Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is amped for the return of spring football — and he’s not the only one. Johnson dropped some updates on his X account about the United Football League’s (UFL) upcoming season, including when it kicks off, how to watch, and why this year will be even bigger.
But that’s not the only thing making headlines. Johnson’s announcement comes just as the league faces some controversy, with unfair labor practice charges filed by the United Football Players Association. Still, with big names on and off the field, the UFL looks ready to make noise in its second season.
Dwayne ‘Rock’ Johnson ‘Pumped’ for UFL Kickoff
The UFL, the top professional spring football league, is back — and Johnson is front and center hyping it up.
“For me, the most gratifying aspect of our spring football league is simple—creating opportunities for players, coaches, and everyone else looking to BREAKOUT and live their dreams,” Johnson wrote on X, along with all the key details about the start of the season.
The season’s return comes just a few weeks after the United Football Players Association (UFPA) filed unfair labor practice charges against the league.
I’m pumped to kickoff @TheUFL season 2 THIS FRIDAY in HOUSTON, TEXAS – LIVE ON FOX!
And all Sunday’s games airing LIVE ON ESPN!@XFLRoughnecks VS @XFLBattlehawks
For me, the most gratifying aspect of our spring football league is simple – creating opportunities for players,… pic.twitter.com/8Q5gGAvxwC
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock)
When Is the UFL Start Date?
The UFL heads into its second season in 2025. The opener is set for Friday, March 28, on Fox at 8 p.m. ET, with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing off against the Houston Roughnecks.
On Saturday, the San Antonio Brahmas take on the Arlington Renegades at 4 p.m. ET, also on Fox.
All Sunday games will air live on ESPN.
Sunday’s matchups feature the Michigan Panthers vs. Memphis Showboats and the Birmingham Stallions vs. D.C. Defenders.
Notable NFL Names in UFL
The UFL isn’t just a spring football league — it’s a shot for players to either reach the NFL for the first time or make a comeback.
Here are some familiar names heading into the 2025 season:
- Brahmas: Head coach Wade Phillips, cornerback Greedy Williams, quarterback Kellen Mond
- Renegades: Head coach Bob Stoops, punter Marquette King
- Battlehawks: Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, wide receivers Denzel Mims and Andy Isabella, quarterback Max Duggan
- Roughnecks: Cornerback Damon Arnette
- Panthers: Samson Nacua, Kai Nacua
- Defenders: Cornerback Deandre Baker, running back Lynn Bowden Jr.
- Stallions: Quarterback Matt Corral, wide receiver Amari Rodgers
- Showboats: Cornerback Cameron Dantzler
Several of these players are former first-round NFL draft picks, including Arnette and Baker. And yes, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua’s brothers, Samson and Kai, will suit up for the same squad.
Who Won UFL’s First Season?
The Birmingham Stallions won the title in the inaugural UFL championship game on June 16, 2024, beating the Brahmas 25-0 in front of 27,396 fans.
Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez went 13-of-23 passing (57%) for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also ran 11 times for 52 yards and two scores.
Running back Ricky Person Jr. added 13 carries for 102 yards.
Martinez led the league in rushing yards (528), while Person Jr. led in rushing touchdowns (6).
