XFL officially cancels 2020 season amid coronavirus pandemic

Photo courtesy: XFL

XFL commissioner Oliver Luck has officially cancelled the rest of the startup league’s 2020 season.

Statement from Luck:

The COVID-19 pandemic, and the most recent local and state regulations, have left the XFL no choice but to officially cancel the remainder of the 2020 season.

This decision has been made with the health and safety of the entire XFL family as our top priority.

While we are disappointed to not complete the 2020 season, our hearts are full of appreciation for your overwhelming support.

Your passion, your commitment to your favourite XFL team and your love of football made our season a success beyond our wildest dreams. We’re grateful for the incredible response and look forward to playing full seasons for you — and with you —  in 2021 and beyond.

When our teams return to the field, we’ll make every effort to ensure your faith in us is rewarded with even more fun and excitement. Your passion is our purpose, and everything we do, every day and for every season to come, is For the Love of Football. 

We hope you will stay connected to our league and team social and digital channels for news, features, and updates along the way.

From all of us at the XFL, be safe, stay healthy, and, again, thank you. Here’s to 2021!

The XFL kicked off in February and played five weeks of a planned 10-week schedule. Its eight franchises are based in major United States cities: Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Los Angeles Wildcats, New York Guardians, Seattle Dragons, St. Louis BattleHawks and Tampa Bay Vipers.

Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats and current Houston head coach June Jones had his Roughnecks team atop the XFL standings with a 5-0 record. A key part of the Roughnecks’ success was the stellar play of quarterback P.J. Walker — the Ottawa Redblacks own his CFL negotiation list rights.

Former CFL players receivers S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards, and offensive lineman Derek Dennis had signed and were playing in the XFL. However, the coronavirus outbreak shut the league down unexpectedly.

The original XFL lasted one season in 2001.