Shortly after being released by the Cleveland Browns in November, a 10-game suspension put Antonio Callaway's future in football in question.
The former Florida wide receiver, however, won't have to wait until next fall -- or even longer -- to get back on the gridiron.
On Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Vipers of the XFL announced that they have added Callaway to their roster via waivers. Founded by WWE CEO and chairman Vince McMahon, the XFL is slated to make its re-debut on Feb. 8 after playing what was previously its only season of existence in 2001 before ceasing operations.
Selected by then-Browns general manager John Dorsey in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Callaway arrived in Cleveland possessing first-round talent, but no shortage of baggage. After tallying 89 receptions for 1,399 yards and 7 touchdowns in his first two seasons at Florida, Callaway was suspended for the 2017 campaign for violating the school's code of conduct policy and was accused in a felony fraud case, in addition to being investigated for sexual assault.
It didn't take long for trouble to find Callaway in Cleveland, either, as he was issued a citation for marijuana possession following a traffic stop during his first training camp with the team
After catching 43 passes for 586 and 5 touchdowns in his rookie season, Callaway's second season with the Browns got off to a rocky start as he was suspended for four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Upon returning to the field in 2019, the Miami native never got back on track and was ultimately cut by Cleveland after showing up late to the team's win over the Buffalo Bills.
In joining the Vipers, Callaway will now be playing for former Browns offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, who will serve as Tampa Bay's head coach. The Vipers will make their XFL debut on Feb. 9, when they face the New York Guardians.