We’re getting closer to the 2020 NFL season, and as expected we’re starting to see more former XFL players get try outs with NFL franchises. Just yesterday we announced that former St. Louis BattleHawks DB Connor Davis had signed with the New York Jets and earlier today we reported that Jeff Badet and Austin Proehl had tried out with the Chicago Bears.
Now, via Howard Balzer, we’re learning that former Seattle Dragons tight end Donnie Ernsberger tried out with the New Orleans Saints earlier today as well.
Saints tryouts reported: TEs A.J. Derby, Donnie Ernsberger, Ryan O'Malley, Ethan Wolf; WR Jake Lampman.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) August 17, 2020
Ernsberger was drafted by the DC Defenders in the 2020 XFL Supplemental Draft. He signed a contract with the league during a mini-camp in December 2019. Ernsberger didn’t see much time on the field, securing only one reception for 22-yards. You also need to remember, the XFL only played five games before suspending its season due to the coronavirus.
Prior to his time in the XFL Ernsberger played four seasons for the Western Michigan Broncos, playing both fullback and tight end. He was used primarily as a blocker in the Broncos offense his first three seasons and was named a third team All-MAC selection as a junior. As a senior, Ernsberger caught 34 passes for 394 and four touchdowns and was named second team All-MAC and participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
This is exactly what the XFL was made for. For players to prove their worth on the gridiron. This is just another example of many where guys are getting an extra set of eyes on them due to their time in the XFL. So far, we’ve seen 44 former XFL players make the jump to either the CFL or the NFL and we expect that number to go up as we get closer to NFL kickoff.
You can stay up to date with all the latest XFL players making the next step in their career with our XFL to NFL Player Tracker.
Who would you like to see join the NFL this season? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
