The player participation fee for the 2021 season was $2,000, with exception for players who had been in an NFL training camp within the past three years, who were not required to pay. [8] [9] According to league CEO Brian Woods, the preference was for TSL coaches, players and staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19 before the season begins. If not, they were asked for proof of a negative test upon arrival and were subject to daily testing thereafter. [10]
Notable players
On April 16, the first player for the 2021 TSL season was announced, as former Syracuse and Dallas Renegades QB Eric Dungey confirmed he will play for the Blues, [16] although he was later accepted tryout invite to Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp, [17] and was later signed to their 90-men roster. [18] On later date the league revealed the other Quarterbacks who will play, including seven-year NFL veteran Ryan Mallett (Generals), [19] [20] former XFL players Luis Perez (Jousters), [21] [22] Brandon Silvers (Conquerors), [23] and Nick Fitzgerald (Sea Lions), [24] and three former P5 colleges QB's Brian Lewerke (Alphas), [25] Keller Chryst (Aviators), [26] and Ryan Willis (Linemen).
On May 12, after the first week was concluded, TSL announced that former Super Bowl champion Brandon Marshall was joining the Generals [27] after strong showing at HUB Football camp, [28] but before the Generals game on week 2 it was revealed that Marshall decided to pursue NFL opportunities instead of joining the league. [29] [10]
39 players with XFL experience were on TSL rosters, [30] and 19 players who participated in the Fan Controlled Football 2021 season (Joseph Putu, Roman Tatum, David Gilbert, Kwadarrius Smith, Curtis Collins, Dominique Martin, Jaylen Flye-Sadler, EJ price, JaMichael Edwards Lott, Deondre Francois, Lawerence Keys, Dwayne Wallace, Donald Boone, LaDarius Galloway, Andrew Jamiel, KaVontae Turpin, Saige Young, Cecil Cherry and Antonio Dawkins).
The league also featured three international players: Kicker Tadhg Leader (Aviators) from the Republic of Ireland, Defensive Linemen Orlovicius Laurynas (Blues) from Lithuania and Wide receiver James Tyrrell from Canada.
Other noteworthy players
Alphas: Vad Lee, Brian Lewerke, Jawill Davis, Kristjan Sokoli, Christian DiLauro, Gabe Holmes, Azeem Victor and Mazzi Wilkins, while Brady White joined before week 4.
Aviators: Keller Chryst, Romar Morris, Malcolm Pridgeon, Lavon Hooks, Mark McLaurin and Irish-born American rugby union player Tadhg Leader, [31] while Vad Lee joined from the "Alphas" before week 5.
Blues: Eric Dungey, Deondre Francois, Fabian Guerra, Davion Davis, Hakeem Valles, David Grinnage, Denzel Rice and Xavier Perston.
Conquerors: Brandon Silvers, Kevin Anderson, [32] Cameron Jefferson, Anthony Morris, Robenson Therezie, Matt Seybert, Prince Charles Iworah and Vinny Papale (son of Vince Papale), while Ahmad Gooden joined before week 2. [33]
Generals: Ryan Mallett, Case Cookus, Devin Gray, Jordan Suell, Sal Cannella, Ethan Westbrooks, Blair Brown, Carroll Phillips, Kamilo Tongamoa, Nevelle Clarke, Malik Gant [34] and Lirim Hajrullahu.
Jousters: Luis Perez, Drew Anderson, Lavon Coleman, De'Lance Turner, De’Quan Hampton, Damore'ea Stringfellow, Donnie Ernsberger, Tejan Koroma, Damien Mama, Bunmi Rotimi, Tomasi Laulile, Christian Sam, Nyles Morgan, Derrick Jones, A. J. Hendy, Shalom Luani, Joshua Simmons, William Likely, Ricky Aguayo, Manoa Pikula and Colton Schmidt.
Linemen: Ryan Willis, Reece Horn, Frederick Mauigoa, Elijah Qualls and Jordan Wyatt, while Damon Sheehy-Guiseppi joined before week 6. [35]
Sea Lions: Nick Fitzgerald, Matt Jones (released after week 1), Adam Choice, Kendrick Rogers, Nick Buchanan, Shaneil Jenkins, Levonta Taylor, John Baron II and DeAndre Johnson [36] from Last Chance U' second season, while Jordan Mills and Robert Myers joined before week 2, [37] and Garrett Hartley joined before week 4. [38]
