Quarterback was the star of the XFL
Roughnecks fan favorite P.J. Walker to join Carolina Panthers
Mar 23, 2020, 11:51 am
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The XFL season ended too soon because of the Covid-19 scare, but Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker made enough of an impression to get another shot at the NFL.
Walker, who led Houston to a 5-0 record and was the clear front-runner for MVP, will rejoin his old college coach, Matt Ruhle, with the Carolina Panthers.
Instant XFL star
Walker was the clear QB star of the XFL, throwing for 1,338 yards and 15 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions. His escapability in the pocket and ability to contribute to the running game thanks to his mobility made him a terrific fit for June Jones' offense. Walker connected with WR Cam Phillips for nine of his 15 touchdowns. He completed 64.7 percent of his passes and added in 99 rushing yards on 24 carries, second on the team.
Walker quickly became a Roughnecks fan favorite and the face of the first-year league.
With the Panthers
Walker, whose prior NFL experience was a stint on the practice squad in Indianapolis, will join a crowded quarterback room in Carolina. The Panthers added for Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater in free agency, and have yet to decide what to do with Cam Newton. Kyle Allen, who started 12 games last year, returns on a one-year deal, and Will Grier was drafted in the third round last year. UPDATE: Allen was traded to the Redskins after this was initially published.
Regardless, Walker will take his skills to the NFL.
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Travis Scott will be in the swing of things this month (sorry). That’s when the third annual Cactus Jack Foundation Softball Classic and Home Run Derby happens, over at Daikin Park on Wednesday, February 13.
Yes, La Flame is once again doing his version of MTV’s Rock N’ Jock Softball Challenge (Gen Z, ask your parents!), rounding up celebrities and sports icons for a softball free-for-all for a good cause. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to HBCU seniors for final tuition fees and allows those students to graduate and receive their college diplomas. Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation and the Webster Family will also host a HBCU Student Scholar Ceremony, in honor of Scott’s late grandfather Waymon Webster and his family’s multigenerational HBCU lineage.
Last year, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took the MVP Award from the Classic, while veteran second baseman Robinson Canó beat out power-hitting royalty Jose Canseco to win the Home Run Derby. Stroud, Canó, and Canseco will be back this year, along with fellow baseball legends Barry Bonds, Reggie Jackson, Jeff Bagwell, Manny Ramirez, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Howard.
A big guest list of stars are scheduled to appear. We’re talking Scott, Teyana Taylor, Metro Boomin, Ne-Yo, Scarface, Amber Rose, Sydney Thomas, Emmitt Smith, Warren Moon, Terrell Owens, Carl Lewis, Michael Vick, Jalen Ramsey, Johnny Manziel, and many more.
The three-day, in-stadium event (the Cactus Jack Foundation Community Action Week, featuring community-based events around Houston, will kick things off on Tuesday, February 11) will also feature exclusive Cactus Jack merchandise, giveaways, autographed memorabilia, prizes, and raffles, along with the Second Annual Cactus Jack Social Impact Village. This interactive hub will host over 20 community and civic organizations, offering on-site resources for event guests. Additionally, the village will include a silent auction with music and sports memorabilia.
Gates will open at 5:30 pm, with the Home Run Derby set for 7 pm and the Celebrity Softball Classic will begin at 7:30 pm. For tickets, go here.