2022 USFL season

Last updated
2022 USFL season
United States Football League (2022) logo.png
League United States Football League
Sport American football
DurationRegular season:
April 16 – June 19
Playoffs:
June 25 – July 3
Number of games43 (40 regular-season games, 3 postseason games)
Number of teams8
TV partner(s) Fox, FS1, NBC, Peacock, USA
Season MVP KaVontae Turpin
North champions Philadelphia Stars
  North runners-up New Jersey Generals
South champions Birmingham Stallions
  South runners-up New Orleans Breakers
2022 USFL Championship
Venue Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, Ohio
Champions Birmingham Stallions
  Runners-up Philadelphia Stars
Finals MVP Victor Bolden Jr.
Seasons
2023  

The 2022 USFL season was the inaugural season of the United States Football League, and the first season of a league using that name since 1985. The season began on April 16 and concluded on July 3. The league's eight teams represent various geographical locales and associated team names that were part of the 1984 season of the original USFL. For 2022, all regular-season games were played in Birmingham, Alabama, at Protective Stadium (Weeks 1–7, 9) and at Legion Field (Weeks 8 & 10).

Contents

The USFL played its postseason games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Birmingham Stallions won the USFL Championship game against the Philadelphia Stars on July 3.

Background

On June 3, 2021, The Spring League founder Brian Woods announced that he had acquired the remaining extant trademarks of the United States Football League with intent of launching a USFL-branded league in 2022, with Fox Sports remaining as a partner in the new USFL. [1] What was to become of The Spring League remained, at the time, an unresolved question, but according to the initial announcement TSL was to continue, [2] probably as a scouting showcase or developmental operation. It was later reported that TSL in no longer associated with the new USFL, [3] and Woods would later state that TSL was "no longer operational." [4]

On October 12, 2021, Tad Snider, the executive director of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, announced that the league was in serious discussions with the board of directors of the BJCC about the possibility of the USFL playing all of its games in Birmingham, Alabama. According to initial information, USFL players/staff would be housed in Birmingham during the season for an estimated economic impact of about $15 million (47,000 hotel nights), while the league would play the bubble season at Protective Stadium and Legion Field. [5] [6] [7] It was speculated that the "bubble" setup would possibly continue in the league's second year, with as many as four teams playing in Birmingham and as many as four in their respective cities. The teams would then be expected to play in their own cities by Season 3. [8]

The proposal included an eight-team 10-week season with two additional playoff rounds, from April 16 through July 3, 2022, with the broadcast proposal as follows: 25% each on Fox, NBC, FS1 and USA. Later on December 15, 2021, Fox and NBC had finalized their agreement. NBC announced that it would air nine games on NBC itself, eight on USA, and four on its streaming service Peacock. [9] [10] [11]

Location

Invisible Square.svg
Mapscaleline.svg
800km
500miles
Red pog.svg

The city of Birmingham and the USFL announced that the city would host all eight teams. The regular-season games would be played at Protective Stadium and Legion Field. [12]

The choice of Birmingham as the league's sole city led to substantial crowds for the Birmingham Stallions and to very small crowds for games involving only teams named after other cities and states. The opening-week matchup between the Tampa Bay Bandits and Pittsburgh Maulers, rescheduled to Monday night, was played in an almost entirely empty stadium. [13] USA Today reported that during the Week 2 matchup between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, crowd shots included more Fox broadcast staff members than fans. [14]

On February 16, 2022, the league announced that the 2022 playoffs would be held in Canton, Ohio, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium instead of Birmingham due to schedule conflicts with the 2022 World Games. Playoffs were held on June 25 and July 3. [15]

Teams

The eight teams competing in the USFL's 2022 season all feature the names and colors of USFL teams that existed in 1984. [16] During the 2022 season, all regular-season games were held at Protective Stadium (Week 1–7, 9) and Legion Field (Week 8 & 10) in Birmingham, Alabama. [12] [17]

Team [18] Head coach
North Division
Michigan Panthers Jeff Fisher
New Jersey Generals Mike Riley
Philadelphia Stars Bart Andrus
Pittsburgh Maulers Kirby Wilson
South Division
Birmingham Stallions Skip Holtz
Houston Gamblers Kevin Sumlin
New Orleans Breakers Larry Fedora
Tampa Bay Bandits Todd Haley

Players

For the 2022 season, all eight carried a 38-man active roster and a seven-man practice squad (45 total). [19] After week 5 the league announced they'll expands game-day rosters by two, total rosters by five (40/10). [20] Contrary to other leagues, since injured players did not get paid, they were released after they got injured instead of reverting to "injured reserve list". [21]

In May, 2022 the organization contacted players from the newly formed USFL in attempt unionize, [22] with a petition to represent the approximately 360 USFL players was later filed at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). [23] The UFPA would later join forces with the United Steelworkers as the players union representation on behalf the USFL players. [24] [25]

Compensation

USFL players and staff will be able to receive a college degree "tuition-free and debt-free", through a partnership with for-profit universities Strategic Education's Capella University and Strayer University. They will be able to take classes online or in-person. [26]

USFL players receive weekly salaries of $4,500 for active roster players, $1,500 for practice squad players, and $600 during training camp, while injured players did not get paid. Players also receive bonuses of $850 per regular-season or postseason win and $10,000 for winning the championship. [27] [28] Players had to cover their own housing costs, but the league offered hotel rooms at a discounted price of $75 per room per day, with an option for two players to share a room. [29]

Draft

The 2022 USFL draft occurred on February 22 and 23, 2022, and had a format similar to the 2020 XFL draft, where players were selected in phases based on positions. [30] Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson was the first overall pick by the Michigan Panthers.

Player movement

Transactions [31] [32]

The USFL has instituted a standard professional football system where players who are cut by a team will be put on waivers for 24 hours. During this period, a player can be claimed by any other team. After the third regular-season game, the League based its waiver priority on inverse league standings. Players clearing waivers with no claim were released, no longer be under USFL contract, and became free agents. [33]

Standings

North Division
#WLPCTGBDIVPFPASTK
1(y) New Jersey Generals 91.900-6–0232182W9
2(x) Philadelphia Stars 64.60034–2262243L1
3(e) Michigan Panthers 28.20072–4211236W1
4(e) Pittsburgh Maulers 19.10080–6147243L5
(x)–clinched playoff berth; (y)–clinched division; (e)–eliminated from playoff contention
South Division
#WLPCTGBDIVPFPASTK
1(y) Birmingham Stallions 91.900-5–1234169W1
2(x) New Orleans Breakers 64.60033–3196164L1
3(e) Tampa Bay Bandits 46.40052–4162195L2
4(e) Houston Gamblers 37.30062–4196208W2
(x)–clinched playoff berth; (y)–clinched division; (e)–eliminated from playoff contention

Season schedule

The league announced in November 2021 that teams would each play a ten-game schedule, with each team facing divisional opponents twice and non-divisional opponents once. The champion and runner-up of each division will qualify for the playoffs, which will consist of two semifinal games played on June 25 and a championship game played on July 3. [38] Most games were played on Saturdays and Sundays, with some "special broadcasts" on Fridays. [39] On January 6, 2022, the league announced on its website that the season would begin on April 16. [40]

The full 2022 season schedule was released March 7, 2022, with the highlights including a then-planned tripleheader of Week 1 games on Easter Sunday. [41] [42] [43]

Regular season

All games at Protective Stadium during Weeks 1–7 and 9, and at Legion Field during weeks 8 and 10. All times listed are ET. All games on NBC are simulcast on Peacock.

Changes to game schedules or broadcasting are listed in notes after each week's matchups.

