A week into the 2026 UFL season, and seven players have announced their retirement since players reported. With the UFL transitioning into a younger, and "fresher" it appears that many players are opting to end their careers earlier than owner Mike Repole probably hoped. Over the past several days, an additional wave of players have "retired" rather than pursue the UFL. With the 2026 regular season set to kick off in just over three weeks expect more players to hang up their cleats especially once final cuts take place.
Miles Boykin WR Dallas Renegades
After a seven-year career in the NFL, Boykin opted to retire rather than continue with the Dallas Renegades. Originally, a third-round pick in 2019, Boykin most recently spent time with the Chicago Bears on their practice squad, before his release in November.
Andre Mintze EDGE D.C. Defenders
Mintze spent two years with NFL teams, before joining the D.C. Defenders during the 2022 XFL draft. Mintze would be a foundational piece for D.C. over three seasons totaling 39 tackles and 9.5 sacks with the Defenders including a week 3 player of the week honor, and a UFL championship.
Roderick Daniels Jr. WR Dallas Renegades
After a standout career at SMU, Daniels would spend part of the 2025 season with the New Orleans Saints. After being selected by the Renegades, Daniels would receive an offer to join the SMU staff opting to begin his coaching career instead.
Chace Davis DL Dallas Renegades
The Renegades have continued to see players opt out of the 2026 UFL season, with Defensive Lineman Chace Davis joining Boykin, and Daniels. Davis was recently added to the "reserve/retired" list on the UFL transactions page after being selected by the Renegades in the 2026 UFL draft. Davis came out of Bowling Green in 2025, receiving a mini-camp invite with the Chiefs.
Lideatrick Griffin WR St. Louis Battlehawks
Originally a 2024 San Antonio Brahmas draft pick Griffin spent parts of two seasons in the NFL, prior to joining St. Louis. Originally out of Mississippi State, Griffin amassed almost 1,500 yards in four seasons.
Grayson Murphy LB Orlando Storm
Murphy dealt with injuries in his NFL career, which may be the reason he decided to retire. Originally a UDFA out of UCLA, Murphy spent 2024 on the Miami Dolphins injured reserve, before being waived in 2025 during final cuts. He was placed on the "reserve/retired" list on February 27th.
Gabriel Murphy LB D.C. Defenders
Like his brother Gabriel Murphy also placed on the "reserve/retired" list on February 27th. Murphy spent two seasons on and off the practice squad for the Minnesota Vikings and signed with the Defenders in late January.
Since the end of training camp in 2025, 47 players have officially announced their retirement or been placed on the "reserve/retired" list. With the UFL looking to "reboot" the types of players that the league rosters look for more players to possibly transition to the next phase of their lives. The 2026 UFL season is scheduled to begin on March 27th with the Birmingham Stallions taking on the Louisville Kings to open the season.