Michal Menet hoped signing with the XFL last fall would lead to another opportunity in the NFL, and it did.
Menet, the former Exeter and Penn State standout, received an invitation from the Atlanta Falcons to attend their rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday in Flowery Branch, Ga.
“It’s awesome,” he said Sunday. “Obviously going to the XFL gave me some film (to show his play). I’m excited to get down there and to get an opportunity. I’m going to try to make the most of it.”
The 25-year-old Menet played for the Seattle SeaDragons, who went 7-3 in the regular season before losing to the D.C. Defenders 37-21 in the North Division title game on April 30.
He’s one of six XFL players who have been invited to the Falcons minicamp, including fellow Seattle offensive lineman Barry Wesley.
Menet played guard, where he played in high school, for the SeaDragons after starting at center for three seasons (2018-20) at Penn State. He said he grebelieves the versatility of being able to play two positions will help him.
“I think there was a lot of growth (with Seattle),” he said. “Getting used to guard again was somewhat challenging at first, but overall I learned a lot and was able to grow a ton as a player.
“I do feel confident now playing guard and center.”
The 6-4, 301-pound Menet was released by the Green Bay Packers last August after he signed a reserve/future contract with them in January 2022. He was signed to their practice in December. He also had been on their practice squad for a month during the 2021 season.
He was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the NFL draft in May 2021. He was released prior to the final cuts and then signed to their practice squad. He was released from the practice squad, re-signed and then released again.
