Stallions Aim to Defend 2022 USFL Championship Title

Maulers, Who Finished Last in 2022, Look to Complete Worst-to-First Turnaround

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 29, 2023 – The defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions take on the Pittsburgh Maulers in the 2023 USFL Championship Game this Saturday in primetime at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Birmingham aims for its second consecutive title while Pittsburgh has a chance to complete a worst-to-first turnaround after finishing in last place in 2022.

The teams played once this season, with the Stallions winning 24-20 in Week 4 in a back-and-forth affair that saw three lead changes in the fourth quarter. The Stallions enter Saturday’s championship matchup with the league’s top offense while Pittsburgh boasts the league’s top defense.

The Stallions finished with the league’s top regular season record at 8-2 and handily beat the New Orleans Breakers, 47-22, last week to advance to their second consecutive USFL Championship Game. Head coach Skip Holtz, who also serves as the team’s general manager, was named the 2023 USFL Coach of the Year in his second season in the professional ranks after coaching for more than three decades at the collegiate level.

Birmingham had four All-USFL Team selections, including quarterback Alex McGough, who led the league with 20 passing touchdowns and threw for 310 yards and four scores in last week’s USFL South Division Championship, and tight end Jace Sternberger, a 2019 NFL third-round pick out of Texas A&M who spent two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Sternberger led the USFL with seven receiving touchdowns. The Stallions offense led the league in yards per game (332.6).

The Maulers beat the Michigan Panthers, 31-27, in an overtime thriller last week to advance to the USFL Championship Game. Pittsburgh, along with the New Jersey Generals, topped the league with five All-USFL Team selections, highlighted by cornerback Mark Gilbert, who led the USFL in interceptions (four), and kick returner Josh Simmons, who had over 100 more kick return yards than any other player (862).

Head coach Ray Horton, who won Super Bowl XXVII as a player with the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowls XL and XLIII as a secondary coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, aims to add a USFL Championship to his resume.

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Stallions-Maulers championship matchup on NBC and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Winner Advances to USFL Championship Game on NBC and Peacock Next Saturday, July 1, at 8 p.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 21, 2023 – The Pittsburgh Maulers host the Michigan Panthers in the USFL North Division Championship with a trip to the USFL Championship Game on the line this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

The winner of Saturday’s Panthers-Maulers playoff game will face the winner of Sunday’s USFL South Division Championship between the defending USFL champion Birmingham Stallions and the New Orleans Breakers.

The Maulers beat the New Jersey Generals, 26-6, in a “win-and-in” game last week to secure the franchise’s first playoff appearance and division title. Quarterback Troy Williams threw for 154 yards and a touchdown while wide receiver Isiah Hennie, who earned 2023 All-USFL Team honors as punt returner after leading the USFL in punt return yards (297), caught six passes for 48 yards and a score in the win. Head coach Ray Horton, who won Super Bowl XXVII as a player with the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowls XL and XLIII as a secondary coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, aims to add a USFL Championship.

The Panthers narrowly beat the Philadelphia Stars, 23-20, last week to clinch the second and final North Division playoff spot. Quarterback E.J. Perry threw for 121 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown run and two-point conversion pass early in the fourth quarter to put the Panthers on top, sealing the team’s trip to the USFL playoffs. Super Bowl LIV-winning defensive end Breeland Speaks made the All-USFL Defense Team and led the USFL in sacks this season (9).

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Panthers-Maulers matchup on NBC and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Winner Clinches North Division Playoff Berth & Potentially North Division Title (Based Upon Tiebreaker)

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 15, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a “win-and-in” game for a playoff berth on the final USFL regular season weekend as the Pittsburgh Maulers and New Jersey Generals, tied for second place in the North Division, meet this Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

The winner of Saturday’s Maulers-Generals matchup clinches a spot in the USFL playoffs. In addition, if the Philadelphia Stars lose their game on Sunday against the Michigan Panthers, the winner of Maulers-Generals will win the division title.

The Maulers defeated the Panthers, 19-7, last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Troy Williams threw for 166 yards and a touchdown while the wide receiver duo of Isiah Hennie, who also leads the league in punt return yards (285), and Tre Walker combined for 133 receiving yards. The Maulers’ defense has dominated the major statistical categories, ranking first in the league in scoring, total yards allowed, rush defense, and takeaways.

The Generals beat the Stars, 37-33, last week to stay in the playoff hunt. Running back Darius Victor, who ranks third in the USFL in rushing yards (506), had 51 yards rushing to go along with two rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. Quarterback De’Andre Johnson threw for 213 yards while Cam Echols-Luper had a game-opening, 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to help New Jersey to victory.

