2023 DC Defenders season

2023 DC Defenders season
OwnerAlpha Acquico, LLC
General managerReggie Barlow
Head coachReggie Barlow
Home fieldAudi Field
Results
Record9–1
Division place1st XFL North
Playoff finishWon Division Finals (vs. Seattle Sea Dragons) 37–21
Lost XFL Championship (vs. Arlington Renegades) 26–35

The 2023 DC Defenders season was the second season for the DC Defenders as a professional American football franchise. The Defenders played their home games at Audi Field and were led by head coach Reggie Barlow.

At the first home game security staff prevented fans building the "Beer Snake", a signature feature from the 2020 season, and fans started throwing lemons on the field. The league made the proper arrangements for the "Beer Snake" to be allowed during Defenders home games.[1][2]

Earning their first playoff berth and clinching first place in the North Division, the Defenders eliminated the Seattle Sea Dragons in the North Division title game in the playoffs. With the win, the Defenders advanced to the XFL Championship Game where they faced the Arlington Renegades, losing by a score of 26-35.[3][4]

  1. ^ "DC Defenders Beer Snake is Back, With Some Rules Fans Need To Follow".
  2. ^ "The XFL Beer Snake Returns (D.C. Defenders Fans Tradition)".
  3. ^ "DC Defenders Earn Spot in First-Ever XFL Championship". WRC-TV. April 30, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023.
  4. ^ "DC Defenders head to XFL championship game". WUSA (TV). May 1, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2023.