In a non-traditional offseason coupled with plenty of surprises from coaching changes, league rules and everything in between. Something that may have not been accounted for was the sudden influx of retirements from some of the UFL’s better players. With Max Borghi, essentially opening the flood gates to “early retirement” several more UFL players have announced their departure from the sport as well.
Manny Bunch and Davis Cheek both announced their retirements in the past couple days. Cheek was a Quarterback who was drafted by the Michigan Panthers after the UFL dispersal draft. In addition to his time with Michigan, Cheek also spent 2022 with the Carolina Panthers and 2023 with the New Orleans Breakers. Cheek cited personal reasons for stepping away from the UFL. Houston Roughnecks Defensive Back also announced his retirement after being waived by the team during final cuts. Bunch has spent the last Three seasons playing professional football, between his time with the Spring League’s Lineman, and Houston Gamblers in the USFL. Bunch was an All-USFL selection in 2023 and cited injuries for his retirement.
Bunch and Cheek continue the line of players that are now calling it a career after devoting their life to the game. Last week the UFL had a press conference for University of Alabama great Bo Scarbrough who spent the last Two seasons with the Birmingham Stallions earning Two championships the last Two seasons. All UFL teams are now at 50 players on their roster as Kickoff is a week away, with the Birmingham Stallions taking on the Arlington Renegades to open the season.
