The Louisville Kings have finalized the player cuts to arrive at the regulation 50-man roster. However, some very tough decisions were made. Several UFL veterans and players who appeared to be a lock for earning a roster spot were released.
One of the most surprising cuts involved the release of talented NFL running back James Robinson. As an undrafted NFL rookie, Robinson shattered records with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He became only the fourth undrafted rookie in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing the season with 1,070 yards on 240 carries with 7 touchdowns.
The Kings enter the season with the three remaining running backs on their rosters: former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Benny Snell, former New Orleans Saints running back Ian Wheeler, and talented UFL veteran Jaden Shirden.
Offensive coordinator Steve Logan described Snell as a "heavy, strong, angry footballer who can catch a football.” Wheeler is the elite speedster on the roster who could be a dual threat as a kick return specialist. Joining Wheeler on kick returns is Shirden, who performed admirably in that role last season for the San Antonio Brahmas. The former UFL Special Teams Player of the Week, Shirden, recorded three kickoff returns for 150 yards, including an 86-yarder that set up a field goal in Week 1 of the 2025 season
Another surprising cut was UFL veteran center Alec Lindstrom, who previously played for the Memphis Showboats in both 2024 and 2025. In the offseason, Lindstrom spent time on several NFL teams and briefly made the New York Jets’ active roster in 2024. Drafted by the Kings, Lindstrom seemed to be a sure bet to make the 50-man roster.
Instead, it appears that 6’3” 308 lb. Mike McAllister will be the Kings’ center this season. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, the Youngstown State graduate first signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He spent the past two seasons with the Rams' practice squad but wasn’t activated for any regular-season games.
In addition to Lindstrom, another surprise Memphis player cut was tight end Chris Pierce. The former Vanderbilt talent lost the Kings’ training camp battle to former NFL tight end Zach Davidson. During Logan’s media session this week, he was full of praise for the 6’7” 245 lb. Davidson, noting that he “came into training camp on Day 1 and flashed and continues to flash every day.” Logan stated that Davidson’s “really been an asset and we’re going to use him in a lot of different ways. “
Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 5th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Davidson spent time with the Vikings' practice squad before his release in August of 2022. However, he spent the next two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, where he took his first NFL snaps in relief of Dalton Kincaid in November of 2024.
Finally, wide receiver Kwamie Lassiter, a standout talent for the Showboats last year, was released due to a training camp injury. Once he recovers, it’s possible that Lassiter could return later this season.
Other cuts include former Arlington (Dallas) Renegades DL LaRon Stokes, former L.A. Rams WR Tyler Hudson, former Michigan Panthers OT Keith Russell, and Eastern Kentucky defensive end T.K. McLendon.
The Kings also released DE Nate Matlack, who spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, along with Tennessee native and former Houston Roughnecks CB Rayshad Williams, New York Jets safety Marquis Waters, and safety Jordan Polk.
Fortunately for the Kings, they have plenty of talent at safety with former Memphis Showboats FS Keaton Ellis, who proved to be one of the defensive standouts last year.
Now, with the final roster set, the Kings can focus on next week's upcoming UFL season kickoff against the Birmingham Stallions. The game will be televised on Friday, March 27, at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX UFL Friday. Tickets are still available for the Lynn Family Stadium kickoff event featuring a halftime performance by country artist Russell Dickerson.