Defenders vs. Battlehawks live updates: Top moments from 2025 UFL playoffs
The DC Defenders are going up against the St. Louis Battlehawks at The Dome at America's Center in the XFL Conference Championship Game on Sunday on FOX.
Live Coverage for this began on 6:23p ET
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Miami Herald
08-08-2025
- Miami Herald
HBCU Product Gets NFL Shot with Hometown Squad
After grinding through practice squads, tryouts, and a full season in the UFL, former HBCU standout Ricky Lee is back in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they've signed the offensive lineman, bringing the Jacksonville native home to Duval County. Lee, who split his collegiate career between North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T, has traveled a long, winding road to get here. The former first-team all-district selection from Riverside High School started 45 consecutive games in college. Anchoring the right side of the line for the Eagles before shifting to left tackle for the Aggies. His performance at A&T earned him second-team All-Big South honors in 2022 and put him on NFL scouts' radars. Lee entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers in 2023. He appeared in six games as a rookie, primarily on special teams. But his NFL dream quickly turned into a journey of uncertainty. After being waived, Lee bounced between practice squads with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants in 2024, fighting for another shot on a 53-man roster. This spring, he turned to the UFL for reps and visibility. Joining the Arlington Renegades as a key pickup by GM Rick Mueller. Starting all 10 games at left tackle, Lee allowed just two sacks despite the Renegades' struggles to find offensive line consistency. Penalties were an issue-he committed 10 across the season-but his size, athleticism, and durability stood out enough to draw interest from multiple NFL teams. Over the last month, Lee worked out for the Saints, Jets, Chiefs, Colts, and Falcons before the Jaguars made the call. This makes him the fifth Renegades player to sign an NFL deal this offseason. Lee's return to the NFL is another win for the HBCU football pipeline, which continues to produce pro-level talent despite limited athletic resources. This latest opportunity may not have come without his years of HBCU development and the platform the UFL provided. Speaking to the Charlotte Post during his first NFL signing in 2023, Lee summed up what this moment means for players like him: "A lot of guys don't get this opportunity. My dream finally came true. I'm blessed to be here. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Being part of the top one percent is a blessing. I can't really describe… I'm speechless." Now, Ricky Lee will get to prove himself again. This time, looking to lock down a roster spot with his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. The post HBCU Product Gets NFL Shot with Hometown Squad appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
USA Today
07-08-2025
- USA Today
49ers think former UFL star can be diamond in the rough for overhauled D-line
Every NFL team is hoping they can unearth that diamond in the rough talent that other teams passed up on. The 49ers might have one of those players in their 2025 training camp right now. San Francisco signed defensive lineman Bradlee Anae on Monday. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound defensive lineman starred in the UFL with the Birmingham Stallions during the 2025 campaign. Anae led the UFL with a 23.2 pass rush win rate, led all pass rushers with a 91.7 grade in true pass sets according to Pro Football Focus and was also in the top five in pressures and hurries. Anae registered 17 tackles, six tackles for loss, and five sacks with the Stallions. 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is familiar with Anae, who spent time with the New York Jets' practice squad when Saleh was the Jets' head coach. "Bradlee, he came to us at the Jets from Dallas as a practice squad guy which gave us an opportunity to work with him. We were all really excited to work with him. We thought that he had a legit chance to make a really good roster and be in the d-line room in New York. "He tore his ACL during OTAs which set him back. I'm proud of him, he found his way. He had a really successful season. So, he's here and he's a good player. I'm not going to say who I compare him to, but he's a very smart, effective player. He's got great versatility, so it's a great opportunity for him. I hope he takes advantage of this," Saleh said. Anae began his career as a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Anae played in 11 games during his first two years in the league, tallying two tackles in those appearances. The 26-year-old also spent time in the Atlanta Falcons' organization. More 49ers: 49ers DC raves about 'special' 2025 first-round NFL draft pick
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
Titans add UFL defensive lineman Josiah Bronson
Veteran defensive lineman Josiah Bronson is the latest player to parlay a stint in the UFL into another shot in the NFL. The Titans announced that they have signed Bronson, who most recently played for the UFL's Memphis Showboats during their spring 2025 season. Although most UFL players don't make it to the NFL, the spring minor league has served as a springboard for several players who had previous NFL shots to get another one. Bronson has spent time with the Saints, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, Patriots and Colts in the NFL, appearing in a total of eight NFL games. The Titans released defensive lineman Devonte O'Malley to make room for Bronson on the roster.
