Tampa Bay Vipers getting set for liftoff in Houston

Eight teams are preparing for the NFL Divisional Round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization continues formulating their plan of attack for the 2020 off-season.

In Houston, the Tampa Bay Vipers are getting set to kickoff their first season as an inaugural member of the re-established XFL.

All eight XFL teams are in the Houston area conducting their camps as well as attending league meetings and scrimmages.

Head coach and general manager of the Vipers, Marc Trestman, commented on the difference between this camp and the one held in December by saying,

“We had a great camp in our OTA’s through December. We got to know our players a little better. We got a chance to get a lot of our football in all three phases and we had a great time doing it...We’re back to work, looking forward to putting on some pads this week and getting to find out a little bit more about ourselves.”

The NFL has been celebrating their 100th year in existence, and while the XFL is a solid century behind in establishing their own legacy, these players understand the possibilities ahead of them. One such player, Quinton Flowers, said,

“...we want to start our own legacy. Everybody is ready to come back and go to work. With guys ready to buy in and ready to come in and work, that’s a good thing.”

The Vipers will make their cuts in late January and open their season on February 9th at MetLife Stadium against the New York Guardians.

Their home opener will come on February 22nd at Raymond James Stadium with the Houston Roughnecks coming in for a 2 PM kickoff. Both games, and every other game, will air on national television broadcasts on ABC and FOX Networks.