All matchups will be officially announced by the league no later than 2 weeks ahead of game time and may be flexed from cable to broadcast if needed.

The playoff bracket was set after the Week 9 contests, rendering Week 10's games to be effectively exhibition games. In an effort to avoid tanking, the USFL declared that the two lowest-ranked teams—both coincidentally set to play each other that day—would be playing for the rights to the first overall pick in the 2023 USFL draft, with the winner receiving that selection. [44]

Week 1

Week 1
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [45]
Rating
[46] [47]
April 16, 7:30 p.m.New Jersey Generals24–28Birmingham Stallions Fox and NBC 3.071.8 [48] [49] [50]
April 17, 12:50 p.m.Houston Gamblers17–12Michigan PanthersNBC [W1 1] 2.151.1 [49] [51]
April 17, 5:00 p.m.Philadelphia Stars17–23New Orleans Breakers USA [W1 2] 0.770.4 [49] [52]
April 18, 7:00 p.m.Tampa Bay Bandits17–3Pittsburgh Maulers FS1 [W1 3] 0.270.2 [53]
  1. Game originally scheduled for 12 pm ET start but delayed due to weather.
  2. Game originally scheduled for 4 pm ET start but delayed due to earlier game being delayed.
  3. Game originally scheduled for 8 pm ET start on April 17 but rescheduled to April 18 due to earlier game delays and weather risk.

Week 2

Week 2
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [54]
Rating
[47]
April 22, 8:00 p.m.Michigan Panthers6–10New Jersey GeneralsUSA0.360.2 [55] [56]
April 23, 12:00 p.m.Pittsburgh Maulers23–30Philadelphia StarsFox1.060.7 [57] [58]
April 23, 7:00 p.m.Birmingham Stallions33–28Houston GamblersFS1 [W2 1] 0.420.2 [59]
April 24, 3:00 p.m.New Orleans Breakers34–3Tampa Bay BanditsNBC0.810.5 [60]
  1. Game started on FS2 due to MLB coverage on FS1.

Week 3

Week 3
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [61]
Rating
[62]
April 30, 4:00 p.m.Tampa Bay Bandits27–26Houston GamblersFox0.830.5 [63] [64]
April 30, 8:00 p.m.Birmingham Stallions22–13New Orleans BreakersFox [W3 1] 1.110.7 [65] [66]
May 1, 2:30 p.m.Pittsburgh Maulers0–24Michigan PanthersUSA [W3 1] 0.290.2 [67] [68]
May 1, 8:00 p.m.New Jersey Generals24–16Philadelphia Stars Peacock N/A [69] [70]
  1. 1 2 The Stallions–Breakers game was moved to Saturday night (with coverage by Fox) with a corresponding move of the Maulers–Panthers to Sunday afternoon (with coverage by USA), part of an effort by the league to air "some of its better games on network television."

Week 4

Week 4
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [71]
Rating
[72]
May 6, 10:20 p.m.Philadelphia Stars26–25Michigan PanthersFS10.210.1 [73] [74]
May 7, 2:30 p.m.New Jersey Generals21–13Pittsburgh MaulersPeacockN/A [73] [75]
May 7, 7:00 p.m.Tampa Bay Bandits10–16Birmingham StallionsFox1.050.6 [73] [76]
May 8, 3:00 p.m.Houston Gamblers16–23New Orleans BreakersNBC1.160.7 [77]

Week 5

Week 5
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [78]
Rating
[79]
May 13, 8:00 p.m.Michigan Panthers20–27Tampa Bay BanditsUSA0.250.2 [80]
May 14, 3:00 p.m.New Orleans Breakers17–27New Jersey GeneralsFox0.720.5 [81]
May 15, 12:00 p.m.Birmingham Stallions30–17Philadelphia StarsNBC0.910.6 [82]
May 15, 4:00 p.m.Pittsburgh Maulers21–20Houston GamblersFox0.690.4 [83]

Week 6

Week 6
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [84]
Rating
[85]
May 21, 1:00 p.m.Tampa Bay Bandits28–35Philadelphia StarsNBC [W6 1] 0.790.5 [86]
May 21, 7:30 p.m.Michigan Panthers17–33Birmingham Stallions1.200.7 [87]
May 22, 12:00 p.m.Pittsburgh Maulers16–26New Orleans BreakersFS10.280.2 [88]
May 22, 4:00 p.m.Houston Gamblers25–26New Jersey GeneralsFox0.670.4 [89]
  1. Game concluded on CNBC due to live airing of Saturday Night Live on NBC.

Week 7

Week 7
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [90]
Rating
[91]
May 28, 12:00 p.m.New Jersey Generals20–13Tampa Bay BanditsUSA0.230.2 [92]
May 28, 9:00 p.m.New Orleans Breakers31–27 (OT)Michigan PanthersFS10.270.2 [93]
May 29, 2:00 p.m.Birmingham Stallions26–16Pittsburgh MaulersFox0.830.5 [94]
May 29, 6:00 p.m.Philadelphia Stars35–24Houston GamblersPeacockN/A [95]

Week 8

Week 8
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [96]
Rating
[97]
June 3, 8:00 p.m.Pittsburgh Maulers18–29New Jersey GeneralsUSA0.210.1 [98]
June 4, 3:00 p.m.New Orleans Breakers9–10Birmingham StallionsFox0.630.4 [99]
June 5, 12:00 p.m.Michigan Panthers24–46Philadelphia Stars0.770.5 [100]
June 5, 4:00 p.m.Houston Gamblers3–13Tampa Bay BanditsPeacockN/A [101]

Week 9

Week 9
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [102]
Rating
[103]
June 11, 1:00 p.m.New Jersey Generals25–23Michigan PanthersNBC0.820.5 [104]
June 11, 6:00 p.m.Houston Gamblers17–15Birmingham StallionsUSA0.210.2 [105]
June 12, 4:00 p.m.Tampa Bay Bandits6–17New Orleans BreakersFox0.740.5 [106]
June 12, 7:30 p.m.Philadelphia Stars17–16Pittsburgh MaulersFS10.390.2 [107]

Week 10

Week 10
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [108]
Rating
[109]
June 18, 12:00 p.m.Philadelphia Stars23–26New Jersey GeneralsUSA0.240.2 [110]
June 18, 4:00 p.m.Birmingham Stallions21–18Tampa Bay BanditsFox0.650.4 [111]
June 19, 12:00 p.m.Michigan Panthers33–21Pittsburgh MaulersUSA0.280.2 [112]
June 19, 8:30 p.m.New Orleans Breakers3–20Houston GamblersFS10.180.1 [113] [114]

Playoffs

The playoffs started on June 25 and ended with the championship game on July 3. All games were played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Division Finals
June 25, 2022
USFL Championship
July 3, 2022
      
N2 Philadelphia Stars 19
N1 New Jersey Generals 14
N2 Philadelphia Stars 30
S1 Birmingham Stallions 33
S2 New Orleans Breakers 17
S1 Birmingham Stallions 31
Division Finals
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [115]
Rating [116]
June 25, 3:00 p.m.Philadelphia Stars19–14New Jersey GeneralsFox0.960.6 [117]
June 25, 8:00 p.m.New Orleans Breakers17–31Birmingham StallionsNBC1.000.7 [118]
USFL Championship
Date and timeAway teamScoreHome teamBroadcastRefs
Network Viewership
(millions) [119]
Rating [120]
July 3, 7:30 p.m.Birmingham Stallions33–30Philadelphia StarsFox1.520.9 [121] [122]

Reference [123]

Awards

Players of the Week

The following Players of the Week were named the top performers (by the fans voting in a poll) during the 2022 season:

