Friday Flashback: Los Angeles Xtreme

As we enter the home stretch of the current XFL season, today we take a look back to the last team to win the XFL championship.  That team was the Los Angeles Xtreme.

The Xtreme was one of the eight teams in the first version of the XFL which played in the spring of 2001.  The league was a joint venture between the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and NBC. 

The team played their home games at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.  The team ranked fourth in attendance averaging 22,679 per game.

The Xtreme finished the season with a 7-3 record and first place in the Western Division.  They defeated the Chicago Enforcers in the semifinals and the San Francisco Demons 38-6 in the championship game.

Al Luginbill was the head coach.  He had coached for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe from 1995-2000 before coaching the Xtreme. 

The Xtreme had some impressive talent on its roster during its short-lived existence, including former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams who signed with them after being released by New Orleans Saints before joining Miami Dolphins; quarterback Tommy Maddox who went on have success with Pittsburgh Steelers; defensive end Kenechi Udeze who later joined Minnesota Vikings; wide receiver Mike Furrey who became a Pro Bowler while playing for Detroit Lions; safety Tony Parrish also enjoyed success post-XFL when he joined San Francisco 49ers among others.

Maddox was the key to the success of the Xtreme.  He led the league in passing with 18 touchdowns and passing for 2,186 yards.  

The Xtreme did not return in any of the other editions of the XFL but are the only champions since the 2020 XFL cancelled the season due to COVID-19.  

2001 Xtreme Regular Season Results: