Birmingham Stallions (2022)
Birmingham Stallions | |
---|---|
Established November 22, 2021 Play in Protective Stadium (Birmingham, Alabama) | |
League/conference affiliations | |
United States Football League (2022–2023)
United Football League (2024–present)
| |
Current uniform | |
Team colors | Red, gold, white |
Personnel | |
Owner(s) | Fox Corporation (50%), Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, RedBird Capital Partners (50%) |
Head coach | Skip Holtz |
Team history | |
| |
Championships | |
League championships (3) | |
Conference championships (1)
| |
Division championships (2) | |
Playoff appearances (3) | |
Home stadium(s) | |
|
The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team based in Birmingham, Alabama. The Stallions compete in the United Football League (UFL), and were a founding member of the second iteration of the United States Football League (USFL) in 2022. The Stallions are owned and operated by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, and play their home games at Protective Stadium. They have won three league championships since their founding, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33–30 in 2022 and the Pittsburgh Maulers 28–12 in 2023 as part of the USFL, and most recently the San Antonio Brahmas 25–0 in the inaugural UFL Championship Game in 2024.
History
The Birmingham Stallions were one of eight teams officially announced as a USFL franchise on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on November 22, 2021.[1] On January 6, 2022, it was revealed that former NCAA coach Gene Chizik would become the head coach of the Stallions. Chizik confirmed the report, but the parties have yet to agree. He ultimately took a deal to become the defensive coordinator for North Carolina two days later.[2][3] On January 20, 2022, it was announced on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that former NCAA football head coach Skip Holtz was named the head coach and general manager of the Stallions.[4]
The Stallions finished the 2022 regular season with a 9–1 record, winning the South division title and clinching the South division's first seed. The Stallions hosted their first South Division Championship game, facing the second-seed New Orleans Breakers. The Stallions defeated the Breakers 31–17 and advanced to the 2022 USFL Championship Game.[5]
On July 3, 2022, in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, the Stallions played against the North division's second seed, the Philadelphia Stars. Following halftime, the Stallions led by eleven points, but a 4-yard Stars' touchdown narrowed the Stallions' lead to five points with 5:17 remaining in the third quarter. On the Stallions' next possession, they were forced to attempt a 38-yard field goal, which was missed. Then Philadelphia's Case Cookus found Devin Gray in the end zone for a touchdown two plays later. The Stars attempted and converted a two-point conversion.[6] This gave Philadelphia a 23–20 lead, their first of the game. Following a pair of field goals and a 26–23 lead with under three minutes remaining, Scooby Wright had a 46-yard interception returned for a touchdown to seal the game for the Stallions effectively.[7][8] Victor Bolden Jr. won the USFL Championship Game Most Valuable Player Award.
Following the 2022 season, the Stallions hired Zachary Potter. He previously held the title of team director during the Stallions 2022 season.[9]
In September 2023, Axios reported that the XFL was in advanced talks with the USFL to merge the two leagues prior to the start of their 2024 seasons.[10] Officials in Birmingham were assured that the Stallions would be part of the merged league should the union go forward.[11] On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge with details surrounding the merger to be announced at a later date.[12] The merger would also require regulatory approval.[13] In October 2023 the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League".[14] On November 30, 2023, Garcia announced via her Instagram page that the leagues had received regulatory approval for the merger and were finalizing plans for a "combined season" to begin March 30, 2024.[15] The merger was made official on December 31, 2023.[16]
Traditions
Pyramid of Flesh
On April 20, 2024 the Stallions hosted a game against the D.C. Defenders at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL. With 1:55 remaining in the first half, the game was halted for a lightning delay.[17] By the time play resumed nearly 90 minutes later, most fans had left the stadium. However of the few devoted fans who remained, a group of men had gathered near the North endzone, taking off their wet shirts and cheering enthusiastically.[18] Having received such significant air time in the game broadcast, a tradition was born. Later dubbed the "Pyramid of Flesh",[19] during each home game at the front row of Section 138 a small group of shirtless fans begins to gather. As the game goes on, as other fans join the group, they are serenaded with chants of "TAKE IT OFF!" until they join the ranks of the shirtless. By the end of most games the Pyramid of Flesh has typically grown to include several dozen fans. The loudest and most passionate group in the stadium, they are often acknowledged by players as well as the Stallions' mascot, Stanley.
Championships
The Stallions have won two USFL Championships and one UFL Championship as well as two (USFL) South Division Championships and one (UFL) USFL Conference Championship, winning three championships in a row from 2022 to 2024.
