Tommy Maddox, wearing jersey number 8, was the star quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme during the original XFL season in 2001. His performance that year was nothing short of legendary—he led the Xtreme to a 7–3 record, topping the XFL’s West Division, and ultimately winning the league championship.

🏈 Maddox’s XFL Highlights

• Team: Los Angeles Xtreme

• Position: Quarterback

• Stats: Threw for 2,186 yards, leading the league in passing

• Awards: Named XFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2001

• Championship: Guided the Xtreme to victory in the Million Dollar Game, the XFL’s title match

🛣️ Career Journey

Before his XFL breakout, Maddox had a winding NFL career with teams like the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and New York Giants. After his MVP season in the XFL, he made a remarkable return to the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2002 and eventually becoming a Super Bowl champion with the team.

Tommy Maddox is often remembered as the face of the original XFL—a player who revived his career and helped legitimize the league’s brief but memorable run. Want help crafting a tribute post or sports bio around him? I’ve got the playbook ready.

Here’s an SEO-friendly draft for “Tommy Maddox #8 Los Angeles Xtreme Football” that ties together his career, jersey, and team history:

Tommy Maddox #8 – Los Angeles Xtreme Football Legacy

When fans think of the short-lived but unforgettable first run of the XFL (2001), one name stands out: Tommy Maddox, quarterback of the Los Angeles Xtreme. Wearing the iconic #8 jersey, Maddox led the Xtreme to the league’s first and only championship, cementing his place in alternative football history.

Tommy Maddox Before the XFL

Tommy Maddox was no stranger to football success before joining the XFL. A former UCLA Bruins star and first-round NFL draft pick, Maddox’s pro career began with the Denver Broncos in 1992. After bouncing around the NFL and even playing in the Arena Football League, he found new life in the XFL.

Los Angeles Xtreme – The XFL’s First Champions

The Los Angeles Xtreme became the premier team of the 2001 XFL season. With Maddox at quarterback, the team posted an 8-2 record and stormed through the playoffs, eventually winning the league’s championship game, known as the “Million Dollar Game.”

Key Highlights of Maddox’s Season

• League MVP (2001)

• Passed for over 2,100 yards in just 10 games

• Led the Xtreme to a 38–6 victory in the title game over the San Francisco Demons

The Significance of Jersey #8

Throughout his football journey, Maddox’s #8 jersey became symbolic of resilience and second chances. For Los Angeles Xtreme fans, that number represents the only championship in the team’s history and one of the most memorable moments in spring football.

After the XFL – Maddox’s NFL Comeback

Maddox’s XFL success led to a surprising NFL return. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won the 2002 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award and briefly became their starting quarterback, proving that the XFL could revive careers.

SEO Value in This Connection

• Keywords: Tommy Maddox #8, Los Angeles Xtreme football, XFL champions, Million Dollar Game.

• Search Interest: Football fans look up Maddox’s unique journey from NFL to XFL and back again.

• Historical Legacy: As the only XFL MVP from the league’s original run, Maddox’s story continues to attract interest.

Conclusion

Tommy Maddox and the Los Angeles Xtreme remain iconic symbols of the original XFL’s impact. Wearing #8, Maddox became the face of the league, the first and only XFL champion quarterback of its 2001 run, and an athlete who proved that football careers can take unexpected — and successful — turns.

👉 Do you want me to also create a mock-up Los Angeles Xtreme #8 Tommy Maddox jersey (front and back) for visual SEO and fan content?

Tommy Maddox was the quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme in the XFL's original 2001 season. He wore number 8 for the team. Maddox played a key role in leading the Los Angeles Xtreme to win the XFL championship that year. This was a notable chapter in Maddox's football career, which included time in the NFL as well. The Los Angeles Xtreme was one of the prominent teams in the XFL, and Maddox’s performance there helped revive his professional football career.all-xfl+3

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Maddox

2. https://www.all-xfl.com/losangelesxtreme/team/roster/TommyMaddox.htm

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Xtreme

4. https://profootballarchives.com/players/m/madd01200.html

5. https://www.nfl.com/players/tommy-maddox/stats/career

6. https://deadfootball.com/archive/xfl/los-angeles-xtreme/stats/2001

7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VBka8VTLFc

8. https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-players/history-of-tommy-maddox/

9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHUHiS6ipjM

10. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/279/tommy-maddox

Of course. This is a fantastic deep-cut into football history. Here’s a detailed look at **Tommy Maddox** and the **Los Angeles Xtreme** of the original XFL.

