As we get closer to NFL kickoff, we’ve seen more and more former XFL players get try outs and signed by NFL franchises. Today is no different. The Cleveland Browns have just announced they have signed former Tampa Bay Vipers DT Ricky Walker.
We've signed DT Ricky Walker
Details » https://t.co/QKgTHfSn0B pic.twitter.com/pi6X0USTPE
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 22, 2020
The 6-foot-2 and 301-pound Walker was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2018 after leading the Hokies with 10.5 tackles for loss while playing part of the season with a foot injury.
Walker was originally signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech but did not make the final roster.
He’s probably best known for becoming the first player to be ejected from an XFL game.
In the second quarter of the the Tampa Bay Vipers week 1 match-up against the New York Guardians at MetLife Stadium, Walker was engaged with Guardians center Ian Silberman after a play with 2:38 seconds left in the half. Walker then clearly swung with his right hand and struck Silberman’s helmet. There had been a neutral-zone infraction penalty on the Vipers, but that was declined in favor of the personal foul against Walker.
The officiating staff then ejected him from the game.
This is just another example of why the XFL worked. As we mentioned above, we expect to see many more former XFL players make the move to the NFL as we get closer to kickoff. You can stay up to date with all the latest transactions with our XFL to NFL Player Tracker.
What players would you like to see join the NFL? Which players would you like to see come back when the XFL returns? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
