As the 2025 UFL season comes to its final week of the regular season several Battlehawks have announced their retirement between the several levels of North American professional football. With spring football looking to continue into the 2026 season, and the ever-looming possibility of expansion many players have opted to look into the next phase of their career rather than continue playing professional football.
Darrius Shepherd Wide Receiver St. Louis Battlehawks
Originally reported that Shepherd was considering stepping away by PFN’s James Larsen, was confirmed recently to me by Shepherd’s team. The former NDSU National Champion has opted to continue his professional career in the workforce while also spending more time with his family. Shepherd was a well traveled veteran of both the NFL and Spring Football spending time with the Packers, Chiefs, Cardinals, Vikings, Steelers, Broncos, Chargers, along with the New Jersey Generals and St. Louis Battlehawks. Shepherd walks away from spring football with over 3000 All-Purpose Yards, 104 Receptions, 1082 Receiving Yards, 7 Touchdowns, and the 2023 Special Teams Player of the Year honor.
Ben DeLuca Defensive Back St. Louis Battlehawks
After playing with the Los Angeles Charger from 2021 to 2022, DeLuca was drafted by the Battlehawks during the 2022 off-season. DeLuca’s Battlehawk tenure filled by injuries as the UNCC alum finished the season on injured reserve both years (returned for 2024 playoffs). DeLuca was not brought back in 2025, and signed with the Calgary Stampeders for their CFL season. On May 17th the team announced that DeLuca had retired as the team signed Two more Defensive Backs to replace him.
Dravon Askew-Henry Defensive Back St. Louis Battlehawks
The cousin of Darrelle Revis, Askew Henry announced his retirement via social media he is also retiring. Askew-Henry spent four seasons in spring football before getting released by the Battlehawks during training camp this year. Askew-Henry’s tenure includes stints with the Giants, Steelers, New Jersey Generals, New York Guardians, and last year with the St. Louis Battlehawks. Askew-Henry finishes his career with 116 Tackles, 2 INTs, and 16 Passes Defended through Four spring seasons.
1 Comment
by Patrick in Pittsburgh
Best of luck, fellas.
Thank you, Dravon, from Mountaineer Nation for your contributions to WVU and beyond.
LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS