Houston Gamblers QB Nolan Henderson Named Offensive Player of the Week presented by Progressive
DC Defenders S Sam Kidd Named Defensive Player of the Week presented by NOBULL
Houston Gamblers K John Hoyland Named Special Teams Player of the Week presented by Dynasty Financial Partners
ARLINGTON, TX (April 8, 2026) – Clutch moments and strong performances defined Week 2 as Quarterback Nolan Henderson of the Houston Gamblers, safety Sam Kidd of the DC Defenders, and kicker John Hoyland of the Houston Gamblers have been named United Football League Players of the Week.
Offense: QB, Nolan Henderson, HOU
One week after being replaced as the starting quarterback, Nolan Henderson delivered a resilient and poised performance in Houston’s Week 2 victory over Birmingham. Midway through the second quarter, Hunter Dekkers went down with an injury, putting Henderson back at the helm of a tightly contested game. Henderson responded with composure and toughness after suffering an injury of his own with a dislocated finger on his throwing hand, yet still finished 15-of-23 passing for 186 yards and a 90.1 passer rating while adding 23 rushing yards on three carries. It was Henderson’s late-game heroics, however, that earned him Player of the Week honors. Trailing 20-19 with 2:02 remaining, Henderson led the Gamblers on a nine-play game-winning drive. After an earlier fourth-down conversion by Henderson’s legs was wiped out by a penalty, he responded by converting a critical fourth-and-16 from Houston’s own 24-yard line with a strike over the middle to Armani Rogers to extend the possession. Henderson then scrambled for five yards to help set up the game-winning field goal in a thrilling 22-20 win over the Birmingham Stallions.
Defense: S, Sam Kidd, DC
Strong safety Sam Kidd turned in a complete defensive performance for DC in a win over the Columbus Aviators. Leading the Defenders with seven tackles (six solo), Kidd made his presence felt in coverage as well with his first interception of the season to go along with two pass breakups. Kidd consistently disrupted the rhythm of the Columbus offense, showcasing strong instincts and physicality while delivering impact plays that helped swing field position and momentum.
Special Teams: K, John Hoyland, HOU
Kicker John Hoyland accounted for 16 of Houston’s 22 points in a flawless outing, converting all five of his field goal attempts, including a game-winning 50-yarder as time expired. His consistency and composure under pressure proved decisive, delivering in the game’s biggest moment to secure the comeback victory for Houston.
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About the United Football League
The United Football League (UFL) is the premier professional spring football league, powered by the visionary leadership and investment of Mike Repole and Impact Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and ESPN. Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers the most engaging professional football experience in the world—for both players and fans. The league features eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The 2026 season kicks off Friday, March 27.