History of DC Defenders in Timeline
The DC Defenders are a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C., competing in the UFL's XFL Conference. Originally founded by Vince McMahon's Alpha Entertainment and now owned by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, they play their home games at Audi Field. In 2023, they dominated the XFL with a 9-1 record, showcasing their strong performance by outscoring their competitors significantly.
5 hours ago : Defenders vs. Renegades: UFL Week 8 Live Updates, Odds, and Preview
UFL Week 8 features a matchup between the DC Defenders and the Arlington Renegades. Live updates, odds, picks, and a game preview are available. This is a key game for both teams.
1985: Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars moved to Maryland
In 1985, the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars moved from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to College Park, Maryland, winning 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 DC Defenders' first head coach and general manager.
August 21, 2019: Team Name and Logo Revealed
On August 21, 2019, the team name and logo for the DC Defenders were revealed.
October 15, 2019: Cardale Jones Assigned as First Player
On October 15, 2019, former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones was assigned as the Defenders' first player in team history.
December 3, 2019: Uniforms Revealed
On December 3, 2019, the uniforms for the DC Defenders were revealed.
February 8, 2020: First Game Win
On February 8, 2020, the Defenders won the first game in modern XFL history, defeating the Seattle Dragons 31-19.
February 15, 2020: First Shutout in Modern XFL History
On February 15, 2020, the Defenders achieved the first shutout in modern XFL history, beating the New York Guardians 27-0.
March 8, 2020: Beer Snakes Tradition
During the March 8, 2020 game against the St. Louis Battlehawks, Defenders fans assembled beer snakes out of empty beer containers, with even Commissioner Oliver Luck contributing.
March 12, 2020: 2020 XFL Season Cancelled
On March 12, 2020, the XFL announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 10, 2020: XFL Suspends Operations
On April 10, 2020, the XFL suspended operations and terminated all employees, players, and staff.
August 3, 2020: Dwayne 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 Receives Court Approval
On August 7, 2020, the purchase of the XFL by Dwayne Johnson's consortium received court approval.
2020: XFL Draft
In 2020, the XFL Draft took place, and the Defenders selected wide receiver Rashard Davis with the first overall pick.
March 2022: Reggie Barlow to become Head Coach
In March 2022, it was reported that Reggie Barlow would become the new head coach of the D.C. XFL franchise.
April 13, 2022: Reggie Barlow Hired as Head Coach
On April 13, 2022, Reggie Barlow was officially hired as the new head coach of the D.C. XFL franchise.
July 24, 2022: Return of D.C. Franchise Confirmed
On July 24, 2022, the return of the D.C. franchise was officially confirmed.
October 31, 2022: Defenders Name and New Logo Returning
On October 31, 2022, the XFL announced that the Defenders name would be returning, along with a brand new logo.
September 2023: Advanced Merger Talks
In September 2023, Axios reported that the XFL and USFL were in advanced talks to merge.
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.
October 2023: Trademark Application for United Football League
In October 2023, the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League".
November 30, 2023: Merger Receives Regulatory Approval
On November 30, 2023, Dany Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL merger had received regulatory approval, with plans for a "combined season" to begin March 30, 2024.
2023: Rivalry with St. Louis Battlehawks
In 2023, a rivalry developed between the DC Defenders and the St. Louis Battlehawks, marked by ejections in their first meeting and called the "first XFL rivalry" by Battlehawks' quarterback A. J. McCarron.
2023: Top Team in the XFL
In 2023, the DC Defenders were the top team in the XFL league, with a 9-1 record and a point differential of 49 points more than the St. Louis Battlehawks.
2023: Lemon Throwing Incident and Beer Snake Guidelines
In the 2023 season opener, fans threw lemons onto the field after security confiscated beer snake attempts, leading to new guidelines allowing beer snakes at the next home game on March 5.
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
On March 30, 2024, the combined season of the XFL and USFL is set to begin.
2024: Second-Highest Attendance in the UFL
As of 2024, the Defenders have the second-highest attendance in the UFL, regularly playing to at-capacity or near-capacity crowds at Audi Field.
2024: United Football League
In 2024, the DC Defenders are competing in the United Football League (UFL).
March 22, 2025: Head Coach Departs
On March 22, 2025, head coach Reggie Barlow departed the Defenders, and QB coach Shannon Harris was named Interim Head Coach for the 2025 season.
May 14, 2025: Roster Updated
On May 14, 2025, the DC Defenders' roster was updated.
May 17, 2025: Regular Season
As of May 17, 2025, it's the regular season for the DC Defenders.
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