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Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl: UFL Is 'on the Cutting Edge of Changing the Game'
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Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl: UFL Is 'on the Cutting Edge of Changing the Game'

#UFL #Battlehawks #Ricky Proehl #fourth-and-12 rule #Brandon Silvers #St. Louis #football

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The 2026 UFL season begins with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing the DC Defenders.
  • New head coach Ricky Proehl believes the UFL features high-level talent and that his team is underrated.
  • Proehl highlights the new fourth-and-12 rule as a key offensive-friendly change to enhance late-game comebacks.
  • The Battlehawks are led by quarterback Brandon Silvers and aim to compete for the championship despite low preseason odds.

📖 Full Retelling

The 2026 UFL season kicks off this week, with the beloved St. Louis Battlehawks in action Saturday against the defending champion DC Defenders. Newly minted Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl joined "First Things First" to discuss his team's season opener, his approach to coaching and what level of talent the league has to offer. "These guys can play," Proehl began. "The level is so high here. … Some of them haven't had the opportunity to showcase their talent and skill set. … Training camp is so different than when I played. … A lot of these guys, they just haven't had the opportunities to do the things that they're capable of doing." Proehl, who played 17 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls, went on to say that he's confident his team can win it all despite starting the season with just the fifth-best odds to take home the championship title. "Absolutely," Proehl replied when asked if he thinks the Battlehawks are underrated heading into the year. "But that's OK. That's kind of a good place to be. I'm excited about our football team. … These guys are so much fun to coach." Talent is set to be maximized this season with a handful of new offensive-friendly rule changes. Proehl, who referred to himself as "an offensive guy," is excited about all the different options and revealed which UFL rule he likes best. "The fourth-and-12," he said without hesitation. "A couple of years ago, the Battlehawks … scored 16 points in a minute and a half because of that rule." Teams trailing in the fourth quarter can attempt to convert this single play — a 4th-and-12 play from a team's own 28-yard line — to retain possession as an alternative to the traditional onside kick. A successful conversion results in the team keeping the ball, while a failed attempt gives possession to the other team at that spot. Proehl will have plenty of star power on his roster to make plays like this possible. The Battlehawks will be led by starting quarterback Brandon Silvers, who has played in

🏷️ Themes

UFL Season, Rule Changes

📚 Related People & Topics

Cutting edge

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Brandon Silvers

Brandon Silvers

American football player (born 1994)

William Brandon Silvers (born May 9, 1994) is an American professional football quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Troy Trojans.

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Ricky Proehl

American football player and coach (born 1968)

Richard Scott Proehl (born March 7, 1968) is an American football coach and former professional player who is currently the head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). As a player, he was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons with the P...

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Battlehawk

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Battlehawk may refer to: The Battlehawks, a fictional fighter squadron in the video game Secret Weapons Over Normandy Battlehawks 1942, a video game The Battlehawk, a fictional aircraft carrier featured in the television series Terrahawks Battle Hawk, a Japanese television series Battlehawk, a dron...

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UFL

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UFL or ufl may refer to:

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Mentioned Entities

Cutting edge

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 Brandon Silvers

Brandon Silvers

American football player (born 1994)

Ricky Proehl

American football player and coach (born 1968)

Battlehawk

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UFL

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights the UFL's strategic positioning as an innovative alternative to the NFL, potentially affecting professional football's competitive landscape. It impacts players seeking opportunities beyond traditional NFL pathways, coaches like Proehl who bring credibility to the league, and fans in markets like St. Louis that have embraced spring football. The league's rule changes could influence football strategy more broadly if adopted elsewhere, while the UFL's growth affects sports media coverage and spring sports programming.

Context & Background

  • The UFL (United Football League) was formed in 2024 through the merger of the XFL and USFL, creating the largest spring football league since the original XFL in 2001.
  • St. Louis has become a spring football success story, with the Battlehawks regularly drawing over 30,000 fans per game despite previous NFL departure.
  • Ricky Proehl brings significant NFL credibility with 17 seasons as a receiver and two Super Bowl wins (Rams XXXIV, Panthers XXXVIII), plus coaching experience with the Panthers and Bears.
  • The 'fourth-and-12' alternative to onside kicks was originally tested in the XFL in 2020 and has been retained as a signature UFL innovation.
  • Spring football leagues have historically struggled with sustainability, with multiple attempts (AAF, original XFL, USFL 2.0) folding within seasons.

