in the United Football League (UFL). The team was founded by Vince McMahon’s Alpha Entertainment and is owned and operated by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation. The Defenders play their home games at Audi Field. The Defenders have a regular season record of 12–3 (.800), the second-highest win percentage among UFL teams as of its 2024 season. They were also the top team in the 2023 XFL, boasting a 9–1 record and scoring 49 more points than the next closest team, the St. Louis Battlehawks.[2][3]

## History[edit]

### McMahon era (2020)[edit]

On December 5, 2018, Washington, D.C., was announced as one of eight cities that would join the newly reformed XFL, as well as Seattle, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Dallas.[4] On February 21, 2019, the team hired Pep Hamilton, who was most recently an assistant with the Michigan Wolverines football team, as their first head coach and general manager. Hamilton is an alumnus of Howard University and was familiar to XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck through Hamilton's work with Luck's son, former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck.[5] The team name and logo were revealed on August 21, 2019, followed by the uniforms on December 3, 2019.[6]

First ever XFL kickoff against the Seattle Dragons at Audi Field, in 2020 DC hosting the St. Louis BattleHawks at Audi Field, in 2023 Former logo for the DC Defenders used in 2020

On October 15, 2019, the Defenders announced their first player in team history, being assigned former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones.[7] Later that day, the 2020 XFL Draft took place. The Defenders selected wide receiver Rashard Davis with the first overall pick, but he did not play for the team and later signed with the Tennessee Titans.

On February 8, 2020, the Defenders won the first game in modern XFL history, defeating the Seattle Dragons by a score of 31–19.[8] On February 15, 2020, the Defenders beat the New York Guardians by a score of 27–0, which was the first shutout in modern XFL history. On March 12, 2020, the XFL announced that the remainder of the 2020 XFL season had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 10, 2020, the XFL suspended operations and terminated all employees, players, and staff.[9]

### Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia era (2023–present)[edit]

On August 3, 2020, it was reported that a consortium led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale (through Cardinale's fund RedBird Capital Partners) purchased the XFL for $15 million just hours before an auction could take place; the purchase received court approval on August 7, 2020.[10][11] In March 2022, a report emerged that Reggie Barlow would become the new head coach of the D.C. XFL franchise, confirming that Washington, D.C., would return as an XFL city. Barlow's hire was official on April 13, 2022, as well as the return of the D.C. franchise on July 24, 2022.[12][13] On October 31, 2022, the XFL announced that the Defenders name would be returning, this time with a brand new logo.[14]

In September 2023, Axios reported that the XFL was in advanced talks with the USFL to merge the two leagues prior to the start of their 2024 seasons.[15] On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge with details surrounding the merger to be announced at a later date.[16] The merger would also require regulatory approval.[17] In October 2023 the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League".[18] On November 30, 2023, Garcia announced via her Instagram page that the leagues had received regulatory approval for the merger and were finalizing plans for a "combined season" to begin March 30, 2024.[19] The merger was made official on December 31, 2023.[20]

## Current roster[edit]

### Players[edit]

DC Defenders roster Quarterbacks

* 11 Mike DiLiello
* 8 Deondre Francois
* 17 Jalan McClendon
* 10 Jordan Ta'amu

Running backs

* 27 Darius Hagans
* 3 Cam'Ron Harris
* 4 Abram Smith

Wide receivers

* 81 Keke Coutee
* 13 Kelvin Harmon
* 12 Chris Rowland
* 19 Ty Scott
* 2 Brandon Smith
* 86 Vyncint Smith
* 82 Monroe Young

Tight ends

* 82 Shaun Beyer
* 87 Ben Bresnahan
* 18 Alex Ellis
* 88 Briley Moore
* 89 Kaden Smith

|  | Offensive linemen

* 59 William Barnes T
* 73 Tommy Champion T
* 70 Yasir Durant G
* 75 Liam Fornadel G
* 53 Lamont Gaillard G
* 76 Greg Long T
* 51 Mike Maietti C
* 56 David Satkowski T
* 62 Jarrid Williams T
* 66 John Yarbrough G