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), Super Bowl-winning fullback Michael Robinson (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (sideline reporter) will call the Maulers-Generals matchup on USA Network and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Memphis Showboats Host New Orleans Breakers Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 8, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a 2023 Week 9 USFL doubleheader this weekend in the penultimate week of the regular season, headlined by the South Division-leading Birmingham Stallions, who hold the best record in the league at 6-2, facing the division rival Houston Gamblers (5-3) this Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

The Stallions defeated the Philadelphia Stars, 27-24, last week for their third consecutive win. Quarterback Alex McGough threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns to add to his league-leading touchdown pass total (16). Wide receiver Davion Davis, who spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans during a three-year NFL career, had four receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown, while tight end Jace Sternberger, a 2019 NFL third-round pick who spent two seasons with the Green Bay Packers, added 62 yards and a score on three receptions.

The Gamblers topped the Pittsburgh Maulers 20-19 last week, led by running back Mark Thompson’s 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 33-yard go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. Thompson leads the USFL in rushing touchdowns (13) and ranks second with 514 rushing yards. Quarterback Kenji Bahar, who is in the top five in the league in passing yards (1,326) and passing touchdowns (eight), threw for 146 yards and a score.

NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Super Bowl-winning fullback Michael Robinson (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Stallions-Gamblers matchup on NBC and Peacock.

The New Orleans Breakers (5-3) take on the Memphis Showboats (5-3) in a battle of South Division rivals on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

The Breakers defeated the Panthers, 24-20, last week, led by USFL passing yards leader McLeod Bethel-Thompson (2,118), who threw for 328 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win. Running back Wes Hills, who leads the league in rushing yards (613), had 73 combined yards (36 rushing, 37 receiving) and a touchdown. New Orleans currently leads the USFL in yards per game (343.8) and passing yards per game (247.9).

The Showboats, winners of five straight, beat the New Jersey Generals last week, 25-16. Running back Kerrith Whyte, a 2019 NFL seventh-round pick out of Florida Atlantic who has spent time with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, had 102 rushing yards and a score in the win.

NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Super Bowl-winning fullback Michael Robinson (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Breakers-Showboats matchup on NBC and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Pittsburgh Maulers Host Houston Gamblers Saturday at Noon ET on USA Network and Peacock; Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy Serves as Game Analyst

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – June 1, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a 2023 Week 8 USFL doubleheader this weekend, headlined by the South Division-leading Birmingham Stallions (5-2) hosting the North Division-leading Philadelphia Stars (4-3) this Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala.

The Stallions defeated the New Orleans Breakers, 24-20, last week to move into sole possession of first place in the South Division. Quarterback Alex McGough, a seventh-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft, threw for 176 yards and a score to boost his league-leading touchdown pass total to 13. Running back C.J. Marable, who is fourth in the USFL in rushing yards (380), had 138 total yards (86 rushing, 52 receiving). Tight end Jace Sternberger, a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft who played two seasons for the Green Bay Packers, had two receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown, while TE Thaddeus Moss, son of NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, had a 10-yard reception.

Quarterback Case Cookus, second in the league in passing yards (1,520) and fourth in passing touchdowns (seven), led the Stars past the Pittsburgh Maulers (37-31) last week with 235 passing yards and two touchdowns. Corey Coleman, who was a consensus All-American at Baylor in 2015 and spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Kansas City Chiefs, had four receptions for 75 yards and a score. Coleman, a 2016 NFL first-round pick, ranks second in the league in receiving yards (409).

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), Super Bowl-winning fullback Michael Robinson (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Stars-Stallions matchup on NBC and Peacock.

The Houston Gamblers (4-3) take on the Pittsburgh Maulers (2-5) on Saturday at Noon ET on USA Network and Peacock from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Current Arizona Cardinals QB and 12-year NFL veteran Colt McCoy will serve as analyst for the second consecutive weekend.

The Gamblers, led by head coach Curtis Johnson, who was the wide receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV, narrowly fell to the Memphis Showboats last week (23-20). Running back Mark Thompson, third in the league in rushing yards (416), led Houston with 59 total yards (42 rushing, 17 receiving) and two scores, while TE Josh Pederson added five receptions for 93 yards.

The Maulers fell to the Stars, 37-31, last week. Linebacker Kyahva Tezino, who leads the league in tackles (77), had 15 tackles while 2017 NFL first round pick Reuben Foster, who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders, added seven. Wide receiver Josh Simmons has excelled on special teams, with 683 kick return yards – tops in the USFL by more than 100 yards.

NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Colt McCoy (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (sideline reporter) will call the Gamblers-Maulers matchup on USA Network and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Arizona Cardinals QB and 12-Year NFL Veteran Colt McCoy to Make Debut as Game Analyst on Sunday

Gamblers, Winners of Four Straight, and Showboats, Winners of Three Straight, are Hottest Teams in the USFL

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 25, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a matchup of the USFL’s two hottest teams this weekend, as the Houston Gamblers (4-2), winners of four straight, host the Memphis Showboats (3-3), winners of three straight, on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

Current Arizona Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy, a 12-year NFL veteran, will make his debut as a game analyst on Gamblers-Showboats. McCoy starred at the University of Texas, where he won the Maxwell Award (collegiate player of the year), Davey O’Brien Award (nation’s top quarterback) and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (nation’s top senior quarterback) and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2009. He was 45-8 in four seasons as the Longhorns starting QB.