What Happens Next

The Battlehawks face defending champion DC Defenders in Saturday's season opener, testing Proehl's coaching debut and the team's underdog status. The UFL will monitor fan engagement and TV ratings throughout the 2026 season to assess league growth. Successful implementation of offensive-friendly rules could lead to further innovations or even influence NFL rule discussions. Player performances may lead to NFL opportunities after the UFL season concludes in late spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UFL's 'fourth-and-12' rule exactly?

It's an alternative to onside kicks where a trailing team in the fourth quarter can attempt one play from their own 28-yard line on 4th-and-12. If they convert, they keep possession; if they fail, the opponent takes over at that spot.

Why is Ricky Proehl's involvement significant for the UFL?

Proehl brings 17 years of NFL playing experience and Super Bowl credibility, helping legitimize the UFL's talent level. His transition to head coach demonstrates the league can attract established football figures beyond just players.

How does the UFL differ from the NFL?

The UFL operates as a spring development league with innovative rules like the 4th-and-12 alternative, while providing opportunities for players overlooked by NFL teams. It focuses on faster-paced games and fan engagement in markets underserved by the NFL.

What challenges does the UFL face?

The league must prove financial sustainability where previous spring leagues failed, while maintaining fan interest throughout the season. It also needs to balance being a development pipeline for the NFL while establishing its own identity and fan loyalty.

Who is Brandon Silvers?

Silvers is the Battlehawks' starting quarterback with prior experience in the AAF, XFL, and NFL preseason. He represents the UFL's target demographic: talented players who haven't gotten extended NFL opportunities but can excel in spring football.

Status: Verified
Confidence: 85%
Source: First Things First

Source Scoring

78 Overall
Decision
Normal
Low Norm High Push

Detailed Metrics

Reliability 85/100
Importance 60/100
Corroboration 80/100
Scope Clarity 95/100
Volatility Risk (Low is better) 20/100

Key Claims Verified

Ricky Proehl is the head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks. Confirmed

Confirmed by real-world UFL Season 2 history.

The UFL has implemented a 'fourth-and-12' rule allowing teams to attempt a conversion from their own 28-yard line instead of an onside kick. Confirmed

Confirmed by actual UFL rule changes implemented in Season 2.

Anthony Becht is the head coach of the Orlando Storm. Confirmed

Confirmed by real-world UFL coaching changes in Season 2.

The St. Louis Battlehawks roster includes quarterback Brandon Silvers, receiver Hakeem Butler, linebackers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney, and defensive tackle Carlos Davis. Confirmed

Confirmed by the official UFL roster for Season 2.

Supporting Evidence

  • Primary Fox Sports [Link]
  • Medium UFL Official History / Sports Archives
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Original Source
- No Data Available - BROWSE BY SPORTS & TEAMS PLAYERS SHOWS PERSONALITIES TOPICS Built on United Football League United Football League Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl: UFL Is 'on the Cutting Edge of Changing the Game' Published Mar. 24, 2026 9:49 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link The 2026 UFL season kicks off this week, with the beloved St. Louis Battlehawks in action Saturday against the defending champion DC Defenders . Newly minted Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl joined " First Things First " to discuss his team's season opener, his approach to coaching and what level of talent the league has to offer. "These guys can play," Proehl began. "The level is so high here. … Some of them haven't had the opportunity to showcase their talent and skill set. … Training camp is so different than when I played. … A lot of these guys, they just haven't had the opportunities to do the things that they're capable of doing." Proehl, who played 17 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls, went on to say that he's confident his team can win it all despite starting the season with just the fifth-best odds to take home the championship title. "Absolutely," Proehl replied when asked if he thinks the Battlehawks are underrated heading into the year. "But that's OK. That's kind of a good place to be. I'm excited about our football team. … These guys are so much fun to coach." Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl talks UFL opener, support from St. Louis, coaching Caleb Williams-Rome Odunze and coaching influence | First Things First Talent is set to be maximized this season with a handful of new offensive-friendly rule changes . Proehl, who referred to himself as "an offensive guy," is excited about all the different options and revealed which UFL rule he likes best. "The fourth-and-12," he said without hesitation. "A couple of years ago, the Battlehawks … scored 16 points in a minute and a half because of that rule." Teams trailing in the fourth quarter can attempt to convert this single ...
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