That might have been a factor in his purchase of the XFL in 2020, which will culminate in the long-awaited relaunch of the league this weekend. The St. Louis Battlehawks are back, but alas the clever nod to the St. Louis area code is no longer in their logo. "With pride and gratitude for all that I've built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football.". Try a week on us. Garcia, Johnson's business partner and ex-wife, will also be a stakeholder in the league. Along the way, he had to make bold choices and get rid of people that werent on the same page. Like former Giant Michael Strahan's. However, it will offer opportunities to some of the college athletes that can't make it to the NFL to continue their passion for the sport. Id say hes creating some memories for his boys. He is an American actor, producer, and professional wrestler. I made the tough decisions and the most important of all, was deciding I was done trying to be someone Im not to conform to Hollywood. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). His godmother responded, No. Johnson - a former WWE (WWE) wrestling star who has since become one of Hollywood's most bankable action heroes - and the partners are purchasing the assets of the XFL from Alpha Entertainment, a. "The Rock" did have a football career of his own, though, long before he became a global superstar. ", READ MORE: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and His Impressive Wrestling Family Tree. And I'll never forget that. FEB 17 COWBOYS ADD 2 EX PLAYERS TO STAFF Former Cowboys defensive back Darian Thompson has been hired as the team's assistant linebackers coach and will also work in quality control as he joins . Johnson became the first third-generation wrestler in the WWE, a legacy that started with his grandfather, American Samoa-born High Chief Peter Maivia, in the 1960s. Brahmas is a popular team name recreationally and with schools in San Antonio and is also a nickname of Johnson, often referenced as the Brahma Bull during his wrestling career. All the logos received modest to significant changes. MORE:Watch XFL games live with fuboTV (free trial)| Subscribe to ESPN+. The season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, and there just wasn't enough funding to sustain the league without any revenue. AJ McCarron is now throwing footballs in the rebooted XFL spring league, and while some might look at it as a step backward, the quarterback sees it as a huge opportunity for him and his sons on a personal level. AJs decision means a helluva lot to me, personally.". And he did everything he could to send people home happy. Johnson was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in May . This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. XFL OWNER DWAYNE 'THE ROCK'. His history of getting buried on the depth chart of great teams continued: Calgary finished 15-3 that year. Johnson was primarily a reserve during his Miami career, recording 77 tackles and four sacks in four seasons. Its one of the branding and name changes the new eight-team XFL unveiled Monday morning. His popularity as a wrestler helped him a lot in gaining success as an actor. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to release OT Donavan Smith. Johnson is the latest WWE figurehead to own the XFL after WWE chairman and Vince McMahon had two attempts at the league. McCarron led Alabama to two national championships, in 2012 and 2013, and then spent six years as a backup in the NFL before injuring his knee in a 2021 preseason game. He also rushed for 41 yards and another score on the ground. The league closed and then ultimately filed for bankruptcy. Smith's anticipated to be given released by March 15, which is the start of the new league year. This past November, McCarron was drafted by the Battlehawks, and just two weeks into the season, he is their most clutch quarterback. While at the London premiere of his film San Andreas in 2015, Johnson managed to accomplish another feat setting the Guinness World Record title for most selfies taken in three minutes, which he did with 105 fans. At a recent promotional event for his upcoming movie 'Black Adam' in England, The Rock was asked by talkSPORT which football team he supports. Aside from his performance on the field, McCarron received praise from XFL owner Dwayne The Rock Johnson on Friday because of his decision to leave the NFL to pursue a career where he could "create memories" with his two young boys. Im enjoying this and its a great way to create some memories for me and my boys.. The NFL season is over, but fans once again have some spring football to hold them over until the fall. A spokesman for Cardinale wrote in an email, I think it is the spirit here. "Takes less money signing with us over the @NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play," Johnson wrote on Twitter. NFL Game Highlights Presented By Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson details the future of XFL Actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne 'The Rock" Johnson details the future of XFL on Wild. The Atlanta Falcons cut safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. Monday, while the New England Patriots waived defensive lineman Bill Murray. Hes just a little dewy, he recalled at the Television Critics Association virtual conference in 2021. The teams have local business operations but do not need to sustain the costs of training facilities and a big headquarters. All Rights Reserved. "Ever since I came out of college Ive been counted out a little bit," McCarron said after the game. I probably could have tried to come back with an NFL team and had a chance to probably make more money, but no one knows what the future holds. