The Houston Roughnecks are enduring a challenging season following the merger of the XFL and USFL into a unified spring football league.
During their latest game at TDECU Stadium, the Roughnecks faced off against the Michigan Panthers, a formidable opponent as the second-seeded team in the USFL Conference.
The matchup was intense and closely contested, but the Roughnecks fell short, losing 26-22 in what was their final home game of the 2024 season.
Amid the intense gameplay, a memorable interaction occurred between the Roughnecks’ starting quarterback and their center, highlighted by a mic-up moment. The game conditions were particularly harsh, with temperatures hitting the mid-90s and humidity around 60%. Such conditions made the already tough sport even more challenging due to the heavy football gear.
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Adding to the discomfort, Roughnecks center Jack Kramer had a unique issue during the game. To manage the excessive heat and sweat, a trainer soaked his uniform with a sponge, unintentionally increasing the dampness of his gear.
This became apparent during the game as quarterback Nolan Henderson noticed the extra moisture when handling the ball from under center.
Later, on the sidelines, Kramer explained to Henderson that the unusual wetness was due to the sponge and not just his sweat, clearing up any misunderstanding.
Reflecting on the team’s trajectory, the Roughnecks had a promising start back in 2020, remaining undefeated and on a path to potential greatness in the XFL’s second iteration. Unfortunately, the season was cut short due to the global pandemic, and the league folded before it could conclude.
In 2024, the Roughnecks are struggling, currently holding a 1-8 record, which ties them for the worst in the league with the Memphis Showboats, according to TheUFL.com.
Despite playing hard in several close games, their record stands as a testament to the season’s difficulties.