WeekOffensive
Player of the Week
Defensive
Player of the Week
Special Teams
Player of the Week
Ref.
1QB J'Mar Smith
(Birmingham Stallions)
DE Davin Bellamy
(New Orleans Breakers)
KR Chad Williams
(New Orleans Breakers)
[124]
2QB Kyle Sloter (1)
(New Orleans Breakers)
LB Vontae Diggs
(New Orleans Breakers)
K Nick Vogel
(Houston Gamblers)
[125]
3WR Johnnie Dixon
(New Orleans Breakers)
LB DeMarquis Gates
(Birmingham Stallions)
K Tyler Rausa
(Tampa Bay Bandits)
[126]
4RB Reggie Corbin
(Michigan Panthers)
LB Scooby Wright
(Birmingham Stallions)
K Taylor Bertolet
(New Orleans Breakers)
[127]
5RB C. J. Marable
(Birmingham Stallions)
LB Demarquis Gates
(Birmingham Stallions)
K Ramiz Ahmed
(Pittsburgh Maulers)
[128]
6RB Bo Scarbrough
(Birmingham Stallions)
S JoJo Tillery
(Birmingham Stallions)
K Cole Murphy (1)
(Michigan Panthers)
[129]
7QB Kyle Sloter (2)
(New Orleans Breakers)
LB Donald Payne (1)
(Houston Gamblers)
K Cole Murphy (2)
(Michigan Panthers)
[130]
8QB Case Cookus
(Philadelphia Stars)
DE Chris Odom
(Houston Gamblers)
K Ramiz Ahmed
(Pittsburgh Maulers)
[131]
9WR Joe Walker
(Michigan Panthers)
CB Trae Elston
(New Jersey Generals)
P Max Duffy
(Pittsburgh Maulers)
[132]
10QB Paxton Lynch
(Michigan Panthers)
LB Donald Payne (2)
(Houston Gamblers)
DE Chris Odom
(Houston Gamblers)
[133] [134] [135]

All-USFL Team

The following 27 players were selected by the league as "athletes who played consistently well over the course of the season". [136]

Offense

PositionPlayer(s)
Quarterback 10 Kyle Sloter, New Orleans Breakers
Running back 27 Darius Victor, New Jersey Generals
3 Reggie Corbin, Michigan Panthers
Wide receiver 7 Victor Bolden Jr., Birmingham Stallions
5 KaVontae Turpin, New Jersey Generals
Tight end 80 Sal Cannella, New Orleans Breakers
Offensive tackle 72 Terry Poole, New Jersey Generals
77 Jarron Jones, Tampa Bay Bandits
Guard 78 Cameron Hunt, Birmingham Stallions [b]
51 Garrett McGhin, New Jersey Generals
Center 65 Jared Thomas, New Orleans Breakers

Defense

PositionPlayer(s)
Defensive end 93 Chris Odom, Houston Gamblers
56 Davin Bellamy, New Orleans Breakers
Defensive tackle 70 Reggie Howard Jr., New Orleans Breakers
90 Toby Johnson, New Jersey Generals
Linebacker 47 DeMarquis Gates, Birmingham Stallions
15 Donald Payne, Houston Gamblers
45 Jerod Fernandez, New Orleans Breakers
Cornerback 8 Channing Stribling, Philadelphia Stars
4 William Likely, Houston Gamblers
Safety 25 Shalom Luani, New Jersey Generals
22 Bryce Torneden, Pittsburgh Maulers

Special teams

PositionPlayer(s)
Kicker 10 Brandon Aubrey, Birmingham Stallions
Punter 16 Brandon Wright, Tampa Bay Bandits
Kickoff returner 13 Maurice Alexander, Philadelphia Stars
Punt returner 5 KaVontae Turpin, New Jersey Generals
Special teamer 7 Victor Bolden Jr., Birmingham Stallions

Regular season

Most Valuable
Player of the Year
Offensive
Player of the Year
Defensive
Player of the Year
Coach of the YearSportsman
Player of the Year
Ref.
KaVontae Turpin WR
(New Jersey Generals)
Darius Victor RB
(New Jersey Generals)
Chris Odom DE
(Houston Gamblers)
Mike Riley
(New Jersey Generals)
Matt Colburn RB
(Philadelphia Stars)
[137]

Playoffs

North Division Final
Player of the game
South Division Final
Player of the game
USFL Championship
Most Valuable Player/Player of the game
Maurice Alexander WR
(Philadelphia Stars)
J'Mar Smith QB
(Birmingham Stallions)
Victor Bolden Jr. WR
(Birmingham Stallions)

Statistics

2022 USFL statistical leaders
CategoryPlayerTeamStat
Offense
PassingYards Jordan Ta'amu Tampa Bay Bandits 2,015
Touchdowns14
Interceptions12
Rushing Yards Jordan Ellis New Orleans Breakers 596
Touchdowns Darius Victor New Jersey Generals 9
Receiving Yards KaVontae Turpin New Jersey Generals 540
Receptions Lance Lenoir Michigan Panthers 52
Touchdowns Isaiah Zuber Houston Gamblers 5
Defense
Tackles Donald Payne Houston Gamblers 117
Sacks Chris Odom Houston Gamblers 12.5
Interceptions Channing Stribling Philadelphia Stars 7
Passes Defensed11
Special teams
Return yardsKick Maurice Alexander Philadelphia Stars 787
Punt Rashard Davis Tampa Bay Bandits 224
Field goalsMade Brandon Aubrey Birmingham Stallions 18
Percentage Cole Murphy Michigan Panthers 92%
Punting Yards Brandon Wright Tampa Bay Bandits 2,176
Average41.1

Reference [138]

League finances

Fox Sports owns the league and has reportedly committed $150 million–$200 million over three years to its operations, [139] [140] with plans to attract an additional $250 million from investors. [141] For the 2022 regular season, tickets cost $10 per person, with children aged 15 and under free. However, for the 2 division finals games tickets will cost $15 per person with children aged 15 and under $5, for the championship game those prices are increased by $5 (meaning $20 per person and $10 for children 15 and under) [142] Tickets provide access to all games scheduled for the same day. [143] On March 3, 2022, the league announced that 15 states have approved legal, regulated betting on USFL games. [144]

On February 15, 2022, the USFL signed a multi-year partnership with Sportradar, making them the official sports data partner of the league. Sportradar will also provide betting data during USFL telecasts. [145]

The league draws revenue of less than $10 million, making it ineligible to seek P visas for players from outside the United States; Liam Dobson, a Canadian offensive lineman, was disqualified from playing in the USFL because of the league's lack of revenue. [146] It would later reported that the league estimated annual revenue is around $7.5 million. [147]

Media

Broadcasting

This was the first year of the three-year rights deal agreement between NBC Sports along with Fox Sports (Fox Does not have to pay a rights free due to it being one of the owners of the league). [148]

Telecasts for the 2022 season will air on Fox, FS1, NBC, Peacock and USA Network, Fox broadcast 13 regular season games (1 simulcast with NBC), 1 semi-final, and the championship game. [149] NBC broadcast 8 regular season games (1 simulcast with Fox) and 1 semi-final. Peacock broadcast 4 games exclusively and simulcast all NBC games (including the opening game simulcast with Fox and NBC). Other games aired on Cable networks USA Network (9 games) and FS1 (7 games). [150]

The opening game was broadcast on April 16, 2022, at 7:30 PM Eastern time on both Fox and NBC. Fox produced the game and NBC produced all studio coverage. It was the first football game to be simulcast across two major American broadcast networks since the 2007 New England Patriots–New York Giants game. [151]

Fox brought back its lead XFL broadcast team from 2020, Curt Menefee and Joel Klatt, for USFL coverage. [152] Kevin Kugler and Mark Sanchez serve as the second broadcast team. Brock Huard reports from the sidelines during selected games. [153]

The NBC crew features Jac Collinsworth and Paul Burmeister handling play-by-play duties alongside analysts Jason Garrett, Michael Robinson and Cameron Jordan. Zora Stephenson and Corey Robinson are sideline reporters and Sara Perlman hosts halftime and post-game coverage. [154]

Viewership

In millions of viewers

Broadcaster12345678910Division finalsChampionship
game
TotalAverage
Fox 1.81.10.81.10.70.70.80.60.70.71.01.514.10.9
1.10.70.8
FS1 0.30.40.20.30.30.40.22.10.3
NBC 1.30.81.10.90.80.81.010.11.1
2.21.2
USA 0.80.40.30.30.20.20.20.22.90.3
0.3
Total5.42.72.22.42.63.01.31.62.11.42.01.528.2 
Average1.10.60.70.80.60.70.40.50.50.31.01.5 0.7

* One decimal place is shown in table but three decimal places are used in all calculations.
* Viewership figures for games streaming on Peacock were not released.

