UFL kicks off with several former Packers players on its rosters
Football (almost) never stops. This upcoming weekend marks the start of the first United Football League season. The UFL is the result of a merger between the XFL and the USFL, two of the most successful alternative football leagues over the last couple of years. "The right thing for spring football," said UFL CEO/president Russ […]
Football (almost) never stops. This upcoming weekend marks the start of the first United Football League season.
The UFL is the result of a merger between the XFL and the USFL, two of the most successful alternative football leagues over the last couple of years.
"The right thing for spring football," said UFL CEO/president Russ Brandon, "is to have one focused league. And I think we all are very confident that this league will be here well beyond our years."
It's an eight-team league, four teams originated from each previous league, that play a ten-game regular season and two rounds in the playoffs.
"We're going to be a much, much more talented league with a lot more depth at the critical positions," said Daryl Johnston, UFL executive vice president of football operations. "I think our staffs are going to be stronger. You're taking eight teams [in the USFL] and eight teams [in the XFL] and combining them into eight. You're pulling the best of the players and the best of the coaches into the UFL family."
For the Green Bay Packers in particular, it's an interesting opportunity to watch more players. The team pro personnel led by Rich Williams has been active looking at minor leagues, and multiple players of the current roster had experiences in the XFL and USFL – quarterback Alex McGough, punter Daniel Whelan, and safety Tyler Coyle.
It's also an interesting watch for Green Bay fans because seven of the eight teams have former Packers players on their rosters – the exception is the DC Defenders. In total, 17 players who have played in Green Bay will try to show in the UFL they have what it takes to be back in the big league.
The two most notable ones play for the Birmingham Stallions: wide receiver Amari Rodgers and tight end Jace Sternberger, two former third-round picks who did not pan out in Green Bay. The team also has edge defender Jonathan Garvin and interior offensive lineman Cole Schneider.
Two former Packers backup quarterbacks will also play in the 2024 UFL season. Danny Etling is signed by the Michigan Panthers, behind starter EJ Perry, while Manny Wilkins plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he's expected to backup AJ McCarron.
Birmingham Stallions
- WR Amari Rodgers
- TE Jace Sternberger
- G Cole Schneider
- EDGE Jonathan Garvin
Houston Roughnecks
- EDGE Carlo Kemp
- EDGE Chris Odom
- DT Olive Sagapolu
Memphis Showboats
- C Jordan McCray
Michigan Panthers
- QB Danny Etling
- RB Nate McCrary
Arlington Renegades
- TE Austin Allen
- TE Sal Cannella
- T Adrian Ealy
San Antonio Brahmas
- TE Alizé Mack
- EDGE Tim Ward
St. Louis Battlehawks
- QB Manny Wilkins
- WR Darrius Shepherd
How the league works
All eight teams have 50-man rosters during the regular season. They practice in Arlington, Texas, and travel to their home cities for games.
There are two conferences (XFL and USFL), and the best two teams in each one advance to the postseason. The teams from the same conference face each other in the semifinals, and the winner from each side plays the UFL Championship Game on June 16.
How to watch
UFL games will be broadcasted by Fox/Fox Sports and ABC/ESPN.
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