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The league did not agree to an interview about the name decisions, such as why the handles Guardians and Vipers were recycled and moved to different cities. The league finally drafted its rosters in November and is on track to start up on Feb. 18. Dwayne Johnson accepts the award for favorite premium series actor at the People's Choice Awards in 2017 . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The XFL has entered the second week of its third season under its . Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was among a group of winning bidders to buy XFL parent company Alpha Entertainment LLC for $15 million, per a Monday press release. Dwayne struggled early on in life but was recently named one of the highest-paid actors in the world by Forbes. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. section: | slug: dwayne-the-rock-johnson-buys-xfl-for-15-million-with-partners-redbird-capital-and-dany-garcia | sport: football | route: article_single.us | In a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Dwayne had revealed what prompted him to go ahead and revive the XFL. 3 min read. Teams, rosters, schedule, rules & more to know about 2023 football league. Even though his father and maternal grandfather both were wrestlers but Dwayne Johnson had never thought about becoming a wrestler and instead had great amount of interest in football. "Takes less money signing with us over the NFL because he wanted his little boys to see him play," Johnson wrote on Twitter. Market data provided by Factset. Dwayne Johnson, XFL & The Story of Jersey No. A. J. McCarron. The Rock is certainly not the first celebrity to join the Reds' fanbase as the club is supported by some of the most iconic people around the globe. Daniel Craig, the man who epitomized James Bond, is also a big Liverpool supporter. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. MORE:XFL rosters 2023: Complete draft results, team-by-team picks for new football league. Seattle Sea Dragons Head coach: Jim . Now hes 2-0 and led his team to back to back exciting last minute wins. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)between the DC Defenders and the Seattle Sea Dragons. AP. Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News. #10 of the St. Louis Battlehawks, scrambles against the San Antonio Brahamas at the Alamodome on Feb. 19, 2023 in San Antonio. "It is a privilege to partner with Dany and Dwayne on the acquisition of the XFL," said Gerry Cardinale, Founder and Managing Partner of RedBird Capital. In today's transfer portal era, it may have been easier for Johnson to find that playing time. He also played a retired NFL player who eventually . UPDATE 12/27/22 - Welcome to Football Alliance! Regarded as one of the greatest professional. SUNDAY UPDATE: Dwayne Johnson channeled the soul of his WWE persona The Rock during the Super Bowl pre-game. Johnson played for Miami all four years (1991-1995), appearing in 39 games with one start. Johnson was referring to remarks McCarron made last week regarding his decision to pursue a career in the XFL over the NFL, where he served as backup quarterback to teams including the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders. If you don't receive an email, please check your spam or Promotions Tab and "move us" to your primary inbox! Vince McMahon shut down the XFL 3 years ago after reportedly burning through $200M. Dwaynes outstanding work has earned him several awards and nominations. While he was too young to know better at the time, the moniker stuck. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News. Miami Dolphins fans probably got a bit excited if they were on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Instagram account Tuesday morning. The Battlehawks defeated the Seattle Sea Dragons on Thursday night, 20-18, after McCarron led his team to a fourth quarter comeback. In 1996, Johnson made his WWF debut as Rocky Maivia, a combination of his father and grandfather's ring names, although his real name was accepted by the announcers. A tattoo of the animal on his arm also became his brand logo with Under Armour. The Athletic NFL. The XFL will live on, thanks to another WWE legendary figure taking the majority stake in the football league -- but this time it's not Vince McMahon. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. There is the rival Fox Sports-owed USFL, which will begin its second season in April 2023, testing the appetite for minor league football. Speaking to the Axios audience, Cardinale said he is convinced there is a space for spring football, despite all the previous failed attempts. All rights reserved. Then, this past Thursday, they picked up the 20-18 win over the Seattle Dragons after a game-winning field goal by Donny Hageman. + Show More. Johnson's net worth is estimated to be near $800 million. Football is one of our greatest exports as a country, he said. "It's just fun to come out here and play. "I probably couldve tried to come back with an NFL team and had a chance to probably make bigger money, but no one knows what the future holds. We might not have seen the last of the XFL. Home Film & TV Actors Dwayne Johnson Favorite Things Color Food Music Football Team Biography Facts. And he is also My favourite actor. Truly I mean that, and I'm not flippant in any way with my answer., That wasnt the only time he expressed that pull to the White House. Down 15-3 to the Brahmas in the season-opener, McCarron cut the deficit to 15-12 on an 18-yard passing touchdown to Hakeem Butler and a three-point conversion completion to Austin Proehl. An injury ended his college football career, so he entered the ring with the WWE. He is widely considered one of the most successful professional wrestlers in the world with his eight-year stint with the WWE. This is it. But things didnt quite go that way. Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, enters the ring to talk smack about his upcoming opponent John Cena during the WWE Raw event at Rose Garden arena in Portland, Ore., Monday February 27th, 2012. McCarron for choosing his league over the NFL. "My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. They overcame a 15-3 deficit in the fourth quarter of their season-opening game against the San Antonio Brahmas to pick up the 18-15 win. RedBird Capital is an investment firm that focuses on providing flexible and long-term capital to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and the XFL will be its latest challenge. "It is the confluence of great passion, tradition and possibility. Before the season, he talked more about his decision to move to the XFL, saying it was driven in part by his wanting his three sons to be able to see him play instead of just standing on an NFL sideline. Its too bad the new XFL did away with the nod to the St. Louis area code though. "Now he's 2-0 and led his team to back to back exciting last minute wins. Revisiting Dwayne Johnson's NFL, CFL and college playing career, What is the XFL? Some of his most notable films are The Scorpion King, G.I. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Johnson played defensive tackle at Miami and was a member of the Hurricanes' 1991 national championship team. That's a big reason I chose to return this way," McCarron told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. You should expect us in your inbox every Friday. I've got my ticket, he told the magazine. His dad, Nova Scotia-born Rocky Johnson, known as Soul Man, then learned from Maivia before marrying his daughter. The XFL is back for 2023 after a three-year hiatus. Im enjoying this, and its a great way to create some memories for me and my boys.". Dwayne Johnson's XFL unveils team names ahead of latest league reboot By Daniel Kaplan Oct 31, 2022 91 The St. Louis Battlehawks are back, but alas the clever nod to the St. Louis area code. Due to his achievements, Dwayne is widely considered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. "As their partner in acquiring and relaunching the XFL, RedBird will bring its own track record and experience in building world class companies in sports and live entertainment to help realize their vision.". Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was born into a professional wrestling family in 1972. Vice TV is expanding its pro wrestling docuseries offerings with a new show from the "Dark Side of the Ring" team and Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia's Seven Bucks Productions. I wanted to be the number one man in the world of Hollywood in terms of box office draw., He was well aware wrestling success didnt mean anything on screen. One of them is NBA legend LeBron James, who is now also a partner in the club's owners Fenway Sports Group and is also a shareholder in the club. In St. Louis, the Battlehawks quickly reached hallowed levels. For those of you who are unaware, the wrestler played college football . Johnson only played two years as a defensive tackle at Freedom High School in Pennsylvania, but that was enough to earn him serious interest from major college football programs. My 6-year-old loves watching tape of me on YouTube. McCarrons comments went viral on social media. Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Tom Brady Is Reportedly Considering a 180-Degree Career Change That His 'Inner Circle' Absolutely Hates. #4 Dwayne Johnson on the 2022 Highest-Paid Entertainers - Better known as The Rock, Johnson is the world's highest-paid actor thanks to big paydays for Currently, all eight teams are owned by the XFL. While the goal is to turn the XFL into a permanent spring football league, it's not far-fetched to believe this is personal for Johnson, whose league will give chances to players that might not have gotten a fair shot at other times in their careers. Back in the early 1990s, Johnson, called "Dewey" by his teammates, was a freshman defensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes football team. Whether McMahon will have involvement in XFL 3.0 is unknown, but Johnson's star power and television draw (he's the executive producer for "The Titan Games" on NBC and HBO's Ballers, along with a number of big-budgeted films) may be more-than-enough for the league to stick around for good. Was The Rock good at football? Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. As of August 2022, the league was looking for additional investors to join the team. With eight teams, rosters that feature former NFL players and college football standouts, and some well-known head coaches, the league will be worth keeping an eye on. After dealing with multiple injuries and a lack of playing time at Miami, he went undrafted in 1995 and did not find another professional contract after his deal with the Stampeders. After his collegiate career came to an end, he declared for the NFL Draft, where he was selected in the fifth-round by the Cincinnati Bengals. What is Dwayne Johnson's favorite sport? AJs decision means a helluva lot to me, personally. WWE boss Vince McMahon nearly two decades later relaunched the league, this time not as a rival to the NFL but as a niche spring football startup. When you think of Dwayne Johnson's football career, think of Kwame Brown's basketball career. I remember thinking, Holy s**t, Im in, he wrote in an Instagram post. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. I'll make it, make money, my parents can move out of their apartment. He compared himself to Warren Sapp who had beat him out of his position in Miami a few years prior and was freshly drafted for a million dollars. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He added that Depp was the biggest star in the world at the time so the fact that Tim even considered me (albeit Im sure he considered for all of seven seconds) sure meant a helluva lot to me as I was just breaking into the business with no idea what the future had in store. He shared that memory in the summer of 2020 while introducing his kids to the original 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film. McMahon poured over $200 million into the league, and early returns were good. In its bankruptcy filing from April, Alpha Entertainment listed the league's assets and liabilities in the range of about $10 million to $50 million. The Super Bowl ends, and ends the season in February, people in that period in the spring, February to May, people would still like to have adult-quality football.. That team will play at Lumen Field. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. In the wrestling world, he was dubbed "The Great One" and "The Peoples Champion" and in the film world, his movies have brought in at least $10 billion worldwide. that relation to the NFL will touch on player development; the NFL doesnt have a G League, RedBirds Gerry Cardinale said at an Axios conference last week. at The rapper is a vocal supporter of the Green Bay Packers and has been since he was a teenager. The actor and former WWE superstar is joined by prominent entrepreneur Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners in the purchase. In 1991, he was on the University of Miami's national championship team. But, with just a little over a minute remaining, McCarron set the Battlehawks up for their game-winning field goal on an eight-play, 50-yard drive. Orgeron told ESPN in 2012 Johnson "could have been an all-conference, perhaps an all-American," if Sapp wasn't ahead of him. "Dewey," as his teammates in college called him, attended the University of Miami from 1991 to 1994 . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. After suffering injuries, he says, I struggled and I got depressed. He played for the Calgary Stampeders but was cut from the team two months later. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The Twitter handle @the_markcast, which airs a podcast on non-NFL football leagues, posted an email from the Sea Dragons showing ticket prices ranging from $20 to $95. Johnson dedicated his Hollywood Critics Associations Trailblazer Award in 2021 to his father, saying, As complicated as our relationship was he was a real trailblazer because what trailblazers do is they change people's behavior. All the logos received modest to significant changes. He is known to most people by his amazing stage name, "The Rock". Johnson has previously shared his support for Macclesfield FC and changing it to the Reds has left fans confused. Career, so he entered the second week of its third season its. 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