The Gamblers, led by head coach Curtis Johnson, who was the wide receivers coach on the New Orleans Saints team that won Super Bowl XLIV, beat the New Jersey Generals, 16-10, last week to win their fourth game in a row. Running back Mark Thompson, who leads the USFL in rushing touchdowns (nine), ran for 82 yards and a score, while the league’s receiving touchdowns leader Justin Hall (four), had six receptions for 59 yards in the win.

The Showboats shut out the Pittsburgh Maulers last week (22-0) to improve to .500 after an 0-3 start to the season. QB Cole Kelley threw for 135 yards and a score while adding 21 yards on the ground in the decisive win. Running back Juwan Washington ran for 71 yards as he fills in for former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens RB Alex Collins, who is on injured reserve.

NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Colt McCoy (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Gamblers-Showboats matchup on USA Network and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

 

–NBC SPORTS–

Maulers and Panthers Both Coming Off Week 5 Wins

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 18, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a 2023 Week 6 USFL showcase this weekend, headlined by the Memphis Showboats hosting the Pittsburgh Maulers on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock from Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn.

The Showboats, led by former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley (2009-2011), handed the previously undefeated New Orleans Breakers their first loss of the season last week, winning 17-10. Quarterback Cole Kelley threw for 224 yards and a touchdown while tight end Jay Jay Wilson and wide receivers Vinny Papale and Osirus Mitchell combined for 177 receiving yards in the win.

The Maulers defeated the North Division-foe Michigan Panthers, 23-7, last week. Quarterback Troy Williams passed for 184 yards with two touchdowns and added 59 yards and a score on the ground to lead Pittsburgh to its second win in the past three weeks. Wide receiver Bailey Gaither, ninth in the USFL in receiving yards (217), caught four passes for 89 yards while WR Isiah Hennie had 62 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), New Orleans Saints three-time All-Pro defensive end Cam Jordan (analyst), and Caroline Pineda (sideline reporter) will call the Maulers-Showboats matchup on USA Network and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

–NBC SPORTS–

Unbeaten New Orleans Breakers Take On New Jersey Generals Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

NBC Sports and FOX Sports to Present All 43 USFL Games Live During 2023 Season

STAMFORD, Conn. – May 4, 2023 – NBC Sports presents a 2023 Week 4 USFL doubleheader this weekend, headlined by the North Division-leading Michigan Panthers facing the Memphis Showboats on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock from Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., immediately following coverage of the 149^th Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock.

The Panthers, led by former San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan (2005-2008), who coached in the NFL for over 30 years, are tied for first in the North Division. Running back Reggie Corbin leads the league in all-purpose yards (440) while wide receiver Joe Walker sits in the top ten for receiving yards (149).

Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach (2009-2011) Todd Haley, who has served as a coach in the NFL for over two decades, leads the Showboats. Running back Alex Collins, a five-year NFL veteran, ranks top ten in the league in rushing yards while wide receiver Ryan McDaniel ranks in the top ten in both receiving yards (144) and receiving touchdowns (two).

NBC Sports’ Jac Collinsworth (play-by-play), former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett (analyst), and Zora Stephenson (sideline reporter) will call the Panthers-Showboats matchup on NBC and Peacock.

The unbeaten New Orleans Breakers and league-leading passer McLeod Bethel-Thompson face the first-place New Jersey Generals, who are tied with the Panthers atop the North Division, on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Bethel-Thompson, who leads the USFL in passing yards (837) and is second in passing touchdowns (six), threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns in the Breakers’ 45-31 win over the Birmingham Stallions last Saturday. Running back Wes Hills, who leads the league in rushing yards (301), ran for a season-high 191 yards and three scores to help move New Orleans to 3-0.

In the Generals’ 28-13 victory against the Michigan Panthers last Sunday, running back Darius Victor, who ranks second in the USFL in rushing yards (228), ran for 68 yards and a score while also adding a 51-yard touchdown reception. Quarterback De’Andre Johnson threw for a game-high 180 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 98 yards and a score on the ground.

NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Super Bowl-winning fullback Michael Robinson (analyst), and Corey Robinson (sideline reporter) will call Breakers-Generals Sunday on NBC and Peacock.

NBC Sports and FOX Sports, the USFL’s official media partners, will combine to present all 43 games live during the 2023 season. 2023 features 29 games on the NBC and FOX broadcast networks, which is a six-game increase from the league’s inaugural season. NBC Sports will present 18 games across NBC and Peacock (11) and USA Network and Peacock (7). FOX Sports will carry 25 games split between FOX (18) and FS1 (7). Click here for a comprehensive season schedule.

 

–NBC SPORTS–