Two former Panthers will get the chance to play professionally in the newly formed Xtreme Football League.
Two Panthers in the draft pool were selected in the inaugural draft and will get the chance to continue their football careers. The newly reformed XFL hopes to compete with the NFL and collect talent that has been overlooked by the NFL.
The first Panther off the board was defensive back Bryce Canady. Canady was selected with the first pick in the 10th round by the Tampa Bay Vipers. Canady played for FIU in 2017 and appeared in 13 games in his senior season. During his tenure with the Panthers, Canady recorded 65 total tackles and an interception.
“It‘s a great opportunity, I get a chance to go out and show what I can do and get to the next level,” said Canady.
Former FIU defensive lineman Anthony “the gut” Johnson was the second former Panther to hear his name called. Johnson was drafted by the Seattle Dragons in the 13th round.
Johnson found new life at FIU after coach Butch Davis took over in 2017 and became an anchor for FIU’s front seven. He ended his career at FIU with 55 total tackles and 10.5 sacks.
Johnson will be going across the country to continue his lifelong goal of playing football professionally.
“I just want to play ball,” Johnson told PantherNOW after being drafted.
The XFL hopes to compete directly with the NFL and create more opportunities for players who don’t make it into the big league.
The league was reformed after it’s only season in 2001 as they hope to correct their mistakes this time around.
The league owned and operated by WWE chairman Vince McMahon, was an odd mix of wrestling entertainment and hard hitting football. The brutal nature of the XFL rules and the horrific management at the top lead to its demise.
The XFL claims this incarnation of the league will be entertaining and fun to watch without all of the antics that plagued the league in 2001. It remains to be seen if the league can hold up to the NFL, but it is a great opportunity for players like Canady and Johnson.
Check PantherNOW for more updates on FIU Football and the XFL as the season goes on.
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