Still Curtain
FanSided

Steelers fans might’ve forgotten these 5 defunct football leagues

By Ryan Pawloski

CARSON, CA - MARCH 08: Tampa Bay Vipers football and helmet seen on the sideline while playing the LA Wildcats at Dignity Health Sports Park during an XFL game on March 8, 2020 in Carson, California. L.A. won 41-34. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - MARCH 08: Tampa Bay Vipers football and helmet seen on the sideline while playing the LA Wildcats at Dignity Health Sports Park during an XFL game on March 8, 2020 in Carson, California. L.A. won 41-34. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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Steelers
Quarterback Tommy Maddox #8 of the Los Angeles Xtreme passes the ball.Mandatory Credit: Christopher Ruppel /Allsport /

XFL

The XFL has been one of the more successful football leagues that tried to compete with the NFL in the past. They were able to make a product on a field that was fun and entertaining to watch. Their first season was successful before it folded and ceased operations in 2001.

The best traits were getting these players that participated in the league another shot at the NFL. Tommy Maddox would go on to sign with the Steelers and win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. There were other players that would get NFL contracts, but Maddox was the standout.

Rumors started swirling years later that the XFL was looking to make a comeback and they did in 2020. They brought teams full of NFL castaways both on the field and the coaches on the sidelines. Many saw this as a tryout for each person there.

The Steelers would sign different players that would get a chance to make the team in training camp. The most notable was Christian Kuntz, who became the starting long snapper ever since. It was a league that has a crazy story with some fun history that is not done yet.

The Covid pandemic hit them hard, and they were forced to shut down operations in the middle of their opening season. They are getting ready to start up again and play in 2023 as they try to comeback yet again. Hopefully, they are as interesting and fun so they can stick around this time.

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