United By Football

During the season, Fox also aired a 13-part documentary series called "United by Football: A Season in the USFL" which produced by the league, NFL Films and Fox Sports. The series followed the USFL players and coaches "behind-the-scenes" during their 2022 journey, starting with the inaugural USFL Player Draft in Birmingham, and conclude with the USFL Championship game. [155] [156] The series averaged 720,000 viewers per episode. [157]

The show caused controversy before the first week, as a video clip, posted on social media, of Pittsburgh Maulers head coach Kirby Wilson releasing running back De'Veon Smith due to violating team protocol after asking to have pizza for lunch instead of the chicken salad. [158]

Viewership and Reception

The first week of games received mixed reviews. Although 3.07 million viewers tuning in for the league first game and 2.15 million for the second and the level of play was good, [159] some criticized the first game simulcasting and especially the camera angles and drones shots, [160] while others praised the helmet cam and sideline access. [161] The viewership dropped 57% in the second week, while numbers continue to decline throughout the season with a season low of 337,500 average for the final week. [162] Regular season averaged 695,000 viewers per game. The USFL championship game averaged a 0.9 rating and 1.52 million viewers on FOX, and was the league's highest rated and most-watched telecast since week 1. [163]

The USFL experimented by putting sensors in game balls to measure first downs. [164] This experience cause an issue during week 1, with poor passing attempts and kicking performance for punts, field goals, and extra points, given the distribution of the extra weight of the sensor. [165] The league changed kicking balls before Week 2. [166]

Many were concerned about the attendance figures in the hub setting in Birmingham for non-Stallions games. While the league started strong with 17,500 fans in attendance for the first game, featuring the local Stallions vs New Jersey Generals, but the did not release figures for the other 39 regular-season games, which appeared to be played in a mostly-empty stadium. [13] [160] The poor attendance and the league's inability to connect with fans in most of their city-named teams' markets, believed to hurt league image and credibility amongst casual and mainstream football fans. [167] The USFL acknowledged the issue, and promised to play next season in two to four cities, and the USFL parent company, Fox, hired investment bank Allen & Company to find minority investors to help fund the league's expansion into local markets. [168] [169]

Signees to the NFL

Players

After the season over 180 players got invited to NFL tryouts, 69 players were invited to NFL training camps and 13 players finished the 2022/23 season on active 53-man NFL rosters. [170] [171]

Legend
Made an NFL team (active, practice squad or PUP)
BoldMade the active roster

Note the following list notes the status of players only during the 2022 NFL season. [172]

PlayerPositionUSFL teamNFL team(s)Ref.
Christian Sam LB New Orleans Breakers Dallas Cowboys [173]
DeJuan Neal CB New Jersey Generals Washington Commanders [174]
Channing Stribling Philadelphia Stars [175]
Doug Costin DT Birmingham Stallions Pittsburgh Steelers [176]
Jeremiah Pharms Pittsburgh Maulers New England Patriots [177]
Isaiah Zuber WR Houston Gamblers Las Vegas Raiders [178]
Isiah Brown CBNew Orleans Breakers [179]
Sal Cannella TE Green Bay Packers [180]
Carlo Kemp DTPittsburgh Maulers Los Angeles Chargers [181]
Victor Bolden Jr. WRBirmingham Stallions Arizona Cardinals/Denver Broncos [182] [183]
Luis Perez QBNew Jersey Generals Los Angeles Rams [184]
Kyle Sloter New Orleans Breakers Jacksonville Jaguars [185]
Domenique Davis DTHouston Gamblers Cincinnati Bengals [186]
Tegray Scales LB [186]
Osirus Mitchell WRBirmingham StallionsGreen Bay Packers [187]
Rashard Davis Tampa Bay Bandits New York Jets [188]
Tino Ellis CB Michigan Panthers Miami Dolphins [189]
Lance Lenoir WR Philadelphia Eagles/Los Angeles Rams [190] [191]
Bailey Gaither Pittsburgh Maulers Baltimore Ravens/New York Giants [192] [193]
Garrett McGhin OGNew Jersey GeneralsNew York Giants [194]
Ishmael Hyman WRMichigan PanthersGreen Bay Packers [195]
KaVontae Turpin New Jersey GeneralsDallas Cowboys [196]
Bug Howard TEPhiladelphia Stars Tampa Bay Buccaneers [197]
Darrin Paulo OTTampa Bay Bandits Detroit Lions [198]
Shakur Brown CBPittsburgh Maulers Tennessee Titans [199]
Tomasi Laulile DTHouston Gamblers San Francisco 49ers [200]
Alex Akingbulu OTPhiladelphia StarsWashington Commanders [201]
Sage Surratt TEBirmingham StallionsLos Angeles Chargers [202]
Derrick Dillon WRTampa Bay Bandits Cleveland Browns [203]
Maurice Alexander Philadelphia StarsDetroit Lions [204]
Terrell Bonds CBPittsburgh MaulersTennessee Titans [205]
De'Vante Bausby New Jersey GeneralsWashington Commanders [206]
Darrius Shepherd WRDenver Broncos [207]
Tae Hayes CBBirmingham Stallions Carolina Panthers/New England Patriots [208] [209]
Chris Odom DEHouston GamblersCleveland Browns [210]
DeMarquis Gates LBBirmingham Stallions Chicago Bears [211]
Quenton Meeks CBTampa Bay Bandits New Orleans Saints [212]
Devin Gray WRPhiladelphia Stars Kansas City Chiefs [213]
Matt Colburn RBJacksonville Jaguars [214]
Cameron Hunt OGBirmingham StallionsLos Angeles Chargers [215]
T. J. Carter DEMichigan PanthersNew Orleans Saints [216]
Jameson Houston CBSeattle Seahawks [217]
Micah Abernathy SHouston GamblersGreen Bay Packers/Atlanta Falcons [218] [219]
Dexter Williams RBPhiladelphia StarsGreen Bay Packers [218]
KJ Costello QBNew Orleans Saints [220]
B. J. Emmons RBTampa Bay Bandits Houston Texans [221]
Stevie Scott RBMichigan PanthersDenver Broncos [222]
Brian Allen CBBirmingham StallionsNew Orleans Saints [223]
DeAndre Torrey RBMichigan PanthersPhiladelphia Eagles [224]
Ramiz Ahmed KPittsburgh MaulersGreen Bay Packers [225]
Devin Hafford CBNew England Patriots [226]
Taylor Bertolet KNew Orleans BreakersCarolina Panthers/Los Angeles Chargers [227] [228]
Tucker Addington LSHouston GamblersDallas Cowboys/New England Patriots [229] [230]
Mitchell Fraboni Pittsburgh MaulersDenver Broncos [231]
Hunter Thedford TE/OLNew England Patriots/Denver Broncos [232] [233]
Case Cookus QBPhiladelphia StarsLos Angeles Rams [234]
Brock Miller PNew Jersey Generals [235]

