The new league has given players like Cornerback Michael Joseph a fresh opportunity to continue their pro careers. Joseph played for the Chicago Bears in the NFL back in 2021 and he's made the most of his XFL shot, leading the Defenders with four interceptions on the year.
"It's meant the world," Joseph said. "I've been through a lot as a player professionally through injuries and this whole XFL opportunity has given me a chance to show the world, my family, friends what I felt I always could do."
But even having played at the highest levels of pro football Joseph was still a bit surprised by his new home on weekdays and the enormity of the 11,000 seat home of five Mansfield high school squads.
"Mansfield has been great, the stadium is huge," he said. "I'm from Illinois so we don't have that many high school stadiums that's this big. Even our colleges, I went to a small Division III school, so our stadium was nowhere near this size."
"It's a nice little field," Smith agreed. "I could definitely see myself maybe coming down here a little bit later down the road when I'm done playing ball."
"Being here in Mansfield, in North Texas has been cool," said coach Barlow. "I understand high school football is huge here, a lot of nice stadiums, a lot of good football here. The people here have been really good to us, giving us an opportunity to practice here, use the facilities, we don't take that for granted."
The time in Mansfield has also brought some unexpected fun experiences that most probably wouldn't consider the area famous for.
"I'm from Houston, Texas so I don't get snow, but it snowed earlier this year," Kelly laughed. "That was beautiful to see."
He added, "It's been wonderful... If you want to play football why not play it in Texas, so I always wake up with the mindset of 'where else would you rather be?' I wouldn't rather be anywhere than in my state, playing football, doing what I love."