Plenty of former Detroit Lions players are in new XFL

The latest edition of the XFL debuts on Saturday, and here’s the list of former Detroit Lions on rosters in the league.

After the re-booted USFL successfully completed its first season in 2022, the XFL is hoping the third time is the charm for it in 2023. The new rendition of the league, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as an ownership face, debuts on Saturday with two games. Two more games will follow on Sunday.

Some former Detroit Lions played in the USFL last spring/summer. The XFL will be no different, with former NFL players holding on to the dream with another option to play spring football.

The term “former Detroit Lion” is certainly a stretch for some of these guys, as they may have barely had a cup of coffee in an offseason, training camp or preseason. But they wore a Lions’ helmet, and were on the roster to whatever extent, somewhere along their journey as a professional football player.

With a huge hat-tip to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit, here’s a team-by-team breakdown of former Lions in the XFL.

Former Detroit Lions who are keeping the dream alive in the XFL

Arlington Renegades
QB Kyle Sloter
TE Isaac Nauta (on IR — Lions 2019 seventh-round pick)
TE Nate Becker
DT Bruce Hector
LB Will Clarke
CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
CB Shakur Brown

Seattle Sea Dragons
QB Steven Montez
FB Charlie Taumoepeau
WR Juwan Green
OT Ryan Pope
CB Chris Jones
S Alijah Holder
K Dominik Eberle

D.C. Defenders
QB Jordan Ta’amu
WR Chad Hansen
DT Caraun Reid (Lions 2014 fifth-round pick)
DT Gabe Wright (Lions 2015 fourth-round pick)

Vegas Vipers
QB Luis Perez
WR Geronimo Allison
OL Jamil Demby

Houston Roughnecks
LB Tavante Beckett
CB Alexander Myres

Orlando Guardians
CB Dee Virgin (on IR)

San Antonio Brahmas
TE Alizé Mack

St. Louis Battlehawks
None

The 2023 XFL schedule kicks off at 3 p.m ET Saturday (Feb. 18) on ABC/ESPN+, with the Vegas Vipers taking on the Arlington Renegades. Then at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday night (ESPN/FX/ESPN+), the Orlando Guardians will play the Houston Roughnecks.

Then on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN+), the St. Louis Battlehawks will play the San Antonio Brahmas. Then at 8:00 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+) Sunday night, the Seattle Sea Dragons will play the D.C. Defenders.