There are many times in life when something that seems bad happens and forces a person or organization to react. Many times, the reaction to a bad event is much more important than the actual impact of the event that occurred. Over the last few days, the San Antonio Brahmas have experienced this situation, and the end result has produced an upgrade to the Brahmas offensive backfield.
Earlier this week, the UFL announced that the Brahmas suspended former NFL running back Hassan Hall. During the off-season, the Brahmas signed Hall with hopes that he would fill an opening in their offensive backfield created by former Brahmas running back Anthony McFarland moving to the NFL after signing with the Miami Dolphins. While losing Hall was a disappointment, the available spot on the Brahmas roster allowed Anthony McFarland to return to the Brahmas and follow up a successful 2024 season with another great season during the 2025 UFL season.
UFL Insider James Larsen tweeted on his official account on X that McFarland had been added to the Brahmas roster.
During the 2024 off-season, the San Antonio Brahmas signed McFarland while building their first roster in the UFL. Early on, McFarland’s role in the Brahmas offensive backfield was unclear. As the season developed, the Brahmas dealt with many injuries along their offensive line and backfield. Those injuries opened the door for McFarland to make a significant impact on the Brahmas during the second half of the season, and McFarland played an integral role during the Brahmas run to an XFL Conference championship and an appearance in the inaugural UFL Championship game.
McFarland’s elite speed made him a great fit for Brahmas offensive coordinator AJ Smith’s wide-open offense. During the regular season, McFarland played in five games for the Brahmas and ran the ball 47 times for 192 yards and one touchdown. In addition to the rushing yards, McFarland also caught 15 passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns.
While McFarland’s regular season stats did not appear to be very impressive, McFarland was able to hit his stride in the post-season for the Brahmas. During the XFL Conference and UFL championship games, McFarland ran the ball 20 times for 147 yards and an additional touchdown, and he caught seven passes for 42 yards. McFarland was able to demonstrate his elite speed, and his success allowed McFarland to sign a contract with the Miami Dolphins for the 2024 NFL season.
McFarland returning to the Brahmas roster significantly boosts the Brahmas offense and ensures that San Antonio can run the ball effectively. San Antonio has one of the best defensive units in the UFL, and having the ability to run the ball and pick up key first downs shortens the game and allows the Brahmas to control the tempo of their opponent’s offense. Playing for the Brahmas gives McFarland a chance to prove that he still has the potential that the Pittsburgh Steelers saw in him when they drafted McFarland in the 4th round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
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