Broncos‘ first game will be against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 10. Therefore, in order to save the unit from last season’s trajectory, the team from Denver held tryouts for several players on Saturday in order to begin preparations for the season. Their new head coach, Sean Payton, was brought onto the team after Nathaniel Hackett’s departure. On Saturday’s second day of the rookie minicamp, Payton thought it would be an incredible idea if he threw shots QB Ben DiNucci.
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Quarterback Ben DiNucci, a former Cowboys draft pick, also showcased his talent in the XFL. His performance got head coach Payton’s attention, which then led to an invitation to Denver. However, things haven’t really started off on a positive note for the talented footballer.
Sean Payton takes a playful shot at QB DiNucci
DiNucci played with America’s Team from 2020 to 2022 before showcasing his heroics in the Dwayne Jackson-backed XFL this spring. His impressive skills earned him a spot on Denver’s roster. However, on the second of his new team’s minicamp, the 26-year-old threw an interception to Drew Sanders, that too in front of $912 Million worth team owner, Greg Penner.
When Payton made an appearance for a media session after the camp, a reporter asked the coach about the interception that was recorded by Sanders. Payton joked about suggesting DiNucci to look for a job at Walmart, in case things don’t work out for him in Denver.
Sean Payton on Drew Sanders pick 6 off DiNucci. #9sports pic.twitter.com/aSwHaO3z5C
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) May 13, 2023
He said, “Unfortunately for Ben DiNucci, it was his first interception, and there was more to that interception if you looked at it,” Payton said. “It was a good play by Sanders, and it was right in front of Greg Penner. I was telling Greg before practice how Ben DiNucci was doing well.”
“I told Ben — I said, ‘You know, he owns Walmart. If it doesn’t work out here, I’m sure there’s a greeting opportunity somewhere at one of his local stores.’ It was a good play by Drew.“
DiNucci’s signing will help XFL in attracting more attention
DiNucci was roped in by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of James Madison University. He served the America’s team as a backup to Dak Prescott and got to play three games, recording 219 yards. Lack of path-breaking performances and dearth of relevant opportunities resulted in Ben getting axed from the Dallas’ roster in 2021.
After an year long break, DiNucci returned to football upon signing a deal with XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons last year. As expected, Ben ended up having a fantastic season for the Dragons, leading the league in passing yards. He passed for 2,671 yards, 20 touchdowns in 10 games.
As a result, he has been able to earn his way back into the NFL. This will definitely push more footballers to make it big in the XFL, ultimately bringing more viewers to the league which was once shut down to low popularity.
