As many UFL players begin to find their footing after cut day, Two former players have begun their next phase of their life. Recently former Michigan Panthers/Orlando Guardians WR Lance Lenoir announced his retirement, while former Brahmas WR Kade Warner accepted a job offer to become the Offensive Coordinator at Quincy University in Illinois.
Lenoir came to spring football after several years in the NFL most notably with the Dallas Cowboys. Lenoir began his pro football career as a UDFA out of Western Illinois, appearing in 8 games over Three seasons with the Cowboys. After bouncing around with the Seahawks and Bills, Lenoir found his way to the Michigan Panthers being drafted in the 14th round of the inaugural USFL Draft. Lenoir would put together a top-5 season for Michigan securing 52 receptions for 494 yds, earning contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles, and LA Rams.
“Released” from his USFL contract Lenoir joined the Orlando Guardians putting together 9 Receptions for 99 yards in 2023. Lenoir would rejoin the Panthers in 2024, before his release opting for retirement March 17th via Instagram. Lenoir finishes his spring football career with 61 Receptions, 593 Yards, and Two TDs.
Warner opts for retirement with a transition into the coaching ranks. The son of Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner, Kade joins Division-II Quincy University of the GLVC based out of Illinois. After playing at Nebraska and Kansas State Warner was a UDFA for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, before being released at the conclusion of training camp. Warner would find his way to the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks, before being drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas during the UFL Dispersal Draft. After being released by the Brahmas during training camp, Warner would rejoin the Brahmas during their playoff run, resigning with the team in May.
Warner now begins his coaching career as the Offensive Coordinator for the Quincy Hawks. He’ll join Head Coach Jason Killday who goes into his 2nd season as the Head Coach coming off a 6-4 2024 season. Quincy a Division-II program, is about 2 hours from St. Louis, and recently saw their first alum B.J. Wilson earn professional opportunities with the Carolina Panthers, Edmonton Elks, and San Antonio Brahmas in 2023 before his retirement.
As the UFL season begins, and CFL teams begin taking advantage of UFL cuts, many UFL players may be in a “holding pattern” for the time being. With injuries inevitable in football, many of these players who were recently released may find their way back on a roster as the UFL season progresses. Going back to Trent Harris’ retirement, 42 players have announced their retirement via UFL public relations, UFL insiders, or their own social media posts.
