Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl: UFL Is 'on the Reducing Fringe of Altering the Sport'

[ad_1] The 2026 UFL season kicks off this week, with the beloved St. Louis Battlehawks in motion Saturday in opposition to the defending champion DC Defenders. Newly minted Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl joined "First Issues First" to debate his staff's season opener, his method to teaching and what stage of expertise the league has to supply.

"These guys can play," Proehl started. "The extent is so excessive right here. … A few of them have not had the chance to showcase their expertise and ability set. … Coaching camp is so totally different than once I performed. … A whole lot of these guys, they only have not had the alternatives to do the issues that they are able to doing."

Proehl, who performed 17 seasons within the NFL and gained two Tremendous Bowls, went on to say that he is assured his staff can win all of it regardless of beginning the season with simply the fifth-best odds to take dwelling the championship title.

"Completely," Proehl replied when requested if he thinks the Battlehawks are underrated heading into the 12 months. "However that is OK. That is type of place to be. I am enthusiastic about our soccer staff. … These guys are a lot enjoyable to educate."

Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl talks UFL opener, assist from St. Louis, teaching Caleb Williams-Rome Odunze and training affect | First Issues First Expertise is about to be maximized this season with a handful of recent offensive-friendly rule adjustments. Proehl, who referred to himself as "an offensive man," is happy about all of the totally different choices and revealed which UFL rule he likes greatest.

"The fourth-and-12," he stated with out hesitation. "A few years in the past, the Battlehawks … scored 16 factors in a minute and a half due to that rule."

Groups trailing within the fourth quarter can try to convert this single play — a 4th-and-12 play from a staff's personal 28-yard line — to retain possession as a substitute for the normal onside kick. A profitable conversion leads to the staff holding the ball, whereas a failed try provides possession to the opposite staff at that spot.

Proehl could have loads of star energy on his roster to make performs like this attainable. The Battlehawks shall be led by beginning quarterback Brandon Silvers, who has performed in each the UFL and legacy XFL. Hakeem Butler returns at receiver for St. Louis, together with standout exterior linebackers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney whereas All-UFL defensive sort out Carlos Davis joins the combination.

"Who needs to look at a 10-7 ballgame?" Proehl added. "We need to see the 42-38 time beyond regulation video games. That is what this league does. That is what it brings [with] the brand new guidelines. We're on the innovative of fixing the sport."

Proehl changed Anthony Becht, who moved from the Battlehawks to change into the pinnacle coach of the Orlando Storm — one of many league's three brand-new franchises this season. Proehl says St. Louis followers have embraced with absolutely.

"We are the staple of the league," he stated. "It is an incredible environment. St. Louis is likely one of the greatest sports activities cities in our nation. They assist each sport in that metropolis, and the Battlehawks aren't any totally different. … It is thrilling to be part of."