With the UFL season in full swing, and CFL rosters beginning to take shape a fans have seen a couple players announce their retirements with spring football ties. Prior to the 2025 UFL season kicking off we saw 41 players announce their retirements whether it be through the league or via their own announcements. Since then, Lance Lenoir and Kade Warner have both announced their retirements along with several others moving forward.
Andrew Jamiel Wide Receiver Orlando Guardians
Jamiel had been a mainstay in the Alt-Football cycle since the Spring League and FCF. His success in those two leagues led to a workout with the Patriots, the ability to run a “40” with Terrell Owens, and an opportunity with the Orlando Guardians. Jamiel looked to latch on in 2024, but failed to do so and is now working as in real estate.
Kristjan Sokoli Offensive/Defensive Lineman Houston Roughnecks
Sokoli is one of the most fun and underappreciated stories in spring football. The first Albanian to ever play in an NFL game, Sokoli spent multiple years from 2015 to 2018 with various NFL squads. He’d join the XFL in 2020 playing for the D.C. Defenders before additional stints with the TSL, GFL’s Potsdam Royals, the Houston Gamblers (USFL 22-23), and finally with the Houston Roughnecks after spending 2024 out of football. Sokoli retired April 2nd, after his release from the UFL.
Keonte Schad Defensive Lineman Michigan Panthers
After limited NFL interest as a UDFA in 2022, Schad joined the XFL’s Orlando Guardians via the XFL Draft in November of 2022. He’d appear in Two games for the Guardians, before joining the New Orleans Breakers for the remainer of the 2023 USFL season. Schad would be drafted by the Houston Roughnecks during the UFL dispersal draft earning a contract with the Green Bay Packers due to his play during the 2024 UFL season. Schad would be released during prior to the 2025 season after spending UFL training camp with the Michigan Panthers. He’d sign with the Edmonton Elks however would retire before the season.
Wes Saxton Tight End Memphis Showboats
Saxton has been on the pro football scene since 2015 spending time with 10 teams across 5 leagues. Saxton has had ties with the Birmingham Iron, St. Louis Battlehawks, New Jersey Generals and most recently the Memphis Showboats post UFL merger. Saxton totaled 29 receptions for 348 yards and a Touchdown in his NFL career, along with appearing in 34 spring football games.
