The City of Houston held a pep rally Friday to welcome the return of the Roughnecks before the opening weekend of the 2023 XFL season. Die-hard fans braved the chilly weather to support the return of the Houston Roughnecks. Head Coach Wade Phillips pumped up the crowd and stated expectations of a championship for the city. Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed the spring football team and officially declared February 17th, 2023 Wade Phillips Day on the steps of City Hall. The game against the Orlando Guardians will be held at TDECU Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (Photos by Jack Gorman)

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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.
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    Houston Roughnecks fans, coaches and players gather for a pep rally at City Hall.

Jackson is a freelance photographer and writer covering a variety of music and sporting events in the Houston area. He has contributed to the Houston Press since 2013.