Defensive linemen

* 97 Kevin Atkins DT
* 72 T. J. Barnes DT
* 7 Davin Bellamy DE
* 92 Malik Fisher DE
* 33 Trent Harris OLB
* 91 Dennis Johnson DT
* 48 Andre Mintze DE
* 50 Derick Roberson DE
* 90 Niles Scott DT
* 99 Joseph Wallace DT

|  | Linebackers

* 6 Ferrod Gardner ILB
* 57 Anthony Hines ILB
* 49 Mikel Jones ILB
* 5 Reggie Northrup ILB
* 55 MoMo Sanogo ILB

Defensive backs

* 9 Deontay Anderson SS
* 25 Deandre Baker CB
* 1 Kentrell Brice SS
* 20 Gareon Conley CB
* 32 Isaiah Johnson CB
* 15 Michael Joseph CB
* 24 Anthoula Kelly CB
* 37 Sam Kidd SS
* 21 Montae Nicholson FS
* 39 Santos Ramirez SS
* 38 Nydair Rouse CB

Special teams

* 80 Trae Barry LS
* 47 Paxton Brooks P
* 16 Matt McCrane K

|  |  |  | Reserve lists

* 43 Francis Bernard ILB (Suspended)
* 26 DeJuan Neal CB (Suspended)

Roster updated June 2, 2024

58 active, 2 reserve(s)

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## Staff[edit]

DC Defenders staff

Front office

* Director of team operations – Stacie Johnson
* General manager – Von Hutchins

Head coach

* Head coach – Reggie Barlow

Offensive coaches

* Offensive coordinator/running backs – Fred Kaiss
* Quarterbacks – Shannon Harris
* Wide receivers – Sean Anderson
* Offensive line – Sean Kugler

|  |  |

Defensive coaches

* Defensive coordinator – Gregg Williams
* Defensive line – Jeremy Watkins
* Linebackers/special teams – Deion Harris
* Defensive backs – Vernon Dean

Team operations

* Athletic trainer – Chris Lacsamana
* Equipment manager – VanDyke Jones
* Video manager – Caleb Studivant

## Player history[edit]

### Current NFL players[edit]

Season  | Pos  | Name  | NFL team

|
|
|

2020  | CB  | Elijah Campbell | Miami Dolphins
2023  | P  | Daniel Whelan | Green Bay Packers
2020  | TE  | Tyree Jackson | New York Giants
2023  | WR  | Chris Blair | Atlanta Falcons
2023  | WR  | Lucky Jackson | Minnesota Vikings

### Notable players[edit]

Season  | Pos  | Name  | Notes

|
|
|

2020  | QB  | Cardale Jones | Former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback
2020  | WR  | Eli Rogers | Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
2020  | S  | Matt Elam | Former Baltimore Ravens safety, 2013 1st round pick
2020  | S  | Rahim Moore | Former Denver Broncos safety, 2011 2nd round pick
2024  | WR  | Preston Williams | Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver
2024  | LB  | Jordan Evans | Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, 2017 6th round pick
2023–2024  | S  | D. J. Swearinger | Former Houston Texans safety, 2013 2nd round pick
2023–present  | S  | Montae Nicholson | Former Washington Commanders safety, 2017 4th round pick
2024–present  | CB  | Gareon Conley | Former Oakland Raiders cornerback, 2016 1st round pick
2024-present  | CB  | Deandre Baker | Former New York Giants cornerback, 2019 1st round pick
2024-present  | WR  | Keke Coutee | Former Houston Texans wide receiver, 2018 4th round pick

### XFL Offensive Player of the Year award winners[edit]

Defenders XFL OPOY winners

Year  | Player  | Position  | Selector
2023 | Jordan Ta'amu | QB | XFL

## Coach history[edit]

### Head coach history[edit]

#  | Name  | Term  | Regular season  | Playoffs  | Awards

|
|
|
|
|

GC  | W  | L  | Win %  | GC  | W  | L
DC Defenders
1  | Pep Hamilton | 2020 | 5  | 3  | 2  | .600  | –  | –  | –  |
2  | Reggie Barlow | 2023–present  | 20  | 13  | 7  | .650  | 2  | 1  | 1  | 2023 XFL Coach of the Year[21]

### Offensive coordinator history[edit]

#  | Name  | Term  | Regular season  | Playoffs  | Awards

|
|
|
|
|

GC  | W  | L  | Win %  | GC  | W  | L
DC Defenders
1  | Tanner Engstrand | 2020 | 5  | 3  | 2  | .600  | –  | –  | –  |
2  | Fred Kaiss | 2023–present  | 20  | 13  | 7  | .650  | 2  | 1  | 1