### **Tommy Maddox: Quarterback for the LA Xtreme**

**Tommy Maddox** had a fascinating career arc. A former first-round NFL draft pick by the Denver Broncos, he was once considered the potential successor to John Elway. However, his NFL career fizzled, and by 2001, he was looking for an opportunity to revive it. That opportunity came from the most unlikely of places: **Vince McMahon's XFL**.

* **Team:** **Los Angeles Xtreme**

* **Position:** Quarterback

* **Jersey Number:** **8**

---

### **The Los Angeles Xtreme**

The Xtreme was one of the eight inaugural teams in the **XFL**, a professional football league founded by **Vince McMahon** of WWE and **NBC**.

* **Season:** 2001 (The league only lasted one season)

* **Stadium:** They played their home games at the **Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum**.

* **Head Coach:** Al Luginbill

* **Success:** Despite the league's overall failure, the LA Xtreme were its most successful team, finishing with a **7-3 record** and winning the **Million Dollar Championship Game** (the XFL's version of the Super Bowl).

---

### **The "Million Dollar Arm" and XFL MVP**

Tommy Maddox wasn't just the Xtreme's QB; he was the **star of the entire league**.

* **League Leader:** Maddox led the XFL in nearly every major passing category: passing yards (2,186), touchdowns (18), and completions (207).

* **Championship Victory:** He led the Xtreme to a 38-6 victory over the San Francisco Demons in the **Million Dollar Championship Game** at the end of the season.

* **League MVP:** For his performance, Maddox was named the **first and only XFL Most Valuable Player**.

His success in the XFL, under the bright lights of Los Angeles, was the catalyst for his remarkable **NFL comeback**.

### **The NFL Comeback Story**

Maddox's MVP season in the XFL proved he could still play quarterback at a high level.

* He signed with the **Pittsburgh Steelers** as a backup to Kordell Stewart in 2001.

* In 2002, he took over as the starting quarterback, leading the Steelers to a 10-5-1 record and an AFC North division title.

* For his efforts, he was named the **NFL Comeback Player of the Year** in 2002.

His journey from first-round bust to XFL star to NFL starting quarterback is one of the most unique and successful comeback stories in professional sports history.

---

### **Mock-Up: Tommy Maddox LA Xtreme Jersey**

The XFL was known for its edgy, unconventional uniforms. The Xtreme's look was pure early-2000s design.

**Front of the Jersey:**

```

XTREME

8

```

* **Colors:** **Black, Silver, and Red**. The jersey was primarily black.

* **Design:** The word "**XTREME**" was written in a jagged, aggressive, silver font outlined in red. The number **8** was large and centered below.

* **Style:** The jerseys featured side panels and a modern (for 2001) template that was a radical departure from traditional NFL designs.

**Back of the Jersey:**

```

MADDOX

8

```

* The name "**MADDOX**" was arched above the number **8** in the same jagged font.

In short, **Tommy Maddox's #8 Los Angeles Xtreme jersey** represents a brief but electrifying chapter in football history. It symbolizes both the ambitious failure of the original XFL and the launchpad for one of the sport's most unexpected and celebrated career resurgences.

# Tommy Maddox #8: MVP Quarterback of the Los Angeles Xtreme in the XFL

Tommy Maddox, donning jersey number 8, electrified the inaugural 2001 XFL season as the star quarterback for the Los Angeles Xtreme. This gritty, high-scoring team from the City of Angels captured the imagination of football fans with Maddox's precise passing, leadership, and flair for dramatic comebacks. As the league's MVP, Maddox guided the Xtreme to the Western Division title and a berth in the XFL Championship—the "Million Dollar Game"—cementing his legacy in alternative football history. For searches like "Tommy Maddox 8 Los Angeles Xtreme Football," his story blends underdog triumph, raw athleticism, and a bridge to NFL glory.

