XFSL S1 W4: Josh's Ho-ome Reunion

Week 3 saw plenty of upsets and a couple of league-shifting trades. The Bronx Baboons dealt star cornerback Chaz "Showtime" Michaels to the Santa Monica Sharks in exchange for cornerback Gym Lahey and a 2nd round pick. That by itself is enough news for the week.

In addition to that transaction, following a 12 catch, 164 yard, 1 (game winning) touchdown day, the Bronx Baboons traded former MVP wide receiver Josh Ho to the Portland Phoenix for a 2nd round pick.

While the Baboons appear to be in a rebuilding phase, the Phoenix wants to turn this deal into a comeback season. Josh enters a wide receiver room featuring guys like Buchanan Simons, Don Phan and tight end Andrew Grinnell.

Upon his arrival to Portland, Josh immediately met up with the team. Following the meeting, he was bombarded by reporters, where we received some quotes from the superstar:

Interviewer 1: "How does it feel to be getting ready to play for a city that isn't the Bronx?"

Josh: "It's weird, man. But an exciting weird, ya know? Like, I love the Bronx. They took their shot on me and I repaid them and then some. I'll never forget the memories from that city and that team. But I'm stoked to start my next chapter here in Portland."

Interviewer 2: "What's your take on this Portland team? Do you think you can pull off the unthinkable?"

Josh: "Absolutely without a doubt. We're 1-2 right now but that doesn't concern me. I look at this roster and see nothing but elite potential. Ty White is a great quarterback who has the potential to lead the league in every major category. I'm surrounded by nothing but playmakers who... I must say, kind of remind me of the Baboons offense when I lined up with Brett Miller, Jonathan Walton and Rocco McLovin at tight end, with BoJangles Jackson at running back. Buchanan is a stud, Don Phan is a stud, Andrew Grinnell is a stud and Dawson Banks is a stud. How could you not have the highest of possible expectations when this is your offense?"

Interviewer 3: "Your first game is against those Baboons in the Bronx. How are you planning on facing your current team? Is there any bad blood with any former teammates or the coach who traded you away?"

Josh: "Whoa whoa whoa. First of all, I asked for this trade. It's something I needed to do for my career. Secondly, no. There is not an ounce of bad blood between me and anybody in the Baboons organization.

I have nothing but respect and love for the Baboons.

That being said, I fully expect to head into the Bronx this and come out victorious. That isn't a knock on the Baboons, it's a compliment to the Phoenix. This team is well balanced and this offense will be dangerous.

No, my emotions will play zero part in the Portland Phoenix defeating the Bronx Baboons this week. With all due respect, nobody can stop me.

Interviewer 4: "Last question! It seems like many in the XFSL don't respect your game as much as when this was the PFSL. Have you noticed? And how do you respond?"

Josh: "This is the part where I'm supposed to say 'I don't listen to the haters, I just keep my head down and stay working'. Well the truth is yes, I absolutely have noticed. Has it affected me? Well yes and no.

I understand that the XFSL isn't the PFSL and I get that. However, it was STILL ME who won MVP season 1 with OVER 2,100 YARDS and 151 receptions. If you simply dismiss these numbers and my awards like they never existed then you're an absolute idiot.

I fully acknowledge that guys like Cash Money, Franco Jr., and Schiffer are having awesome seasons and that's great. However, until somebody breaks my records and wins MVP themselves (and I'm physically unable to play), I will remain the best. Many people in the XFSL weren't even here in PFSL to see my historic season. You all can shut your mouths and have a seat at the kids table until you can truly compete with the big boys.

One of the reasons why I said this was a move 'I had to do for me' is simply, that many haters think that it was the Baboons' system that made me look better than I actually am. Well I'm in a new system now. So when I score on your team, hold back your tears until you get back to your locker room.

That's all, thank you."

So as we saw, Josh is currently as passionate as he's ever been. This week's matchup against his former team is going to be one to watch for sure. I for one, however, am looking forward to week 6 where Josh looks to line up across from former teammate and good friend, Chaz "Showtime" Michaels. I think it's safe to say it will be "showtime" every week for the rest of this season, and I can't wait to see how this all shakes out!

This all takes place in the XFSL football simulation league. It's all about players being active, talking some smack and having fun! If this sounds like something that could interest you, join our Discord server and we'll help you out from there!