USFL Championships
Year | Coach | USFL Championship Game | Stadium | Location | Opponent | Score | MVP | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Skip Holtz | 2022 | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium | Canton, Ohio | Philadelphia Stars | 33–30 | Victor Bolden Jr. | 9–1 |
2023 | Skip Holtz | 2023 | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium | Canton, Ohio | Pittsburgh Maulers | 28–12 | Deon Cain | 8–2 |
Total USFL championships won: | 2 |
UFL Championship
Year | Coach | UFL Championship Game | Stadium | Location | Opponent | Score | MVP | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Skip Holtz | 2024 | The Dome at America's Center | St. Louis, Missouri | San Antonio Brahmas | 25–0 | Adrian Martinez | 9–1 |
Total UFL championships won: | 1 |
South Division Championship games
Year | Coach | Stadium | Location | Opponent | Score | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Skip Holtz | Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium | Canton, Ohio | New Orleans Breakers | 31–17 | 9–1 |
2023 | Skip Holtz | Protective Stadium | Birmingham, Alabama | New Orleans Breakers | 47–22 | 8–2 |
Total South Division championship games won: | 2 |
USFL Conference Championship game
Year | Coach | Stadium | Location | Opponent | Score | Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Skip Holtz | Protective Stadium | Birmingham, Alabama | Michigan Panthers | 31-18 | 9–1 |
Total USFL Conference championship games won: | 1 |
Current roster
Players
Quarterbacks
Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends
|
Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
|
Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
|
Reserve lists
Unsigned draft picks
Roster updated August 16, 2024 41 active, 10 unsigned |
Staff
Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|
Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
|
Player history
Current NFL players
Season | Pos | Name | NFL Team |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | CB | Tae Hayes | New York Jets |
2022–2023 | K | Brandon Aubrey | Dallas Cowboys |
2023 | WR | Austin Watkins | Philadelphia Eagles |
2023 | DT | Khalil Davis | Houston Texans |
2023 | QB | Alex McGough | Green Bay Packers |
2023 | WR | Davion Davis | Washington Commanders |
2023 | TE | La'Michael Pettway | New England Patriots |
2024 | K | Ramiz Ahmed | Washington Commanders |
2022–2024 | DE | Dondrea Tillman | Denver Broncos |
2023–2024 | RB | Ricky Person Jr. | Seattle Seahawks |
Notable players
Season | Pos | Name | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2023–present | TE | Jace Sternberger | Former Green Bay Packers Tight End, 2019 3rd Round Pick |
2024–present | WR | Amari Rodgers | Former Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver, 2021 3rd Round Pick |
2024–present | QB | Matt Corral | Former Carolina Panthers Quarterback, 2022 3rd Round Pick |
2024–present | DE | Taco Charlton | Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive End, 2017 1st Round Pick |
MVP award winners
Stallions USFL MVP winners | |||
Year | Player | Position | Selector |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Alex McGough | QB | USFL |
2024 | Adrian Martinez | QB | UFL |
Coach history
Head coach history
# | Name | Term | Regular season | Playoffs | Awards | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GC | W | L | Win % | GC | W | L | ||||
Birmingham Stallions | ||||||||||
1 | Skip Holtz | 2022–present | 30 | 26 | 4 | .867 | 5 | 5 | 0 | *2023 USFL Coach of the Year |
Offensive coordinator history
# | Name | Term | Regular season | Playoffs | Notes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GC | W | L | Win % | GC | W | L | ||||
Birmingham Stallions | ||||||||||
1 | Skip Holtz | 2022–present | 30 | 26 | 4 | .867 | 5 | 5 | 0 | *Co-Offensive Coordinator with Philip Montgomery |
2 | Philip Montgomery | 2024–present | 10 | 9 | 1 | .900 | 1 | 1 | – | *Co-Offensive Coordinator with Skip Holtz |
*Holtz also serving as Offensive Coordinator
Defensive coordinator history
# | Name | Term | Regular season | Playoffs | Awards | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GC | W | L | Win % | GC | W | L | ||||
Birmingham Stallions | ||||||||||
1 | John Chavis | 2022–2024 | 27 | 24 | 3 | .889 | 5 | 5 | 0 | |
2 | Corey Chamblin | 2024–present | 3 | 2 | 1 | .667 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
*Chavis left team Week 9 [20]
Records
All-time Stallions leaders | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Leader | Player | Record | Years with Stallions | |
Passing Yards | Alex McGough | 2,564 passing yards | 2022–2023 | |
Passing Touchdowns | Alex McGough | 23 passing touchdowns | 2022–2023 | |
Rushing Yards | C. J. Marable | 1,219 rushing yards | 2022–present | |
Rushing Touchdowns | C. J. Marable | 11 rushing touchdowns | 2022–present | |
Receiving Yards | Jace Sternberger | 1,428 receiving yards | 2023 | |
Receiving Touchdowns | Jace Sternberger | 8 receiving touchdowns | 2023–present | |