Officials

After the season 48 USFL officials participated in the NFL Officiating Development Program and nine of them were selected to officiate games for the 2023 NFL season. [236]

Related Research Articles

The Birmingham Stallions were a franchise in the United States Football League, an attempt to establish a second professional league of American football in the United States in competition with the National Football League. They played their home games at Birmingham, Alabama's Legion Field. They competed in all three USFL seasons, 1983–1985. During their run, they were one of the USFL's more popular teams, and seemed to have a realistic chance of being a viable venture had the USFL been better run.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alex McGough</span> American football player (born 1995)

Alexander Lee McGough is an American football quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at FIU, and was selected by Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Birmingham Stallions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Football League (2022–2023)</span> Professional American football league

The United States Football League (USFL) was a professional American football minor league that began play on April 16, 2022. It is now one of the two-component conferences of the United Football League (UFL), along with the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michigan Panthers (2022)</span> Football team of the United States Football League (2022)

The Michigan Panthers are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. The Panthers compete in the United Football League (UFL). The team is owned-and-operated by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation. The team plays its home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit, which also hosts the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birmingham Stallions (2022)</span> Football team in Birmingham, Alabama

The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team based in Arlington, Texas. The Stallions compete in the United Football League (UFL). The Stallions are owned-and-operated by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation. They play their home games at Protective Stadium. They have won both of the USFL championship games since its founding, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33–30 in 2022 and defeating the Pittsburgh Maulers 28–12 in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Jersey Generals (2022)</span> American football team (2022–2023)

The New Jersey Generals were a professional American football team. The Generals competed in the United States Football League (USFL) as a member club of the league's North division. Though named after the 1980s USFL team of the same name, which played at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Generals never played in New Jersey nor the New York metropolitan area the original Generals represented, instead playing its home games at the USFL's hub at Protective Stadium and Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama in 2022, and at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio in 2023 under the USFL's stadium sharing model. The Generals were one of eight teams that joined the USFL in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia Stars (2022)</span> Football team based in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Stars were a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Stars competed in the United States Football League (USFL) as a member club of the league's North division. The team played its home games at Protective Stadium and Legion Field, both in Alabama, in 2022, and Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan in 2023. Ultimately, the team would never play a game in Philadelphia. The Stars appeared in the playoffs once, won the division championship game once, and appeared in one USFL Championship Game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pittsburgh Maulers (2022)</span> Football team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Maulers was a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but played their home games in Canton, Ohio. The Maulers competed in the United States Football League (USFL) North division.

The 2022 Birmingham Stallions season was the first season for the Birmingham Stallions as a professional American football franchise. They play as charter members of the United States Football League, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2022 season. The Stallions play their home games at Protective Stadium and Legion Field and are led by head coach Skip Holtz.

The 2022 Houston Gamblers season was the first season for the Houston Gamblers as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the United States Football League, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2022 season. The Gamblers technically played as a traveling team and were led by head coach Kevin Sumlin.

The 2022 season was the Michigan Panthers' first season as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the United States Football League, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2022 season. The Panthers technically played as a traveling team due to them playing at Protective Stadium and Legion Field. The Panthers were led by head coach Jeff Fisher, who also operated as the de facto general manager.

The 2022 New Jersey Generals season was the first season for the New Jersey Generals as a professional American football franchise. They played as charter members of the United States Football League, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2022 season. The Generals technically play as a traveling team and were led by head coach Mike Riley.

The 2022 Pittsburgh Maulers season was the first season for the Pittsburgh Maulers as a professional American football franchise, as well as the only one under head coach Kirby Wilson. They played as charter members of the United States Football League, one of eight teams to compete in the league for the 2022 season. The Maulers technically played as a traveling team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 USFL Championship Game</span> 2022 United States Football League championship game

The 2022 USFL Championship Game was an American football game which was played on July 3, 2022, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The contest, which determined the champion of the United States Football League (USFL), featured the winners of the playoff semifinal games: the Philadelphia Stars from the North Division and the Birmingham Stallions from the South Division. It was the inaugural USFL Championship Game and the final game of the 2022 USFL season. The game began at 7:30 p.m. EDT and was broadcast on Fox. Prize money was awarded to players on the winning team in the amount of $10,000 in addition to their salary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 USFL season</span> Second season of the USFL (2022)

The 2023 USFL season was the second season of the United States Football League. The regular season started on April 15 and ended on June 18. The postseason began on June 24 and ended with the 2023 USFL Championship Game on July 1. The league expanded the locations their teams play to four total stadiums, adding Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, and Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee.

The 2023 season was the Michigan Panthers second season in the United States Football League (USFL), their first playing at Ford Field and their first under head coach/general manager tandem of Mike Nolan and Steve Kazor. They improved upon their 2–8 record from the previous season and reached the playoffs where they lost to the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL North Division Championship Game in overtime.

The 2023 USFL Championship Game was an American football game that was played on July 1, 2023, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The contest determined the champion of the 2023 USFL season and was played between the Pittsburgh Maulers and the Birmingham Stallions, eventually crowning Birmingham the champion of the league for the second year in a row.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 USFL season</span> Sports season

The 2024 USFL season was the planned third season of the United States Football League. The regular season was expected to start March 30, 2024, and to end in June 2024. The postseason was expected to begin in June 2024 and end with the 2024 USFL Championship Game in July 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 UFL season</span> Inaugural season of the UFL

The 2024 UFL season is the first season of the United Football League (UFL), which was created following the merger of the XFL and USFL, and the fifth season in the combined history of the two leagues, following the 2020 XFL season, 2022 USFL season, and separate 2023 seasons for both the USFL and XFL.

This timeline of the United Football League (UFL) tracks the history of each of the league's eight franchises from their enfranchisements in the XFL and USFL, through the merger of the two leagues, and to the present day.

