On Saturday, the Denver Broncos held tryouts for several players. One of them was XFL passing leader, and former Dallas Cowboys draft pick, Ben DiNucci.
He did enough in the XFL to get Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s attention and earn an invite to Denver.
DiNucci, who spent time with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-2022 before starring in the XFL this spring, had a pass during Saturday’s practice was intercepted by linebacker Drew Sanders, who was a third-round pick in April.
Following practice, Payton spoke to reporters about that interception while revealing a hilarious comment he made to DiNucci.
“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 good play by Sanders and it was right in front of Greg Penner. I was telling Greg before practice how this 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 good play by Drew.”
The 26-year-old’s talent agency, JL Sports, announced on Sunday that he has agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos.
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DiNucci started his professional career after being taken by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of James Madison University. He is mostly remembered by Cowboys fans in 2020 for playing after Dak Prescott suffered a devastating ankle injury and Andy Dalton had a concussion.
DiNucci made his first NFL career start against the Philadelphia Eagles where he passed for 180 yards and fumbled twice as Dallas lost that game 23-9.
With the return of the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson-backed XFL, DiNucci entered that league’s draft in November 2022 and was selected by the Seattle Sea Dragons. He found success when he led Seattle to a 7-3 record in 10 starts. He threw for over 2,600 yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
