Checking on former KC Chiefs in the XFL
By Matt Conner
These days, the popularity of American football is unsurpassed as the NFL dominates ratings and the sport itself is reaching a global audience. Given the sport’s popularity, a few leagues like the XFL and USFL are making attempts to stabilize themselves as a spring product, a way for fans to keep watching the sport they love and serve as a feeder league for the National Football League itself—official or not.
These developmental leagues offer chances to a lot of players who are recognizable for football fans, including those in Chiefs Kingdom. Remember, every year, fans see 90-man rosters whittled down to 53, which makes for a lot of players who can claim “former Chief” on their resume.
We thought we’d check in on some familiar faces who are trying to extend their careers in the XFL who were once a player to watch with the Chiefs. Let’s begin with a local product who is still working hard to get noticed.
Darrius Shepherd, wide receiver, St. Louis Battlehawks
Two years ago, Darrius Shepherd was introduced as the protagonist in an endearing storyline for Chiefs Kingdom as a local kid who dreamed as a child of playing for the Kansas City Chiefs who actually made the roster. In 2021, the Chiefs took a shot on Shepherd as a wide receiver and returner competing in training camp and stories were written about how the Blue Springs graduate was making good on his ambitions.
That story didn’t last all that long.
Shepherd was a talented player, of course, but the Chiefs moved on quickly after signing him following a successful tryout. But these days, it’s nice to see Shepherd doing so well in the XFL and you have to wonder if a team in the NFL might come calling again given his success in 2023.
These days, Shepherd is among the leading receivers in the XFL with 34 catches for 340 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also is making an impact on special teams with a league-leading 27.3 yards/return average on kicks including an 80-yard return against the D.C. Defenders a few weeks ago.
While Shepherd’s NFL run has featured a number of shorter stints with several teams, it only takes one right fit for a player to blossom and Shepherd is making the most of this opportunity—hoping to turn this spring league into a springboard.