The '24 D.O.L. season brought a mix of innovation and tradition as the league debuted a complete website overhaul and DOL Illustrated artwork for the first time in nearly a decade. Commissioners Bryan Hathaway and Taf Bentley ensured the 22nd season lived up to the league’s storied history, delivering one of the most competitive and memorable campaigns to date. The year culminated in an epic DOL Bowl showdown between Jonathan Creel’s “It’s a Jordan Love Story” and Bryan Hathaway’s “Stone Cold E.T.,” with Creel claiming his record-breaking fourth championship.

Creel’s victory was a testament to perseverance, strategy, timely performances, anda little bit of luck. Fueled by Championship MVP Joe Burrow, Creel defeated his former 2012-2013 partner Hathaway to solidify his place as the league’s most decorated champion. Hathaway’s top-seeded squad, powered by Jalen Hurts and a league-leading scoring offense, stumbled in the title game as injuries to Hurts and CeeDee Lamb left a critical void. For his remarkable season, Creel earned the Rocky Balboa Comeback of the Year Award, capping a triumphant return to glory.

The playoffs featured fierce competition, with Creel, Hathaway, Troy Jordan, and Ashton Jernigan comprising the Final Four. Troy’s “Bijan Al-Gaib” reached the semifinal stage for a league-leading 12th time, further cementing his reputation as a postseason mainstay. Meanwhile, Hathaway’s appearance tied him with Troy for the all-time record for most playoff appearances, highlighting the sustained excellence of both owners. Jordan also further solidified his stranglehold on the final four as T-Roy inc made it's league leading 12th appearance in the semifinals. Ultimately, Creel’s ability to navigate the postseason gauntlet, including reclaiming the War Eagle Rivalry Trophy from Troy, showcased his resilience and most of all, winning win it freaking matters

Off-field accolades and rivalry victories added further intrigue to the season. Weston Lunsford’s “Unburdened Kamara” claimed the Martin Luther King Rivalry Trophy against Taf Bentley’s “Dirty Mike and the Boys” and went on to win the Nickel Throw Bowl. Weston was also inducted into the D.O.L. Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his significant contributions to the league, receiving 4 of the 5 needed Unity Council votes. Lunsford will be inducted officially during the '25 season. Jacob Jordan’s “CeeDees TDs” earned a not so surprising Will's Car Keys Rivalry Trophy win over Hathaway, while Bentley’s humor and creativity were celebrated with awards for Best Team Name, Best Team Picture, and Most Transactions.

The league’s standout individual performers included Hank Hullett’s “Lt. Einhorn’s Capt Weinke,” anchored by Overall Season MVP Lamar Jackson for the second straight year. his year would drastically take a downturn, However, as his number one overall pick, Christian McCaffrey would be hampered by an injury the entire season, resulting in the biggest catastrophe of a number one pick in league history. Hank’s playoff misstep—failing to start Jackson— as well as some late season losses after being ranked number one much of the season, earned him the Benoit Biggest Choke Award, marking a frustrating end to his 24 campaign. Stephen Whitson’s “The Goffather” endured a rough year, finishing dead last for the fourth time since 2011-- but taking home the Survivor Pot as a small consolation. Meanwhile, Bob and Zane Lowe’s “Uncle Danny’s Grilled Cheese” won the ACC Championship game for a fifth time, closing a challenging season with some redemption for the dynamic duo.

Adding a historic note to the year, Commissioner Hathaway issued an executive order to place Taf Bentley’s face on Mount Crushmore- the first addition to the iconic monument since 2009. Bentley’s relentless activity, highlighted by his humor and dedication to league engagement, made him a natural choice for this honor thanks to his unwaivering support in making DOL what it has become over the years. It was a recognition not just of Bentley’s contributions in 2024 but of his enduring impact on the league’s culture.

With rivalries renewed, records broken, and legacies cemented, the league now looks ahead to its 23rd season. The question on everyone’s mind: who will rise to challenge Creel and make their mark on the next chapter of D.O.L. history?

 

2024 (ESPN)
League Name: D.O.L.
1. It's a Jordan Love Story: Jonathan Creel (8-6)
2. Stone Cold E.T: Bryan Hathaway (9-5)
3. Waddlin' Cuz I'm Mixon to Brown: Ashton Jernigan (9-5)
4. Bijan Al-Gaib: Troy Jordan (8-6)
5. Unburdened Kamara: Weston Lunsford (8-6)
6. P Not Diddy: Preston West (8-6)
7. Lt. Einhorn's Capt Weinke: Hank Hullett (7-7)
8. Uncle Danny's Grilled Cheese: Bob/Zane Lowe (4-10)
9. CeeDees TDs: Jacob Jordan (6-8)
10. Bed Bath and Bijan: Shaunn Rannals (6-8)
11. Dirty Mike and the Boys: Taf Bentley (6-8)
12. The Goffather: Stephen Whitson (5-9)