Former Washington Commander Dejuan Neal hopes to bring a championship back to D.C. in XFL

Former Washington Commanders defensive back and current D.C. Defender Dejuan Neal is no stranger to the District Of Columbia. The Maryland native has returned close to home but this time with the XFL.

Dejuan Neal is no stranger to the DMV area. Last season, the Maryland native and current D.C. Defender spent training camp with the Washington Commanders.

Making an NFL roster isn’t an easy task, just look at some of the current players on XFL rosters. The XFL is loaded with former NFL talent like Josh Gordon, and Martavis Bryant, amongst others hoping for another chance at redemption.

The last time a professional football team brought a championship to D.C. was 1992 when the Washington won the Super Bowl. That could all change this season with the start of the XFL and the D.C. Defenders.

XFL fans and football fans abroad: Meet Dejuan Neal of the D.C. Defenders.

Omaryan: First off good luck this upcoming season with the D.C. Defenders. My first question is for the youth. What is something that you have learned on your journey that could be beneficial to someone coming from our area?

Dejuan: Appreciate the love my guy. I’ve learned a lot on this journey. One thing that I would tell the youth is to understand the business side of things and to understand that you are your own business.

O: I know we’ve talked about this question before but since he just won Super Bowl MVP what was it like to play on the opposite side against Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes?

Dejuan: Seeing Mahomes in real time was a great experience. It’s no surprise that he was the MVP. He makes plays others simply can’t which is a reason he’s one of the greatest of all time.

O: What was your biggest takeaway from your time with the Commanders?

Dejuan: My time with the Commanders made me a better pro. I pick up on things quickly so the four weeks that I was there gave me a lot of experience that will help my game.

O: What are your personal and team goals for this upcoming season with the Defenders.

Dejuan: We need a championship! And you know our secondary will go down as the best in the XFL.

O: In my opinion playing defensive back is the toughest position on the field, would you agree?

Dejuan: Most definitely. We cover wide receivers going backwards while they go forward. We must go backwards to go forwards as defensive backs which isn’t natural. Hard as hell to do, but when your technique is executed it’s a beautiful art form. Which is why I love playing the position.

O: My last question revolves around music. Name a musical artist that you play before the game to get into game mode?

Dejuan: Lil Baby and Kodak.

We would like to thank Dejuan for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview and wish him and the Defenders good luck this season.