UFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Daryl Johnston spoke with The Fight with Karraker and Company to discuss the league’s future, pipeline to the NFL, and behind-the-scenes operations. The interview provided fans with insights into the UFL’s post-merger strategy, player development programs, and the atmosphere at league headquarters in Arlington, Texas.
On Addressing Fan Concerns About League Sustainability
Johnston addressed widespread fan concerns about the UFL’s long-term viability with confidence rooted in the league’s organizational structure and staff commitment.
“Yeah, I think every market has fear in what the next steps are going to be. We’ve worked long and hard in legacy USFL. Russ Brandon and his group worked long and hard in legacy XFL. The merger was the best thing for spring football. It made sense on every level. This is the best opportunity for success, to be sustainable, to have a spring league that finally defies the odds and surpass This is what all the other spring leagues have done.”
The reference to “defying the odds” acknowledges the historical challenges spring football leagues have faced while positioning the UFL as different from previous attempts. From all league sources it is full go for 2026 and beyond, which should be comforting to UFL fans.
Inside the League’s Headquarters Culture
The UFL executive provided insight into the daily atmosphere at the league’s Arlington headquarters, revealing the organizational mindset that drives operations.
“The vibe that we have at HQ in Arlington, Texas, every day you walk in is upbeat, is positive. If we do get news that we need to get better in this area, there’s nobody dropping their heads, there’s nobody getting concerned. Everybody just rallies around each other, and we get to work at correcting that.”
Johnston’s description of staff response to setbacks demonstrates the league’s commitment to continuous improvement. It will be interesting to see how the HQ will help the league going forward, all the office personal in one roof for the long term.
On the UFL as NFL Pipeline
Johnston detailed how the UFL serves as a development pathway for players and staff members seeking NFL opportunities, citing specific success stories.
“Last year, we had a couple of our players, Dondre Tillman from Birmingham, one of our Arlington players, finally made the starting lineup in Minnesota, Jalen Redman, when it was December on a playoff team in Minnesota. Those are huge strides for us when you talk about defensive linemen coming from our league and going to playoff teams and getting quality playing time.”
Is has been a constant media question, which is fine but the league needs to pivot from that on to other topics. This is great, but this angle in promoting the league has not increased ratings or put fans in the stands.
Staff Development Beyond Players
The UFL executive revealed how the league also serves as a pipeline for coaching and support staff, with regular departures to NFL organizations.
“Zack Woodfin is going to be our head of strength and performance, and he gets hired away to the Tennessee Titans. Brad Campbell, who works our video department, the end of our seasons every year, he’s losing people in the video department because OTAs are starting up and they’re starting to hire people at the NFL level that are in video.”
There is no question the NFL benefits from the United Football League. So far it has only been a one way street. For this league to flourish, that needs to change.
League Identity and Player Motivation
Johnston clarified the UFL’s dual identity as both a development league and standalone professional organization, explaining player motivations for participation.
“Yeah, we definitely have that developmental component or that Feeder League mentality, but that’s not how we look at ourselves. We look at ourselves as a standalone professional football league that plays its games in the spring, and we present a very good quality style of football. Some of our guys make it to the NFL, but a lot of the guys that are with us are with us because they love the game of football.”
See above…
Johnston’s interview provided UFL fans with insights into league operations, from headquarters culture to player development success stories. Nothing really new that we have not heard before, but it is nice to see, at least on the outside, the league is full steam ahead for 2026 and beyond.
Fans can access the full interview with Johnston on The Fight with Karraker and Company for additional details and context from his appearance.