References

  1. "The United States Football League Returns in 2022". June 3, 2021.
  2. Marchand, Andrew (June 3, 2021). "The USFL is officially back".
  3. "The Spring League Reportedly No Longer Associated with the New USFL". usflnewsroom.com.
  4. "Roy S. Johnson: USFL football VP knows 'first season is everything'". AL.com. 2022-02-18. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
  5. Franklin, Austin; Cardone, Jen (2021-10-11). "BJCC officials in discussions to host all United States Football League games in Birmingham". CBS42. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  6. Curi, Peter (2021-10-14). "WATCH: Gene Hallman talks possibility of USFL coming to Birmingham". CBS42. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  7. Franklin, Art (21 October 2021). "Birmingham Parks and Rec Board votes to put Legion Field in play for the USFL". CBS 42. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  8. Johnson, Roy (January 18, 2022). "USFL announce plans for inaugural season in Birmingham". AL.com.
  9. "USFL proposes hosting relaunch season in Birmingham in Spring 2022". WVTM13. 2021-10-11. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  10. Fambro, Cassie (2021-10-12). "USFL possibly returning to Birmingham". WBRC6. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  11. "USFL Reaches Media Rights Agreement with NBC Sports" (Press release). NBC Sports. 2021-12-15. Retrieved 15 December 2021 via The Futon Critic.
  12. 1 2 Johnson, Roy S. (2022-01-18). "USFL announce plans for inaugural season in Birmingham". al. Retrieved 2022-01-23.
  13. 1 2 Keeley, Sean (April 19, 2022). "The USFL's muted opening weekend lacked the XFL's self-awareness". Awful Announcing. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  14. Evans, Jace; Axson, Scooby; Reyes, Lorenzo (April 23, 2022). "Takeaways from USFL Week 2: Jeff Fisher searching for first win, Jonathan Adams has amazing catch". USA Today. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  15. "USFL announces inaugural playoffs, championship game in Canton, Ohio". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2022-02-17.
  16. Gaydos, Ryan (November 22, 2021). "USFL's 8 teams bring back nostalgia for football fans". Fox News. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  17. Fambro, Cassie (October 11, 2021). "USFL possibly returning to Birmingham". WBRC. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  18. Pickman, Ben. "USFL Unveils Logos, Team Names Ahead of Return Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2022-01-06.
  19. "USFL 2022 rosters: Here's a look at every player for all eight teams in the USFL". CBS Sports. Apr 13, 2022.
  20. "USFL expands game-day rosters by two, total rosters by five". Pro Football Talk. June 2, 2022.
  21. "USFL rules 2022: The new league continues to adjust as the season rolls on". Pro Football Network. May 21, 2022.
  22. "UFPA Works to Represent USFL Players".
  23. "New USFL is only a few weeks old, but a union is already in the works".
  24. "USW: USFL Players Choose Union Representation".
  25. "USFL union election coming on June 6". Pro Football Talk. May 18, 2022.
  26. Smith, Jordan (January 5, 2022). "USFL giving players and staff tuition-free, debt-free college degree program". Fox 5 New York.
  27. Rachuk, Stephan (2022-02-04). "Details on USFL Player Contracts & Pay Reportedly Leak". Pro Football Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-02-05.
  28. Rachuk, Stephan (2022-02-05). "Details Emerge on USFL Win Bonus Structure". Pro Football Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-02-05.
  29. Johnson, Roy S. (2022-02-18). "Roy S. Johnson: USFL football VP knows 'first season is everything'". AL.com. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
  30. Bittner, Adam (February 14, 2022). "Here's what you need to know about the new USFL and the Pittsburgh Maulers". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  31. "USFL Transactions". spotrac.com.
  32. "USFL Transactions – June 2022". The Football Database.
  33. "USFL 2022: Latest player transactions for every team". foxsports.com.
  34. @USFLGenerals (April 1, 2022). "Roster updates for your New Jersey Generals" (Tweet). Retrieved April 1, 2022 via Twitter.
  35. "Ex-Michigan QB Shea Patterson released by USFL's Michigan Panthers, claimed by New Orleans Breakerss". 247sports.com.
  36. "Philadelphia Stars signs former Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello". bgmsportstrax.com.
  37. "Clayton Thorson Placed on Inactive List". usflnewshub.com.
  38. Kelley, Kevin (November 17, 2021). "USFL announces division structure, playoff format for inaugural season". FBSchedules. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  39. "New USFL reveals team names, cities, logos for 2022 season". FOX 13 Tampa Bay. November 22, 2021. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
  40. "Official Site of the United States Football League". United States Football League. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
  41. Young, RJ (March 7, 2022). "USFL 2022 schedule: Week 1 matchups released". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2022-03-07.
  42. Kelley, Kevin (March 8, 2022). "2022 USFL Schedule: Dates, TV, opponents set for all eight teams". FBSchedules.com. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  43. Omatiga, Mary (March 8, 2022). "2022 USFL TV Schedule: Dates and times for the 10-week inaugural football season". NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  44. Smith, Michael David (June 18, 2022). "USFL changes rule to prevent tanking, winner of Panthers-Maulers gets first draft pick". Pro Football Talk.
  45. Mitchell, Mike (2022-04-19). "USFL 2022: Opening Weekend TV Ratings Soar On Saturday, Fall Slightly On Sunday" . Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  46. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 4.11–4.17.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  47. 1 2 "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 4.18–4.24.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  48. Talbot, Damond (2022-04-17). "USFL Attendance: First USFL game between Stallions and Generals was a success". NFL Draft Diamonds. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  49. 1 2 3 "USFL opens on par with XFL, AAF". Sports Media Watch. 2022-04-19. Retrieved 2022-04-19.
  50. "April 16: New Jersey Generals @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
  51. "April 17: Houston Gamblers @ Michigan Panthers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  52. "April 17: Philadelphia Stars @ New Orleans Breakers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  53. "April 18: Tampa Bay Bandits @ Pittsburgh Maulers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
  54. Mitchell, Mike (2022-04-26). "USFL News: Week 2 TV Ratings See Expected But Sharp Decline" . Retrieved 2022-04-26.
  55. Dedaj, Paulina (April 22, 2022). "Generals earn first USFL win in 10–6 victory over winless Panthers". Fox News . Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  56. "April 22: Michigan Panthers @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-22.
  57. Dedaj, Paulina (April 23, 2022). "USFL first: Stars score three-point conversion for 30–23 win over Maulers". Fox News . Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  58. "April 23: Pittsburgh Maulers @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
  59. "April 23: Birmingham Stallions @ Houston Gamblers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-23.
  60. "April 24: New Orleans Breakers @ Tampa Bay Bandits Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-24.
  61. Mitchell, Mike (2022-05-03). "USFL 2022: Final Week 3 TV Ratings On Fox/USA" . Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  62. Metcalf, Mitch. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 4.25–5.1.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  63. "USFL roundup: Bandits rally for 27–26 win over Gamblers". theworldnews.net. Reuters. April 30, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  64. "April 30: Tampa Bay Bandits @ Houston Gamblers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-30.
  65. "New Orleans Breakers suffer first loss of USFL season to Birmingham Stallions". nola.com. April 30, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  66. "April 30: Birmingham Stallions @ New Orleans Breakers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-04-30.
  67. Champion, Brandon (May 1, 2022). "Michigan Panthers run wild, shut out Pittsburgh Maulers for first USFL win". mlive.com. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  68. "May 1: Pittsburgh Maulers @ Michigan Panthers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-01.
  69. "Generals Rushing Attack Comes Up Big In 24–16 Victory Over Stars". Fox Sports . May 1, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  70. "May 1: New Jersey Generals @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-01.
