The XFL will begin on Saturday and 12 former Denver Broncos players are set to play in the new league. So which XFL team should fans in Denver root for?
All eight teams have at least one former Bronco on their roster, though some of those players are more notable than their counterparts (view all of the XFL rosters here). Here’s a quick recap of each team’s connections to the Broncos.
In St. Louis, Marquette King will be their starting punter.
In Dallas, Christian Kuntz will compete for playing time at linebacker.
In Washington, D.C., safety Shamarko Thomas appears poised to start.
In Los Angeles, Quentin Gause will compete for playing time at linebacker.
In Tampa Bay, Deiontrez Mount will look to make his mark as a pass rusher.
In New York, wide receiver Mekale McKay will look to follow up his season in the AAF with a successful stint in the XFL.
If none of those players piqued your interest, don’t worry: we saved the best for last. Two teams — Seattle and Houston — both have three former Broncos on their rosters.
In Houston, running back De’Angelo Henderson will be teammates with defensive lineman Caushaud Lyons and offensive lineman Avery Gennesy. In Seattle, linebacker Steven Johnson will play with center Dillon Day and linebacker Stansly Maponga.
If you’re picking a favorite XFL team based on its connections to the Broncos, the decision likely comes down to Houston vs. Seattle.
Henderson is probably one of the most-liked ex-Denver players in the XFL. He was — as are many running backs — a preseason darling for fans. Johnson is probably the most accomplished ex-Bronco in the XFL. He spent six years in the NFL and started seven games for Denver in 2014.
Seattle will face Houston in Week 5 on Saturday, March 7 on ABC.
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