The United Football League secured major talent for its upcoming 2025 season with the return of three standout performers. The Birmingham Stallions and St. Louis Battlehawks bolstered their receiving corps through key signings announced Thursday night.
WR Hakeem Butler Back In St. Louis
St. Louis retained the services of Hakeem Butler, who emerged as the UFL’s top receiver in 2024. Butler dominated the stat sheet with 652 receiving yards and five touchdowns across 10 games, earning both All-UFL honors and the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award. His performance in St. Louis follows an impressive 2023 XFL campaign where he led the league with 51 catches for 599 yards and eight scores.
TE Sternberger Returns To Stallions
The Birmingham Stallions reinforced their offense by bringing back tight end Jace Sternberger, who made his mark in spring football over the past two seasons. Sternberger’s impact was immediate in 2023 when he set a modern USFL record with seven receiving touchdowns while accumulating 517 yards. He maintained his production in the UFL’s inaugural season, recording 454 yards and four touchdowns en route to All-UFL recognition.
Pettway Returns
Birmingham further strengthened their receiving options by reuniting with La’Michael Pettway. The tight end returns to the Stallions where he contributed to their 2023 USFL championship run with 99 yards and two crucial touchdowns. Pettway previously showed his capabilities with the Michigan Panthers in 2022, collecting 307 yards and two scores.
Statistical Highlights:
Hakeem Butler (St. Louis)
- 2024 UFL: 652 yards, 5 TDs
- 2023 XFL: 599 yards, 8 TDs
- Led league in receiving yards
- Named UFL Offensive Player of the Year
Jace Sternberger (Birmingham)
- 2024 UFL: 454 yards, 4 TDs
- 2023 USFL: 517 yards, 7 TDs
- Set USFL touchdown record
- Named to All-UFL Team
La’Michael Pettway (Birmingham)
- 2023 USFL: 99 yards, 2 TDs
- 2022 USFL: 307 yards, 2 TDs
- USFL Champion with Stallions
Each player brings NFL experience to their respective teams, with Butler most recently appearing in the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason games, while Pettway spent time on practice squads with both the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots. Their return to the UFL signals the league’s growing stability and appeal to established talent.
These signings maintain the UFL’s momentum as it enters its second season, kicking off March 28th. We should hear more big names sign on in the coming weeks as we get closer to training camp