  71. Mitchell, Mike (2022-05-10). "USFL 2022: Final Week 4 TV Ratings On Fox/NBC" . Retrieved 2022-05-10.
  72. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 5.2–5.8.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
  73. 1 2 3 Dajani, Jordan; Kerr, Jeff (May 8, 2022). "USFL Week 4 scores: Stallions stay perfect as defense shines in win over Bandits; Generals beat Maulers". CBS Sports . Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  74. "May 6: Philadelphia Stars @ Michigan Panthers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  75. "May 7: New Jersey Generals @ Pittsburgh Maulers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  76. "May 7: Tampa Bay Bandits @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  77. "May 8: Houston Gamblers @ New Orleans Breakers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-08.
  78. Mitchell, Mike (2022-05-17). "USFL 2022: Final Week Five TV Ratings On Fox/NBC Sports" . Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  79. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 5.9–5.15.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  80. "May 13: Michigan Panthers @ Tampa Bay Bandits Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
  81. "May 14: New Orleans Breakers @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
  82. "May 15: Birmingham Stallions @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  83. "May 15: Pittsburgh Maulers @ Houston Gamblers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  84. Mitchell, Mike (2022-05-24). "USFL 2022: Final Week 6 TV Ratings On NBC/Fox" . Retrieved 2022-05-25.
  85. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 5.16–5.22.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-05-25.
  86. "May 21: Tampa Bay Bandits @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-21.
  87. "May 21: Michigan Panthers @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-21.
  88. "May 22: Pittsburgh Maulers @ New Orleans Breakers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-22.
  89. "May 22: Houston Gamblers @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-22.
  90. Mitchell, Mike (2022-06-01). "USFL 2022: Week 7 TV Ratings On Fox/NBC Sports" . Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  91. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 5.23–5.29.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  92. "May 28: New Jersey Generals @ Tampa Bay Bandits Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-28.
  93. "May 28: New Orleans Breakers @ Michigan Panthers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-28.
  94. "May 29: Birmingham Stallions @ Pittsburgh Maulers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-29.
  95. "May 29: Philadelphia Stars @ Houston Gamblers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-05-29.
  96. "USFL Week 8 Ratings Are In — How Did They Fare?". USFL Newsroom. 2022-06-07. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  97. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 5.30–6.5.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  98. "June 3: Pittsburgh Maulers @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-03.
  99. "June 4: New Orleans Breakers @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-04.
  100. "June 5: Michigan Panthers @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  101. "June 5: Houston Gamblers @ Tampa Bay Bandits Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-05.
  102. Mitchell, Mike (2022-06-14). "USFL 2022: Week 9 TV Ratings On NBC/Fox Sports" . Retrieved 2022-06-15.
  103. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 6.6–6.12.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-15.
  104. "June 11: New Jersey Generals @ Michigan Panthers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  105. "June 11: Houston Gamblers @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-11.
  106. "June 12: Tampa Bay Bandits @ New Orleans Breakers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-12.
  107. "June 12: Philadelphia Stars @ Pittsburgh Maulers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-12.
  108. Mitchell, Mike (2022-06-21). "USFL 2022: Week 10 TV Ratings On Fox/NBC Sports" . Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  109. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 6.13–6.19.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  110. "June 18: Philadelphia Stars @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-18.
  111. "June 18: Birmingham Stallions @ Tampa Bay Bandits Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-18.
  112. "June 19: Michigan Panthers @ Pittsburgh Maulers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-19.
  113. "Showbuzzdaily's Sunday 6.19.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-23.
  114. "June 19: New Orleans Breakers @ Houston Gamblers Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-19.
  115. Mitchell, Mike (2022-06-28). "USFL 2022: Playoff TV Ratings On Fox/NBC". usflnewshub.com. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  116. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 6.20–6.26.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  117. "June 25: Philadelphia Stars @ New Jersey Generals Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  118. "June 25: New Orleans Breakers @ Birmingham Stallions Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  119. Mitchell, Mike (2022-07-06). "USFL 2022: Championship Game Scores League's Best TV Rating On FOX Since Opening Week". usflnewshub.com. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
  120. "Skedball: Weekly Sports TV Ratings 6.27–7.3.2022". showbuzzdaily.com. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
  121. Paulsen (2022-07-06). "USFL title game is league's most-watched since opening weekend". Sports Media Watch. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
  122. "July 3: Birmingham Stallions @ Philadelphia Stars Recap". The USFL. Retrieved 2022-07-03.
  123. "USFL SCHEDULE: FULL 2022 WEEK-BY-WEEK MATCHUPS". www.theusfl.com. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  124. "USFL Week 1 Players of the Weeks: J'mar Smith, Davin Bellamy". theusfl.com. April 20, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  125. Rachuk, Stephan (April 26, 2022). "USFL Names Week 2 Players of the Week". usflnewsroom.com. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  126. "USFL Week 3 Players of the Week: Johnnie Dixon, DeMarquis Gates". amp.foxsports.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  127. "USFL Week 4 Players of the Week: Reggie Corbin, Scooby Wright". amp.foxsports.com. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
  128. "USFL Week 5 Players of the Week: CJ Marable, DeMarquis Gates". Fox Sports. Retrieved May 22, 2022.
  129. "USFL Week 6 Players of the Week: JoJo Tillery, Bo Scarbrough". amp.foxsports.com. Retrieved 2022-05-25.
  130. "USFL Week 7 Players of the Week: Kyle Sloter, Donald Payne". FOX Sports. June 2, 2022. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  131. "USFL Week 8 Players of the Week: Case Cookus, Chris Odom". amp.foxsports.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  132. Rifino, Patrick (2022-06-14). "Joe Walker explodes against Generals, Wins Week 9 Offensive Player of The Week" . Retrieved 2022-06-18.
  133. USFL [@USFL] (June 21, 2022). "The votes for the final regular-season Offensive Player of the Week are in and the winner is... @USFLPanthers QB @PaxtonLynch 🐾🔥 https://t.co/SNjMCJMkLY" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022 via Twitter.
  134. USFL [@USFL] (June 21, 2022). "The final regular-season Defensive Player of the Week award belongs to @USFLGamblers LB @7PayneTrain 🎲🔒 https://t.co/nAozNx01xG" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022 via Twitter.
  135. USFL [@USFL] (June 21, 2022). "After blocking a field goal that led to a @USFLGamblers TD, @Chrisodom98 is your Week 10 Special Teams Player of the Week! 🙌🔥 https://t.co/mCWaXCoLfm" (Tweet). Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022 via Twitter.
  136. Omatiga, Mary (June 16, 2022). "2022 All-USFL Team Announced". NBC Sports.
  137. "USFL Awards 2022: Generals WR KaVontae Turpin named MVP". USFL. 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  138. "2022 United States Football League Stats". Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  139. "After decades dormant, USFL to relaunch in '22". ESPN.com. 2021-06-03. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  140. Johnson, Roy S. (2021-10-12). "USFL proposes hosting relaunch season in Birmingham in Spring 2022". AL.com. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  141. "Potential economic boom in store for Alabama with 'unprecedented' Fox Sports USFL proposal". October 14, 2021.
  142. Rachuk, Stephan (2022-05-19). "USFL Playoff and Championship Tickets on Sale Now". USFL Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-06-02.
