NFL: Dallas Inks A Pair of XFL Players

By Matt Allen Fanstop.com Columnist

The mass exodus of XFL players into the NFL continued Tuesday. However, this was a bit different. On Tuesday, two of the best players from America’s most hated league signed with America’s team as wide receiver Jermaine Copeland and running back John Avery both inked with the Dallas Cowboys. Terms of either deal were not disclosed.

Both players were first team XFL selections and Dallas team sources tell Fanstop.com that both will go into camp high on the team’s depth chart. Avery, who has played with the Miami Dolphins, played at Mississippi. Team sources said that he would go into camp as the probable backup to Emmitt Smith. Copeland, who has played with the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Rams, played his college football at Tennessee, where he won a National Championship. Team sources state he could win the team’s third wide receiver job.

Avery was perhaps the most dynamic player in the XFL this season, playing for the Chicago Enforcers. He rushed for 800 yards in the 10 game season, which was good enough to lead the league in rushing. His 150 carries and 5.3 per carry average also led the league. His 5 rushing touchdowns marked him third in the league. He scored 42 points on those 5 rushing scores and 2 more receiving scores that was good enough for second in the league.

Copeland was the lead target for XFL Player of the year Tommy Maddox. Copeland also helped lead the Los Angeles X-treme to the inaugural league championship. Copeland led the league in receptions with 67. He was third in the league in receiving yards (755) and tied for fourth in the league in receiving touchdowns (5). His 30 points place tied for eighth in the XFL.

Both players are considered small by NFL standards. Avery is just 5’9”, 190 pounds; while Copeland clocks in at just 6’1”, 200 pounds. However, Dallas team officials said that did not enter the picture when signing them was discussed. They said both proved their football worth during the XFL season and they feel both are valuable editions to their team.

Perhaps we are seeing the one redeeming quality that the XFL possessed… good football players. At least, the Cowboys believe it’s that way.

Article provided courtesy of Fanstop.com