Latest news with #BirminghamStallions
Mint
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
UFL's major 2026 shift: Birmingham, Michigan, Houston, and Memphis teams set to relocate
The United Football League (UFL) is set to undergo significant restructuring for its 2026 season. Reports indicate that four teams, Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, and Memphis Showboats, will likely relocate to new markets. Here's a deep dive into the reasons, destinations, and implications of the strategy. The UFL, born from the 2023 merger of the USFL and XFL, faced challenges in its second season. Attendance and viewership decreased in 2025, averaging 645,000 viewers per game, a 20% drop from 2024. Markets like Memphis struggled with fewer than 4,000 fans per game, while Birmingham, despite its championship pedigree, averaged only 8,800 attendees. Michigan's high venue costs at Ford Field and Houston's attendance woes further justified the need for change. The UFL's shift to non-NFL markets aims to avoid direct competition with the NFL and tap into untapped fanbases. The new markets reportedly include Boise, Idaho; Columbus, Ohio; a Florida city (likely Orlando); and Kentucky (either Louisville or Lexington). Each offers unique potential: Boise, Idaho: A growing metro area with a population of 482,000 in 2025, Boise has a passionate sports fanbase eager for professional teams. Columbus, Ohio: As the 14th-largest US market, Columbus benefits from strong Ohio State football fandom and Historic Crew Stadium's 20,000-seat capacity. Florida (Orlando/Tampa Bay): Florida's vibrant sports culture makes it a prime candidate for a UFL team, especially in Orlando. Kentucky (Louisville/Lexington): Louisville's Lynn Family Stadium and enthusiastic sports community position it as a strong contender. The UFL's response to the rumours was cryptic: 'The league office is in the planning stages for next season and beyond. At this point, we have nothing to report on any unauthorized speculation.' This non-denial denial has been interpreted as an implicit confirmation, with an official announcement expected soon. It remains unclear whether the Stallions, Panthers, Roughnecks, and Showboats will retain their identities or undergo a rebrand with new logos and uniforms. As the UFL gears up for its third season, these relocations mark a significant moment. The league has already addressed labour concerns with a new collective bargaining agreement through 2026, improving player salaries and benefits. By moving to non-NFL markets, the UFL aims to build a sustainable future.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Perrion Winfrey signed by Dallas Cowboys
Former Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Perrion Winfrey is getting a second chance to make it in the National Football League. According to NBC Houston's Aaron Wilson, Winfrey is signing with the Dallas Cowboys, after a successful stint in the United Football League this spring. Advertisement Winfrey played defensive tackle for OU for two seasons. After transferring in from Iowa Western Community College, he was a two-year starter in Norman in both 2020 and 2021. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 108th overall pick, after a Senior Bowl MVP performance during the pre-draft process. He appeared in 13 games during his rookie season. But an off-field incident ahead of the 2023 season led to the Browns releasing Winfrey, and he didn't play that year until the New York Jets signed him late in the season. He only appeared in one game for the Jets, and didn't play at all during the 2024 NFL season, as he was a free agent. So, Winfrey took his talents to the UFL for their 2025 season, signing with the Birmingham Stallions. He had an excellent year there, helping the Stallions make the playoffs, and was named to the All-UFL Team this spring. Winfrey totaled 29 tackles, including nine tackle for loss and a sack. He also added four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 10 games in 2025. Advertisement Now, Winfrey is getting another shot at the NFL, where he'll look to show off his impressive physical traits and potential at the highest level once again. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Former OU DL makes the jump from UFL to NFL
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos officially sign UFL cornerback to 1-year contract
The Denver Broncos have officially signed United Football League cornerback Mario Goodrich, the team announced Wednesday. Denver's pending agreement with Goodrich was first reported on Tuesday, and the UFL star has now officially signed with the club. Goodrich (6-0, 186 pounds) spent the spring playing for the Birmingham Stallions, totaling 17 tackles, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles in seven games (including a playoff game). Advertisement Before playing in the UFL, Goodrich spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and one summer with the New York Giants after winning a national championship at Clemson. He totaled five tackles in four NFL appearances, including one start. Goodrich will join a crowded cornerback room that already includes Pat Surtain, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Ja'Quan McMillian, Kris Abrams-Draine and Damarri Mathis, among others. He will get an opportunity to compete for a depth role in the secondary, but Goodrich was probably signed primarily for his special teams contributions after he earned a 90.8 ST grade from Pro Football Focus this spring. Goodrich is the second Birmingham player the Broncos have signed, following in the footsteps of outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, who joined the team last summer. Tillman totaled five sacks in his debut season last fall. To make room for Goodrich, Denver waived defensive back Tanner McCalister. The team's 90-man offseason roster is now full. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos news: CB Mario Goodrich officially signs 1-year deal
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Cowboys agree to terms with CB Robert Rochell, DT Perrion Winfrey
The Cowboys are signing cornerback Robert Rochell and defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey, Aaron Wilson of KPRC reports. Rochell became a free agent May 6 when the Chiefs released him after spending two months on the offseason roster. Advertisement Rochell appeared in 48 games for the Rams and Packers the past four seasons, playing mostly special teams. He has 25 tackles, an interception and three forced fumbles in his career. In 2024 with the Packers, Rochell played one defensive snap and 121 on special teams. Winfrey has not played in the NFL since 2023, which also was the last time he was on a roster. The Browns, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2022, released him a year later after a second off-field incident. He later signed with the Jets' practice squad and appeared in one game in 2023. Winfrey has not been in the league since, but he earned All-UFL honors this season with the Birmingham Stallions. Winfrey totaled 29 tackles and a sack.
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
NFL fans react to the New York Jets' unexpected signing of the 'Thiccer Kicker': 'Dude's a legend'
With instability at their kicker position, the New York Jets have made yet another change after cutting one of their special teams stars earlier this offseason. Last month, the Jets announced that they would be axing kicker Greg Zuerlein after hitting a career-low in field goals made. The move left former Raiders star Anders Carlson as the only kicker left on the roster. On Wednesday, Carlson was released from the team. In his place, the Jets signed a kicker from the United Football League: Harrison Mevis, known on social media as the 'Thiccer Kicker'. Mevis - who clocks in at 5-foot-11, 243 pounds - spent this past NFL season on the practice squad of the Carolina Panthers before inking a deal with the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. The Stallions made the UFL playoffs, but lost to the Michigan Panthers in the conference finals. The New York Jets have signed former UFL kicker Harrison Mevis to a contract Mevis converted an impressive 20-of-21 field goal attempts with the Stallions - including a longest kick of 54 yards. Mevis earned a reputation in college at the University of Missouri - kicking a career 83.5 percent while in school. That included knocking through an FBS-leading 61-yard, game-winning field goal to upset No. 15 Kansas State in his senior year. Fans celebrated the return of the 'Thiccer Kicker' to the league. One user on X posted, 'Glad he's getting a chance', while another said 'Dude's a legend.' Another user said, 'Cannot believe Mevis was in the UFL. What an insult.' 'That game winner against K State a couple years ago is still one of the most clutch kicks I've ever seen,' a third user posted. 'Mevis (the thicker kicker) was someone I had ranked as my top kicker in his draft class. No reason it should have taken this long,' another person wrote.
