Unlikely hero helps lead Renegades to XFL title

Arlington Renegades running back Leddie Brown. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Unlikely hero helps lead Renegades over Defenders for XFL title

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/13/23

The Arlington Renegades upset the D.C. Defenders to win the 2023 XFL Championship Game, 35-26, powered by an unlikely performance from running back Leddie Brown.

After failing to tally a touchdown throughout the XFL season, Brown became the first player in the league to record both a rushing and receiving score in the Renegades' title victory Saturday night.

With Arlington holding a slim 20-12 lead in the second half, Brown scored twice in the third quarter, helping the Renegades pull away.

First, Brown capped off a 12-play, 71-yard Arlington drive with a seven-yard rushing touchdown. Then, a possession later, quarterback Luis Perez connected with Brown on a 30-yard touchdown pass on the quarter's final play.

#Renegades march right back down the field for a touchdown of their own to start Q3 with Leddie Brown’s seven-yard rush.#ARLvsDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/Ggf5wRK8tx
— XFL Center (@XFLCenter) May 14, 2023

30-yard catch-and-run into the endzone from Leddie Brown and the #Renegades' lead is up to 12 points!#ARLvsDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/Z4hKEFHs3l
— XFL Center (@XFLCenter) May 14, 2023

After four years at West Virginia, Brown went undrafted in 2022, ultimately signing with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent.

Released four months later by the Chargers, Brown was selected in the XFL Draft by the St. Louis Battlehawks. After being cut again, Brown joined the Renegades during Week 5 of the regular season.

"Playing in the XFL has been really fun," Brown told Ryan Decker of Gold and Blue Nation earlier this year. "A lot of people ask me that, the difference between the NFL and the XFL. I just tell them the XFL is a little bit funner."

Following the Renegades' upset run to the XFL title, it's hard to argue with Brown.

While Brown's outing was crucial to the Renegade's victory, Perez's big game under center earned him MVP honors. Traded to the Renegades midseason, Perez finished the night 26-of-36 for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

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