As the UFL (and NFL) currently remains in a "lull" during the offseason, the league has seen several players begin to transition to the next phase of their career. Whether it's one of the 23 players from the UFL to earn NFL contracts, or Andrew Dowell joining the staff of the Washington Commanders, UFL teams will ultimately see plenty of new faces in the coming season.
One player whose is the UFL missed this year has opted to announce his retirement via his social media page. Breeland Speaks, a former NFL 2nd round pick, officially announced he is stepping away from the game this afternoon. Speaks played four seasons in the NFL, and three seasons in the UFL coming out of Ole Miss in 2018. After getting drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Speaks spent time with the Raiders, Cowboys, Giants, and Bills before joining the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. Speaks would play with Michigan from 2023 to 2025 earning two Defensive Player of the Year honors, two All-League selections, along with NFL opportunities with the Jaguars and 49ers. An injury in 2025 shortened his season, and he spent the 2026 UFL season unsigned.
Other notable soft retirements:
Cam Lyons Long Snapper San Antonio Brahmas
Lyons is currently working with the University of Maryland as an assistant special teams coach. He spent the 2026 season as a free agent, after spending 2025 with the San Antonio Brahmas.
Terrell Bonds Defensive Back Birmingham Stallions
After spending several years throughout various football leagues, Bonds is now on staff with Tennessee State (FCS) under former Defenders head coach Reggie Barlow. Bonds began his career with Memphis Express of the AAF. He’d play with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, eventually joining the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL. Bonds would have stints with the Brahmas, and Stallions before spending two seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Terrill Hanks Linebacker Memphis Showboats
Hanks originally came out of New Mexico State in 2019, spending time with the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2020. He’d join the Birmingham Stallions in 2022, followed by stints with the D.C. Defenders and Memphis Showboats as well. In 2026 he joined the Michigan Arrows of the COFL before the team folded and is now working with the University of Central Florida as a strength coach.
Tyree Jackson Tight End/Quarterback
An alumni from the XFL 2020, former D.C. Defenders quarterback turned tight end, Tyree Jackson has also announced his retirement via LinkedIn. Jackson would successfully transition to Tight End spending time with the Eagles, Giants, and Washington Commanders. An injury in 2025 forced him to spend the rest of the season on injured reserve. He was one of ten players from the 2020 XFL to be rostered last season. He joins Taylor Heinicke and P.J. Walker as members of the 2020 XFL season who have retired recently.