### Defensive coordinator history[edit]

#  | Name  | Term  | Regular season  | Playoffs  | Awards

|
|
|
|
|

GC  | W  | L  | Win %  | GC  | W  | L
DC Defenders
1  | Jeff FitzGerald | 2020 | –  | –  | –  | –  | –  | –  | –  |
2  | Louie Cioffi | 2020 | 5  | 3  | 2  | .600  | –  | –  | –  |
3  | Gregg Williams | 2023–present  | 20  | 13  | 7  | .650  | 2  | 1  | 1  |

### XFL Coach of the Year award winners[edit]

Defenders XFL COTY winners

Year  | Player  | Selector
2023 | Reggie Barlow | XFL

## Championships[edit]

### North Division championship games[edit]

Year  | Coach  | Stadium  | Location  | Opponent  | Score  | Record

|
|
|
|
|
|

2023 | Reggie Barlow | Audi Field | Washington, D.C. | Seattle Sea Dragons | 37–21 | 9–1
Total North Division championship games won: | 1

## Rivalries[edit]

The Defenders have a rivalry against the St. Louis Battlehawks.[22] The Defenders have won all three matchups between the two teams. In addition, every game has been decided by one possession and has determined who is the top team in the division at that point in the season. At the end of their first meeting of the 2023 season, three players were ejected after a brawl broke out.[23] A week later, the Battlehawks' quarterback, A. J. McCarron, called their competition the "first XFL rivalry."[24]

### Franchise matchup history[edit]

Team  | Record  | Pct.

|
|

Seattle Sea Dragons | 4–0  | 1.000
Houston Roughnecks (2020) | 1–0  | 1.000
Houston Roughnecks (2024) | 1–0  | 1.000
Memphis Showboats | 1–0  | 1.000
San Antonio Brahmas | 2–1  | .667
Vegas Vipers | 2–1  | .667
St. Louis Battlehawks | 3–2  | .600
Arlington Renegades | 2–2  | .500
Orlando Guardians | 1–1  | .500
Birmingham Stallions | 0–1  | .000
Los Angeles Wildcats | 0–1  | .000
Michigan Panthers | 0–1  | .000

* Defunct teams in light gray.

## Records[edit]

All-time Defenders leaders

Leader | Player | Record | Years with Defenders
Passing yards | Jordan Ta'amu | 3,514 passing yards | 2023–present
Passing touchdowns  | Jordan Ta'amu | 27 passing touchdowns  | 2023–present
Rushing yards | Abram Smith | 788 rushing yards | 2023–present
Rushing touchdowns  | Abram Smith | 7 rushing touchdowns  | 2023–present
Receiving yards | Chris Blair | 594 receiving yards | 2023
Receiving touchdowns  | Alex Ellis | 6 receiving touchdowns  | 2023–present
Receptions  | Lucky Jackson | 36 receptions  | 2023
Tackles  | Francis Bernard | 73 tackles  | 2023–present
Sacks | Malik Fisher | 7 sacks | 2023–present
Interceptions | Michael Joseph | 4 interceptions | 2023–present
Coaching wins  | Reggie Barlow | 13 wins  | 2023–present

## Market overview[edit]

The Baltimore–Washington area has a history of several teams in alternative professional football. The USFL had the Washington Federals (a mostly unsuccessful franchise) in its first two years. Then the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars moved from Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland, in 1985, winning the USFL's final championship. The Canadian Football League's Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions were the only successful American team in the league during their two-year existence in the mid-1990s (and were the only American-based team to win the Grey Cup, the CFL's championship). Indoor teams to have played in Washington include the Washington Commandos and the Washington Valor (which folded two months before the Defenders' first game) of the Arena Football League, and the D.C. Armor of American Indoor Football Association, in addition to several teams based in Maryland.

The Defenders join the Washington Commanders, Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, D.C. United, Washington Spirit, Capital City Go-Go, and Old Glory DC as professional sports teams based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Defenders fans have taken up a tradition of assembling beer snakes out of empty beer containers. The snake constructed at the March 8, 2020, game vs the St. Louis Battlehawks ended up spanning several rows, including a contribution from then-Commissioner Oliver Luck.[25]

In the 2023 season opener against the Seattle Sea Dragons, fans threw lemons onto the field after stadium security personnel confiscated several attempts at making a beer snake, delaying the game for a few minutes. This prompted the Defenders to discuss the issue with Audi Field security and set new guidelines that allowed the beer snake to return during the next home game on March 5.[26]

## References[edit]

1. ^ "DC Defenders' uniforms, helmet". XFL.com (Press release). December 3, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
2. ^ Reineking, Jim (13 May 2023). "2023 XFL championship game: TV, live stream info for DC Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades". USA Today. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
3. ^ Haage, Anthony (25 March 2023). "UFL Title Odds for 2024 - Birmingham Favored to Three-Peat". Gambling Sites. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
4. ^ www.bizjournals.com https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2018/12/05/xfl-picks-houston-as-an-inaugural-city-announces.html. Retrieved 2023-02-04. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|title=` (help)
5. ^ "Pep Hamilton is reportedly heading to the XFL". 8 February 2019.
6. ^ Spedden, Zach (2019-08-21). "XFL Team Names and Logos Unveiled". Football Stadium Digest. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
7. ^ Florio, Mike (2019-10-15). "XFL announces its eight allocated quarterbacks". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
8. ^ "XFL scores Week 1: Final results, highlights from Saturday's games". www.sportingnews.com. 10 February 2020. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
9. ^ "Sources: XFL staff laid off, no plans for 2021". ESPN.com. 2020-04-10. Retrieved 2023-03-08.
10. ^ "THE ROCK BUYS THE XFL FOR $15 MILLION". RingsideNews.com. August 2, 2020. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
11. ^ Kerr, Jeff (August 2, 2020). "Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson buys XFL for $15 million with partners RedBird Capital and Dany Garcia". CBSSports.com. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
12. ^ "XFL Announces Head Coaches: Reggie Barlow, Anthony Becht, Terrell Buckley, Jim Haslett, Wade Phillips, Bob Stoops, Hines Ward and Rod Woodson". www.xfl.com. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
13. ^ Cadeaux, Ethan (24 July 2022). "XFL to return to Washington, D.C. for 2023 relaunch". NBC Sports. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
14. ^ "D.C. Defenders Return for Kickoff in 2023". www.xfl.com. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
15. ^ Baysinger, Tim; Primack, Dan; Fischer, Sara (September 19, 2023). "Scoop: Football leagues XFL and USFL in merger talks". Axios. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
16. ^ TSN ca Staff (2023-09-28). "XFL, United States Football League announce intention to merge". TSN. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
17. ^ Schad, Tom (2023-09-28). "XFL, USFL confirm intention to merge into single spring football league". USA Today. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
18. ^ "XFL files trademark applications for 'United Football League' and 'UFL'". San Antonio Express-News. October 18, 2023.
19. ^ "We are pleased to have completed the antitrust review process in connection with the proposed merger of the XFL and USFL and intend to play a combined season this spring kicking off on Saturday, March 30. We are now finalizing terms of the definitive agreement and will share more about this new League in the coming weeks". Instagram.
20. ^ "USFL, XFL announce merger, formation of new spring football league: The UFL". Yahoo Sports. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
21. ^ Inabinett, Mark (2023-05-02). "Former Alabama State coach wins XFL's top honor". al. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
22. ^ Lyons, Joe (2023-03-17). "Battlehawks look for better result against XFL rival D.C. Defenders". STLtoday.com. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
23. ^ "XFL brawl: Three players ejected during Defenders-BattleHawks showdown in final minute of game". CBSSports.com. 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
24. ^ Inabinett, Mark (2023-03-17). "AJ McCarron, Battlehawks part of 'a little XFL rivalry'". al. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
25. ^ Lincoln, Darrelle (March 8, 2020). "DC Defenders fans might've created the biggestbeer snake in history during game at Audi Field". Total Pro Sports. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
26. ^ Andres, Patrick (2023-03-05). "Another Enormous Beer Snake at XFL Game Goes Viral". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2023-03-05.

