Going from Dunkin’ Donuts to the USFL Conference Championship game is an all-time great sports story.
It also fits in perfectly with how wild the Birmingham Stallions’ QB room has been this season.
Five different QBs have played in games this year for the Stallions.
- Alex McGough
- Matt Corral
- Case Cookus
- Alex Peasley
- J’Mar Smith
They all have great stories, but J’Mar Smith’s is probably the best.
J’Mar Smith’s Birmingham Stallions Journey
In 2022, Smith led the Stallions to the USFL Championship.
There were high hopes for him to do the same in 2023, but fate had other plans. He got injured in the first game of the season and didn’t start another game until two weeks ago.
He spent the entire 2024 season as QB 3.
With Alex McGough and Matt Corral returning in 2025, this season didn’t look much different. That caused Smith to make the difficult decision to retire rather than enter the season as the 3rd QB again.
Retirement wasn’t all rest and relaxation for Smith, he stayed busy. For him, that involved detailing cars and working at Dunkin Donuts.
After his shift at Dunkin’ Donuts, he would work out. That involved both gym sessions and throwing sessions with his private QB coach.
That work ethic ensured that he was ready when he received an unexpected opportunity to return.
2025 Season
When injury struck, the Birmingham Stallions needed an emergency QB on short notice. That led to J’Mar Smith getting the call.
Originally, he was only supposed to come back for one week. But, one week turned into two, two turned into three, and next thing you know, it turned into so much more.
J’Mar isn’t an emergency QB anymore, he’s the guy.
His first game action came against the Houston Roughnecks in week seven. He came in to lead the game-winning drive after Case Cookus went down.
In week eight, he got his first start. It was a thrilling 28–29 loss to the St. Louis Battlehawks.
- 14–27 (51.9%)
- 262 passing yards
- 3 Tds, 1 Int
- 45 rushing yards
His first game was good, but not perfect. His completion percentage (51.9%) and the pick-6 needed improvement.
It didn’t take him long to fix those issues.
His next start was a 22–26 win over the Michigan Panthers.
- 22–31 (71%)
- 306 passing yards
- 2 Tds, 0 Int
- 31 rushing yards
His improvement in one week was noticeable. His completion percentage was up, and he didn’t turn the ball over.
With J’Mar under center, the offense is finally starting to click.
Going Forward
The Stallions face the Memphis Showboats in week 10.
The Stallions will clinch first place in the USFL Conference with a win or a Michigan loss.
Regardless of what happens in week 10, they will be facing Michigan at home the very next week with a trip to the UFL Championship game on the line.
We don’t yet know how this wild story will end.
Regardless of the ending, it will be one heck of a fun ride. Just like things always are when J’Mar Smith is involved.
