The NFL and college football seasons may have concluded, but football enthusiasts still have games to enjoy thanks to the emergence of the United Football League (UFL), a new spring football league born from the fusion of teams and players from the USFL and XFL. Commencing its inaugural season on Saturday, March 30, the UFL brings together the best of both former leagues.
In a thrilling opening match, the Birmingham Stallions clashed with the Arlington Renegades, representing the rich legacies of the USFL and XFL, respectively. The Stallions, reigning champions of the USFL for the past two years, faced off against the defending XFL champions, the Renegades.
The inaugural game was marked by historic moments, with the first-ever touchdown in the league authored by the Arlington Renegades, courtesy of former San Francisco 49ers practice squad player Isaiah Winstead. Renegades’ quarterback Perez Luis found Winstead for a remarkable 51-yard touchdown pass, showcasing precision and skill.
Capitalizing on ample time in the pocket, Luis connected with Winstead, who outpaced the defenders to secure the catch and seamlessly moved into the end zone.
Following the touchdown, the Renegades attempted a two-point conversion, which proved successful, extending their lead to 11-3. Quarterback Lindsay Scott orchestrated the play, positioning himself at the five-yard line, with Winstead once again emerging as the pivotal target.
Winstead’s adeptness saw him secure the catch and cross into the end zone, cementing his place in history as the recipient of the UFL’s first-ever touchdown and two-point conversion.
Winstead’s journey to this milestone is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Despite going undrafted, he spent the 2023 NFL season on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad before being released in December. However, in January, Winstead seized the opportunity to join the Renegades, where he now etches his name in UFL history.