## Early Days and Arrival with the Los Angeles Xtreme

Tommy Maddox, a former UCLA standout and NFL journeyman, joined the Los Angeles Xtreme after stints in the NFL and Arena Football League. Selected in the 2000 XFL territorial draft, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound signal-caller brought veteran poise to a league known for its hard-hitting, no-holds-barred style. At 29 years old, Maddox was hungry for redemption after early career setbacks, and the Xtreme provided the perfect platform under coach Jim Fassel. Playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Xtreme embodied LA's bold energy, with Maddox quickly establishing himself as the offensive engine in a league that prized entertainment alongside competition.

From Week 1, Maddox showcased his arm strength and decision-making, starting all 10 regular-season games—the only quarterback in the XFL to do so. His arrival revitalized a fanbase eager for pro football in Southern California, drawing crowds with explosive plays and the league's signature camera angles.

## Key Performances and Highlights with the Xtreme

Maddox's season was a highlight reel of clutch moments. In a Week 5 thriller against the San Francisco Demons, he threw for over 300 yards, orchestrating a comeback win that solidified the Xtreme's divisional lead. His poise under pressure shone in the playoffs, where he led a 38-27 divisional victory over the Demons, advancing to the championship. Though the Xtreme fell 38-33 to the Chicago Enforcers in the Million Dollar Game, Maddox's performance—nearly 400 passing yards and multiple scores—earned him the game's MVP nod in the eyes of many fans.

Voted the XFL's Player of the Year by a panel of coaches and media, Maddox led the league in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns, blending pocket presence with the mobility needed for the XFL's fast-paced rules. Teammates like wide receiver Rod Smart (known for "He Hate Me") thrived on his accurate throws, making the Xtreme one of the league's most entertaining offenses.

### Stats and Achievements with the Los Angeles Xtreme

Here's a snapshot of Tommy Maddox's dominant 2001 XFL season stats and accolades:

| Category | Stat/Value | League Rank/Notes |

|-----------------------|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------|

| Games Started | 10 (All Regular Season) | Only QB to start every game |

| Passing Yards | 2,186 | League Leader |

| Completions/Attempts | 196/342 (57.3%) | League Leader in Completions |

| Touchdown Passes | 18 | League Leader |

| Key Awards | XFL Player of the Year | Selected by XFL panel |

| Postseason | Led to Million Dollar Game | Western Division Champions |

These numbers underscore Maddox's command of the Xtreme's no-huddle offense, propelling the team to a 7-3 regular-season record.

## Transition to the NFL and Beyond

The XFL spotlight reignited Maddox's career, leading to a signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. He became the starter in 2002, guiding the team to a 10-6 record and playoff berth before handing the reins to rookie Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Maddox's journey—from XFL hero to Super Bowl champion (as a backup in Super Bowl XL)—remains an inspiring tale of perseverance. Post-retirement, he founded the Tommy Maddox Foundation to support disadvantaged youth, channeling his experiences into community impact.

## Why Tommy Maddox's Xtreme Legacy Endures

For fans querying "Tommy Maddox 8 Los Angeles Xtreme Football," his #8 jersey symbolizes the XFL's short-lived but vibrant spirit—a league that launched careers amid controversy. The Xtreme's championship run and Maddox's MVP honors keep his story relevant, especially with the XFL's 2020 revival sparking nostalgia. Vintage jerseys and highlights circulate among collectors, preserving LA's alternative football chapter.

If optimizing for SEO, target keywords like "Tommy Maddox XFL stats," "Los Angeles Xtreme quarterback," and "XFL Million Dollar Game" to attract traffic. For more, visit his Wikipedia page or XFL archives.