History of DC Defenders in Timeline

The DC Defenders are a professional American football team located in Washington, D.C. They compete in the United Football League (UFL). Initially founded by Vince McMahon's Alpha Entertainment, the team is now owned by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation. Their home venue is Audi Field. Notably, the DC Defenders won the UFL championship in 2025.

1985: Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars Win USFL Championship

In 1985, the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars moved to Byrd Stadium in College Park, Maryland, and won the USFL's final championship.

December 5, 2018: Washington, D.C. Announced as XFL City

On December 5, 2018, Washington, D.C., was announced as one of eight cities to join the newly reformed XFL.

February 21, 2019: Pep Hamilton Hired as Head Coach and General Manager

On February 21, 2019, Pep Hamilton was hired as the first head coach and general manager for the DC Defenders.

August 21, 2019: Team Name and Logo Revealed

On August 21, 2019, the DC Defenders team name and logo were revealed.

October 15, 2019: Cardale Jones Assigned to the Defenders

On October 15, 2019, former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones was announced as the first player in DC Defenders team history.

December 3, 2019: Uniforms Revealed

On December 3, 2019, the DC Defenders uniforms were revealed.

February 8, 2020: Defenders Win First Game in Modern XFL History

On February 8, 2020, the DC Defenders won the first game in modern XFL history, defeating the Seattle Dragons 31–19.

February 15, 2020: Defenders Achieve First Shutout in Modern XFL History

On February 15, 2020, the DC Defenders beat the New York Guardians 27–0, achieving the first shutout in modern XFL history.

March 8, 2020: Beer Snake Tradition at Game vs St. Louis Battlehawks

During the March 8, 2020 game against the St. Louis Battlehawks, DC Defenders fans continued the tradition of creating a beer snake out of empty beer containers. The snake ended up spanning several rows and included a contribution from then-Commissioner Oliver Luck.

March 12, 2020: 2020 XFL Season Cancelled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 12, 2020, the XFL announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 XFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 10, 2020: XFL Suspends Operations and Terminates Employees

On April 10, 2020, the XFL suspended operations and terminated all employees, players, and staff.

August 3, 2020: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Consortium Purchases XFL

On August 3, 2020, a consortium led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale purchased the XFL for $15 million.

August 7, 2020: Purchase of XFL Receives Court Approval

On August 7, 2020, the purchase of the XFL by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's consortium received court approval.

2020: Founding of the Defenders

In 2020, the DC Defenders and the Arlington/Dallas Renegades were founded in the 2020 iteration of the XFL.

2020: XFL Draft

In 2020, the XFL draft took place, and the DC Defenders selected wide receiver Rashard Davis with the first overall pick.

March 2022: Reggie Barlow to Become New Head Coach

In March 2022, it was reported that Reggie Barlow would become the new head coach of the DC Defenders XFL franchise.

April 13, 2022: Reggie Barlow Officially Hired as Head Coach

On April 13, 2022, Reggie Barlow was officially hired as the head coach of the DC Defenders.

July 24, 2022: Return of the D.C. Franchise

On July 24, 2022, it was announced the return of the D.C. franchise.

October 31, 2022: Defenders Name and New Logo Returning

On October 31, 2022, the XFL announced that the Defenders name would be returning with a new logo.

September 2023: XFL in advanced merger talks with USFL

In September 2023, it was reported that the XFL was in advanced talks with the USFL to merge the two leagues prior to the start of their 2024 seasons.

September 28, 2023: XFL and USFL Announce Intent to Merge

On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge, with details to be announced later and subject to regulatory approval.

October 2023: XFL Filed Trademark Application for "United Football League"

In October 2023, the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League".

November 30, 2023: Regulatory Approval for Merger Received

On November 30, 2023, Dany Garcia announced the XFL and USFL leagues had received regulatory approval for their merger and were finalizing plans for a "combined season" to begin March 30, 2024.

2023: Brawl Erupts During Game Against Battlehawks

At the end of their first meeting of the 2023 season, a brawl broke out between the DC Defenders and the St. Louis Battlehawks, leading to three player ejections.

2023: Renegades Upset DC in XFL Championship Game

In 2023, the Arlington/Dallas Renegades upset the DC Defenders in the XFL Championship Game.

2023: Fans Throw Lemons Onto Field

In the 2023 season opener against the Seattle Sea Dragons, DC Defenders fans threw lemons onto the field after stadium security personnel confiscated several attempts at making a beer snake, delaying the game for a few minutes.

December 31, 2023: Merger Made Official

On December 31, 2023, the merger between the XFL and USFL was made official.

March 30, 2024: Combined season began

On March 30, 2024, the first combined season began.

2024: Second-Highest Attendance in the League

As of 2024, despite playing in the UFL's smallest stadium by capacity, the DC Defenders have the second-highest attendance in the league, regularly playing to at-capacity or near-capacity crowds at Audi Field.

2024: DC Defenders participate in United Football League

In 2024, the DC Defenders joined the United Football League (UFL).

March 22, 2025: Reggie Barlow Departs Defenders

On March 22, 2025, head coach Reggie Barlow departed the DC Defenders, and quarterback coach Shannon Harris took over in an interim role for the 2025 season.