Ben DiNucci Evokes Patrick Mahomes on XFL TD Pass to Josh Gordon

The 2023 XFL season kicked off over the weekend, and some familiar faces took the field in the rebooted football league.

Ben DiNucci was drafted by the Cowboys out of James Madison University in 2020 and rode the bench until the team waived him ahead of the ’22 season—leading to him sign with the Seattle Sea Dragons. The XFL may have been the best thing to ever happen to the signal-caller, and it appears he has been in the lab working on his game. 

On Sunday night, DiNucci served up a highlight-quality touchdown pass to former NFL standout Josh Gordon during the Sea Dragons’ game against the D.C. Defenders.

DiNucci evoked Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes during the first quarter when he escaped the pocket and rolled to his left only to flip the ball to Gordon in the corner of the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown. 

A flick might be a more accurate description of the backyard football play in what was an incredible move from the 26-year-old. And yes, it’s that Josh Gordon. Once an All-Pro wideout with the Browns, several violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy derailed his career.

DiNucci finished with 282 yards on 35-of-54 passing with one touchdown and two interceptions, while Gordon hauled in six catches for 74 yards and one score in the eventual 22–18 loss to the Defenders.