Highlights
- Birmingham Stallions win inaugural UFL championship
- Pro Football Hall of Fame adds display honoring Stallions’ victory
- Adrian Martinez’s championship game jersey featured in exhibit
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, has unveiled a new display celebrating the Birmingham Stallions’ victory in the inaugural United Football League (UFL) championship. The exhibit features quarterback Adrian Martinez’s jersey from the title game and the game ball, recognizing the Stallions’ achievement in spring football history.
The Stallions secured the UFL championship with a 25-0 win over the San Antonio Brahmas. Martinez, who earned MVP honors for both the regular season and championship game, led Birmingham to their third consecutive spring football title. This victory follows two previous championships in the USFL, which merged with the XFL to form the UFL in 2024.
Birmingham’s success has etched their name in spring football history. The Stallions have become the first team to win three consecutive league titles in the spring football era. This accomplishment has garnered recognition beyond the UFL, leading to their inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s displays.
The Hall of Fame’s decision to honor the UFL championship aligns with its recent efforts to showcase significant moments in spring football. Earlier exhibits have featured items from the XFL and USFL, including jerseys, helmets, and notable game balls. The institution’s “Pro Football Today” section has expanded to include these alternative leagues alongside NFL memorabilia.
Martinez’s journey with the Stallions has been notable. Despite being named regular-season MVP, he faced a brief benching during the playoff run before returning to lead the team to victory in the championship game. His performance in the title match solidified his status as a key figure in the UFL’s inaugural season.
The UFL’s successful first season has set the stage for future growth. The league has announced plans to return in 2025 with the same eight teams, offering the Stallions an opportunity to extend their championship streak to four consecutive titles. The offseason question is will Head Coach Skip Holtz and GM Zach Potter return.
As spring football continues to develop, the Hall of Fame’s exhibits serve as a historical record of the sport’s expansion. The Stallions’ display joins other notable spring football artifacts, such as Jake Bates’ record-setting 64-yard field goal ball from the Michigan Panthers, Luis Perez’s Vegas Vipers jersey from the XFL’s inaugural game, items from the USFL two seasons and XFL’s first season in 2001.