  143. "USFL Officially Selling Tickets For Inaugural Game, Starting At $10". xflnewsroom.com. January 25, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  144. Smith, Michael David (March 3, 2022). "USFL eager to attract bettors, announces that 15 states have approved legal betting on USFL games". profootballtalk.com. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  145. "USFL 2.0: This Time, Sports Betting, TV Could Drive Success". ggbnews.com.
  146. "NFL Draft: CFC100 OL Liam Dobson receives two mini-camp invites – CanadaFootballChat.com". Canada football chat. May 3, 2022. Retrieved 2022-05-07.
  147. "Is USFL getting more revenue than Dwayne Johnson's XFL? Exploring numbers after big weekend". sportskeeda.com.
  148. "USFL adds NBC as rights holder for when games start in early '22". Sports Business Journal.
  149. Richmond, Fox (2022-02-04). "2022 USFL on Fox Schedule". WRLH. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
  150. Hayes, Dade (2021-12-15). "NBC To Broadcast USFL Games Along With Fox Under New Multi-Year Rights Deal". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
  151. Paulsen (2022-01-25). "USFL to debut with primetime simulcast on NBC and FOX". Sports Media Watch. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
  152. Ourand, John (April 4, 2022). "SBJ Media: Fox Sports decides on its top USFL booth". Sports Business Journal. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
  153. "FOX Sports Announces USFL on Fox Broadcast Team". Fox Sports PressPass. 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  154. "NBC Sports Announces Commentators for Inaugural USFL Season". NBC Sports Pressbox. 2022-04-12. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  155. "USFL Will Launch Weekly Documentary Series on Fox". Variety. 2022-03-30.
  156. "United by Football – A Season in the USFL Episodes & Replays". Foxsports.
  157. "USFL TV ratings: USFL championship draws massive crowd, 2023 return". sportsnaut.com.
  158. "Chicken salad or pizza: USFL head coach sparks controversy for firing player". sportsnaut.com.
  159. "2022 USFL Mid-Season Superlatives". SI.com.
  160. 1 2 "USFL Week 1 Recap: Is Anybody Home?". Football Outsiders. April 18, 2022.
  161. "Takeaways from USFL's first weekend: Michigan quarterbacks struggle, plenty of big names ... not on field". USA Today.
  162. "XFL sees big drop in Week 2, but on par with last year's USFL". sportsmediawatch.com.
  163. "USFL title game is league's most-watched since opening weekend". sportsmediawatch.com.
  164. "The USFL to Go Chainless This Season, Will Rely on Sensors in the Football to Measure First Downs". sportsbusinessjournal.com.
  165. ""Pi**ed is an understatement" – USFL players unhappy about chip technology used in footballs". sportskeeda.com.
  166. "USFL changed kicking balls for Week Two, due to issues with sensor". profootballtalk.com.
  167. "USFL: 3 Major Questions Heading Into The Next Season". usflnewshub.com.
  168. "USFL already focusing on second season ahead of title game". NY Post .
  169. "Fox's USFL seeking outside investor to help fund expansion: sources". NY Post .
  170. "2023 USFL Draft: Everything You Need to Know". OurSportsCentral.
  171. "'Too good an opportunity': USFL explains move to Detroit, Ford Field". The Detroit News. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  172. Pinarski, Phil (September 2, 2022). "50 of 51 USFL players signed to NFL cut from active rosters, 13 remain on practice squads". CBS 42.
  173. "USFL LB Christian Sam Signs With The Dallas Cowboys". July 8, 2022.
  174. "NJ Generals DB DeJuan Neal Signs With Washington Commanders". July 14, 2022.
  175. "Stars CB Channing Stribling Signs With Washington Commanders". July 14, 2022.
  176. "Birmingham Stallions DT Doug Costin Signed By Pittsburgh Steelers". July 19, 2022.
  177. "Pittsburgh Maulers DT Jeremiah Pharms Signed By New England Patriots". July 19, 2022.
  178. "Raiders sign former Patriots receiver Isaiah Zuber". July 19, 2022.
  179. "Raiders sign CB Isiah Brown". July 20, 2022.
  180. "Packers Sign Tight End Sal Cannella". July 21, 2022.
  181. "Ex-Michigan DT signs with Chargers after strong season in USFL". July 22, 2022.
  182. "Birmingham Stallions WR Victor Bolden Jr. Signs With Arizona Cardinals". July 22, 2022.
  183. "Broncos Sign WR/KR Victor Bolden to Practice Squad". November 16, 2022.
  184. "Rams bring back QB Luis Perez". July 23, 2022.
  185. "New Orleans Breakers QB Kyle Sloter Signs With Jacksonville Jaguars". July 24, 2022.
  186. 1 2 "Cincinnati Bengals sign three free agents to the team". July 25, 2022.
  187. "Packers Signing WR Osirus Mitchell". July 25, 2022.
  188. "National champion, USFL alum WR/PR Rashard Davis joins Jets". July 26, 2022.
  189. "Dolphins signing CB Tino Ellis after USFL season". July 27, 2022.
  190. "Roster Moves: Eagles sign TE Jaden Graham, WR Lance Lenoir, and C Cameron Tom". July 27, 2022.
  191. "Amid Injuries at Wide Receiver, Former Michigan Panther Lance Lenoir Signs with LA Rams". December 23, 2022.
  192. "Ravens Sign Wide Receiver, Place Ben Cleveland on NFI List". July 27, 2022.
  193. "Giants' Bailey Gaither: Awarded to Giants". August 26, 2022.
  194. "Giants Signing OT Garrett McGhin, Waiving OT Kamaal Seymour – NFL Trade Rumor's". July 27, 2022.
  195. Mosqueda, Justis (July 27, 2022). "Packers to waive OLB Caliph Brice, sign WR Ishmael Hyman". Acme Packing Co.
  196. "Cowboys EXCLUSIVE: Dallas to Sign USFL MVP KaVontae Turpin – Sources". July 27, 2022.
  197. "Bucs Signed TE Bug Howard". July 28, 2022.
  198. "Detroit Lions sign OT Darrin Paulo, waive injured LB Natrez Patrick". July 28, 2022.
  199. "Titans agree to terms with Shakur Brown". July 29, 2022.
  200. "49ers sign Tomasi Laulile". July 29, 2022.
  201. "Commanders make multiple roster moves". July 30, 2022.
  202. "Chargers sign Sage Surratt". July 31, 2022.
  203. Grindley, Wyatt (August 1, 2022). "Browns Activating RT Jack Conklin From PUP List, Among Other Moves". nfltraderumors.co.
  204. "Lions sign WR Maurice Alexander from the USFL". August 3, 2022.
  205. "Former Tennessee State football DB Terrell Bonds among Tennessee Titans roster additions". The Tennessean . August 3, 2022.
  206. "Updated depth chart: Commanders waive injured LB Drew White and sign CB De'Vante Bausby". August 3, 2022.
  207. "Broncos sign WR Darrius Shepherd". August 4, 2022.
  208. "Panthers sign cornerback Tae Hayes". August 4, 2022.
  209. "Patriots sign recent Panthers cornerback Tae Hayes to practice squad". December 27, 2022.
  210. "Browns sign USFL defensive player of the year Chris Odom". August 5, 2022.
  211. "Bears sign USFL star DeMarquis Gates". August 5, 2022.
  212. Larsen, James (August 6, 2022). "Tampa Bay Bandits DB Quenton Meeks Signs With New Orleans Saints". USFL Newsroom. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  213. "Chiefs signing Devin Gray after tryout". August 6, 2022.
  214. "Roster Moves: RB Matt Colburn signed, RB Nathan Cottrell waived/injured". August 7, 2022. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  215. "Chargers signing Cameron Hunt". August 8, 2022.
  216. "Saints Sign DE T.J. Carter". August 8, 2022.
  217. "Seahawks signing Jameson Houston". August 10, 2022.
  218. 1 2 "Packers sign S Micah Abernathy, RB Dexter Williams". August 10, 2022. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2022.
  219. "Falcons sign S Micah Abernathy off Packers practice squad". December 31, 2022.
  220. "Saints to sign QB KJ Costello". August 10, 2022.
  221. "Houston Texans adding former Crimson Tide running back". August 10, 2022.
  222. "Broncos sign Stevie Scott, JaQuan Hardy". August 10, 2022.
  223. Rose, Bob (August 11, 2022). "Saints Ink a Veteran Cornerback". SI.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  224. "Roster Move: Eagles sign RB DeAndre Torrey". August 11, 2022.
  225. "Packers sign K Ramiz Ahmed". August 13, 2022. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  226. "Patriots sign undrafted free agent defensive back Devin Hafford". August 13, 2022.
  227. "Panthers sign new kicker to practice squad". September 9, 2022.
  228. "Chargers sign K Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad". October 6, 2022.
  229. "USFL to NFL: LS Tucker Addington, Taylor Bertolet, and Bailey Gaither Join NFL Teams". October 6, 2022.
  230. "Patriots put Joe Cardona on IR, sign Tucker Addington". December 23, 2022.
  231. "Broncos sign LS Mitchell Fraboni, WR Trinity Benson to practice squad". October 11, 2022.
  232. "Patriots Sign OL Hunter Thedford to the Practice Squad". November 17, 2022.
  233. "Broncos sign nine players to future contracts". January 9, 2023.
  234. "Rams sign QB Case Cookus, C Cole Toner to practice squad". November 23, 2022.
  235. "Rams add punter Brock Miller to practice squad". December 28, 2022.
  236. "Nine USFL Game Officials Selected for NFL". April 20, 2023.