## External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to DC Defenders.

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

DC Defenders

* Founded in 2018
* Based in Washington, DC

Franchise|

* History
* Seasons
* Players
* Coaches

Stadiums|

* Audi Field

Key personnel|

* Co-Owners: Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia
* General manager: Von Hutchins
* Head coach: Reggie Barlow

Culture|

* Beer Snake

Division championships (1)|

2023

Affiliations|

* League: XFL (2020-2023); United Football League (2024-present)
Conference: XFL Conference (2024-present)
Division: East (2020); North (2023)

Seasons|

* 2020
* ~~2021~~
* ~~2022~~
* 2023
* 2024

* v
* t
* e

United Football League

USFL Conference|

| Teams|

* Birmingham Stallions
* Houston Roughnecks
* Memphis Showboats
* Michigan Panthers

|

Stadiums|

* Ford Field
* Protective Stadium
* Rice Stadium
* Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

XFL Conference|

| Teams|

* Arlington Renegades
* DC Defenders
* San Antonio Brahmas
* St. Louis Battlehawks

|

Stadiums|

* Alamodome
* Audi Field
* Choctaw Stadium
* The Dome at America's Center

Key personnel|

* Dany Garcia
* chairwoman/co-owner
* Dwayne Johnson
* co-owner
* Gerry Cardinale
* Russ Brandon
* Fox Corporation (50%)
* president
* Doug Whaley
* Daryl Johnston
* senior VP, player personnel
* Dean Blandino
* Mike Pereira

Drafts|

2024 dispersal draft

Seasons|

* 2024

Championships|

* 2024

Related articles|

* UFL starting quarterbacks
* USFL (2022)
* XFL (2020)
* Timeline of the UFL

* v
* t
* e

XFL (2020)

Northern Division|

| Teams|

* DC Defenders
* Seattle Sea Dragons
* St. Louis Battlehawks
* Vegas Vipers

|

Stadiums|

* Audi Field
* Cashman Field
* The Dome at America's Center
* Lumen Field

Southern Division|

| Teams|

* Arlington Renegades
* Houston Roughnecks
* Orlando Guardians
* San Antonio Brahmas

|

Stadiums|

* Alamodome
* Camping World Stadium
* Choctaw Stadium
* TDECU Stadium

Former teams|

* Los Angeles Wildcats (2020)

Key personnel|

* Dany Garcia
* chairwoman/co-owner
* Dwayne Johnson
* co-owner
* Russ Brandon
* president
* Doug Whaley
* senior VP, player personnel
* Dean Blandino
* head of officiating
* Former:
* Vince McMahon, founder
* Oliver Luck, commissioner (2020)
* Jeffrey Pollack, president (2020–21)

Drafts|

* 2020
* 2023
* 2023 rookie

Seasons|

* 2020
* 2023
* ~~2024~~

Championships|

* 2023

Related articles|

* XFL starting quarterbacks
* XFL (2001)
* UFL (2024)

* v
* t
* e

Sports teams based in the Washington, D.C., area

Baseball|

MLB
Washington Nationals

Bowie Baysox

Fredericksburg Nationals
ALPB
Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Spire City Ghost Hounds
MDL
Frederick Keys

Basketball|

NBA
Washington Wizards
G League
Capital City Go-Go
WNBA
Washington Mystics

Football|

NFL
Washington Commanders
UFL
DC Defenders
WFA
D.C. Divas

Esports|

OWL
Washington Justice

Hockey|

NHL
Washington Capitals

Soccer|

MLS
D.C. United
NWSL
Washington Spirit
USLS
DC Power FC
USLC
Loudoun United FC
NISA
Maryland Bobcats FC
USL2
Northern Virginia FC
NPSL
Northern Virginia United FC

Roller derby|

WFTDA
DC Rollergirls

Rugby union|

MLR
Old Glory DC
Capital Geographical Union
Washington Irish R.F.C.
Washington Renegades RFC
West Potomac Rugby Football Club

Rugby league|

NARL
Washington DC Cavalry

Tennis|

WTT
Washington Kastles

Ultimate|

AUDL
DC Breeze

College athletics|

NCAA Div. I
American
Georgetown
George Mason
George Washington
Howard
Maryland
Mount St. Mary's
NCAA Div. II
Bowie State
Shepherd
UDC
NCAA Div. III
Catholic
Gallaudet
Hood
Mary Washington
Marymount

See also: Sports in Washington, D.C.
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