Yesterday, the XFL held it’s own version of a scouting combine with a Summer Showcase in Arlington, TX. Given the location, it shouldn’t be a surprise that several former Dallas Cowboys were among those hoping to catch on in Vince McMahon’s resurrected football league.
The most notable name among the former Cowboys was running back Lance Dunbar, who played five seasons in Dallas from 2012-2016. The speedy RB worked as a change-up back with receiving skills and also handled kickoff returns at times.
XFL Summer Showcase today at Maverick Stadium in Arlington. Some of the notable players expected to participate: Landry Jones, Aaron Ripkowski, Trevone Boykin, Lance Dunbar, Kony Ealy, Christine Michael, Sterling Moore, Ahmad Dixon, Marqueston Huff, Frank Alexander, Ondre Pipkins pic.twitter.com/SDi9fO1nYe
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 7, 2019
Also trying out for the XFL was cornerback Sterling Moore, who was a Cowboy from 2012-2014. His standout year was the last one, when Moore served as the team’s slot cornerback and started in 7 games. That season earned him a contract with Tampa Bay the following year in free agency.
Some former Dallas draft picks were also among the hopefuls. Safety Ahmad Dixon and linebacker Will Smith were both seventh-round picks in 2014. Dixon’s failed to make the team as a rookie, and Smith played in just handful games over two seasons.
Running back Christine Michael, who had a brief stint with Dallas in 2015, also attended the Showcase. The Cowboys had hoped to the former second-round pick would be able to produce behind their offensive line but, for whatever reason, Michael never did enough in practice to earn major carries. He was cut partway through the season.
The most recent Cowboy to participate was DE Kony Ealy, who was signed last year but didn’t get past final cuts. Despite Dallas’ interest in him going back to the 2014 draft, Ealy failed to impress the team and was beaten out by other talent.
With the Alliance of American Football turning out to be a catastrophe, hopefully the XFL gives all of these players an opportunity to still profit from their football talents. We wish all these former Cowboys the best in their efforts.