Receptions | C. J. Marable | 66 receptions | 2022–present | |
Tackles | DeMarquis Gates | 99 tackles | 2022–present | |
Sacks | DeMarquis Gates | 8.5 sacks | 2022–present | |
Interceptions | A. J. Thomas | 3 interceptions | 2024–present | |
Coaching wins | Skip Holtz | 26 wins | 2022–present |
Statistics and records
Season-by-season record
UFL champions† (2024–present) | USFL champions§ (2022–2023) | Conference champions* | Division champions^ | Wild Card berth# |
Season | Team | League | Conference | Division | Regular season | Postseason results | Awards | Head coaches | Pct. | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Finish | W | L | |||||||||
2022 | 2022 | USFL | South | 1st ^*§ | 9 | 1 | Won Division Finals (Breakers) 31–17 Won 2022 USFL Championship (Stars) 33–30 |
J'Mar Smith (SDF MVP) Victor Bolden Jr. (CG MVP) |
Skip Holtz | .867 | |
2023 | 2023 | USFL | South | 1st ^*§ | 8 | 2 | Won Division Finals (Breakers) 47–22 Won 2023 USFL Championship (Maulers) 28–12 |
Alex McGough (USFL MVP) Skip Holtz (COTY) Deon Cain (CG MVP) | |||
2024 | 2024 | UFL | USFL | 1st # | 9 | 1 | Won USFL Conference Championship (Panthers) 31-18 Won 2024 UFL Championship (Brahmas) 25-0 |
Adrian Martinez (UFL MVP) | |||
Total | 26 | 4 | All-time regular season record (2022–2024) | .867 | |||||||
5 | 0 | All-time postseason record (2022–2024) | 1.000 | ||||||||
31 | 4 | All-time regular season and postseason record (2022–2024) | .886 | ||||||||
2 USFL Championship titles, 2 division titles |
References
- ^ "USFL unveils team cities, nicknames and logos for 2022 debut". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2021-12-18.
- ^ Chizik, Gene [@CoachGeneChizik] (January 6, 2022). "Addressing a rumor this morning. I am honored that the new @USFL is interested in me for a HC position. We have had several discussions. Although this is a consideration, nothing has been finalized… #Facts" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 12, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "North Carolina Tar Heels football names Gene Chizik assistant head coach for defense". ESPN. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 2022-01-08.
- ^ "What you need to know for USFL in 2022:Two more head coaches revealed". Fox Sports. January 20, 2022. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
- ^ "USFL Playoffs 2022 score, highlights: Birmingham Stallions defeat New Orleans Breakers 31–17". www.sports.nbcsports.com. NBC Universal. June 25, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
- ^ Jones, Alex (July 3, 2022). "Birmingham Stallions win 2022 USFL Championship over the Philadelphia Stars". WBRC. Archived from the original on July 4, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
- ^ Moseley, Brandon (3 July 2023). "Birmingham Stallions win second straight USFL championship". Alabama Today. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ Haage, Anthony (25 March 2024). "UFL Title Odds for 2024 - Birmingham Favored to Three-Peat". Gambling Sites. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
- ^ "USFL hires new general managers for two teams". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2023-02-05.
- ^ Baysinger, Tim; Primack, Dan; Fischer, Sara (September 19, 2023). "Scoop: Football leagues XFL and USFL in merger talks". Axios. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Johnson, Roy S. (2023-09-22). "Will Birmingham Stallions be part of possible USFL-XFL merged league?". The Birmingham News. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
- ^ TSN ca Staff (2023-09-28). "XFL, United States Football League announce intention to merge". TSN. Retrieved 2023-09-28.
- ^ Schad, Tom (2023-09-28). "XFL, USFL confirm intention to merge into single spring football league". USA Today. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
- ^ "XFL files trademark applications for 'United Football League' and 'UFL'". San Antonio Express-News. October 18, 2023.
- ^ "We are pleased to have completed the antitrust review process in connection with the proposed merger of the XFL and USFL and intend to play a combined season this spring kicking off on Saturday, March 30. We are now finalizing terms of the definitive agreement and will share more about this new League in the coming weeks". Instagram.
- ^ "USFL, XFL announce merger, formation of new spring football league: The UFL". Yahoo Sports. 2023-12-31. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
- ^ "Defenders vs. Stallions highlights: Birmingham remains undefeated".
- ^ @TheUFL (April 21, 2024). "A bunch of real ones 👊" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ @arielle_schafer (June 7, 2024). "Skip Holtz gives a shoutout to the Horsemen and the Pyramid of Flesh on creating a contagious environment at Protective this season...🏈" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Miller, Luke (2024-05-28). "Birmingham Stallions Lose DC John Chavis, Add Anthony Blevins". Pro Football Newsroom. Retrieved 2024-05-28.