History of DC Defenders in Timeline

The DC Defenders are a professional American football team based in Washington, D.C., competing in the United Football League (UFL). Founded by Vince McMahon's Alpha Entertainment and currently owned by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, the Defenders play their home games at Audi Field. They 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 of the DC Defenders.

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 to Team

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

December 3, 2019: Uniforms Revealed

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

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

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

March 8, 2020: Beer Snake Tradition

During the March 8, 2020, game against the St. Louis Battlehawks, Defenders fans created a beer snake out of empty beer containers, spanning several rows.

March 12, 2020: 2020 XFL Season Cancelled

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

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

August 3, 2020: XFL Purchased by Consortium

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 a consortium led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale received court approval.

2020: Founding of Teams

In 2020, the DC Defenders and Arlington/Dallas Renegades were founded in the XFL, marking the beginning of their rivalry. DC leads the overall series 4-2 while the Renegades lead the playoff series 1-0.

2020: XFL Draft

In 2020, the XFL draft took place, where the DC 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 Officially Hired

On April 13, 2022, Reggie Barlow's hire as the new head coach of the DC Defenders was made official.

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

On July 24, 2022, the return of the D.C. franchise was 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: XFL in Talks to Merge with USFL

In September 2023, Axios reported that the XFL was in advanced talks with the USFL to merge the two leagues.

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

On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge.

October 2023: XFL Files 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 Received for Merger

On November 30, 2023, Dany Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL received regulatory approval for their merger.

2023: Lemon Throwing Incident and Beer Snake Guidelines

During the 2023 season opener, Defenders fans threw lemons onto the field after security confiscated beer snake attempts. This led to new guidelines allowing beer snakes at the next home game on March 5.

2023: Upset in XFL Championship Game

In 2023, the Arlington/Dallas Renegades upset DC in the XFL Championship Game, fueling the rivalry between the two teams. DC leads the overall series 4-2 while the Renegades lead the playoff series 1-0.

2023: Rivalry with St. Louis Battlehawks

In 2023, the DC Defenders had a rivalry with the St. Louis Battlehawks, marked by a brawl and ejection of three players during their first meeting. DC leads the overall series 5-3 and leads the playoff series 1-0.

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 to Begin

On March 30, 2024, the combined season of the merged XFL and USFL was scheduled to begin.

2024: United Football League

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

2024: Second-Highest Attendance in the League

In 2024, the Defenders had the second-highest attendance in the UFL, regularly playing to at-capacity or near-capacity crowds at Audi Field.

March 22, 2025: Reggie Barlow Departs, Shannon Harris Takes Over

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