In the United Football League’s (UFL) inaugural season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were well-represented. Numerous rosters in the league had former members of the black and gold. The Birmingham Stallions won the first UFL Championship, and the championship game between them and the San Antonio Brahmas was no exception. Between the two teams, there were over a dozen former Steelers, and eleven of them left with championship rings.
For the Stallions, it was a master class in defense. They were robust and annoying just when you needed them to be. The Stallions limited the Brahmas to 52 rushing yards and 208 yards of total offense, per the UFL’s post-game statistics. They won 25-0 and recorded the first shutout of the season. Even though the UFL is just in its inaugural season, the Stallions have won three championships in a row. In 2022 and 2023, while they were in the United States Football League (USFL), they won consecutive championships.
Adrian Martinez, the league MVP and quarterback for the Stallions, led the team offensively. The mobile QB was a threat both on the ground and in the air, and the Brahmas had no counter strategy. Including four completions to former Steelers tight end Jace Sternberger, he completed passes totaling 98 yards and one touchdown. In addition, he attempted 11 rushes for 52 yards and two scores in the second half, which turned out to be the game-winning kick in the Brahmas’ bid to rally.
There was no shortage of former Steelers talent on the Stallions team. Their defensive lineup was led by a few somewhat notable players. Carlos Davis, a defensive tackle and former seventh-round draft pick, is one of their top players. He was a sack monster with Birmingham and one of the best defensive linemen in the UFL. After his season, he might have a chance to make an NFL roster. Linebacker Taco Charlton and defensive back Mark Gilbert were two more well-known names.
Additionally, there were some Steelers players on the San Antonio team. Anthony McFarland, a running back, is the most notable. He had a significant role in this season’s Brahmas’ offensive and triumph. Despite being chosen in the 2020 NFL Draft’s fourth round, he never had a significant impact with the Steelers. During his four seasons in Pittsburgh, he accumulated 146 career rushing yards; in 2023, he saw two receptions and zero carries. He might be given another chance to play in the NFL after making an impression in the UFL.