The United Football League (UFL) is set to begin its second season this weekend, and tight end Sal Cannella will once again take the field for the Arlington Renegades.
Cannella, known as the “King of Spring,” has built a solid career in spring football since finishing his time at Auburn. His college career ended with a memorable 37-yard touchdown reception from Bo Nix in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1, 2020. Afterward, he spent two years playing in the Spring League before earning All-USFL honors with the New Orleans Breakers in 2022.
In 2023, Cannella played for the Renegades during the XFL’s return, playing a key role in the team’s championship run. In Arlington’s 35-26 victory over the D.C. Defenders in the XFL Championship Game, he recorded four catches for 71 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown.
Now in 2024, Cannella returns to Arlington, but this time under the UFL banner after the merger between the XFL and USFL. He was one of the league’s top performers last season, leading the UFL with six touchdown receptions while ranking third in catches (53) and fifth in receiving yards (497).
Cannella will be back with the Renegades for a third season in 2025 as the team kicks off its new campaign in Week 1. The opening slate of games includes:
- St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks – Friday, 7 p.m. CDT (FOX)
- San Antonio Brahmas at Arlington Renegades – Saturday, 3 p.m. (FOX)
- Michigan Panthers at Memphis Showboats – Sunday, 11 a.m. (ESPN)
- Birmingham Stallions at D.C. Defenders – Sunday, 2 p.m. (ESPN)
Cannella has pursued opportunities beyond spring football since his Auburn days. He had brief stints in multiple NFL training camps, including with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, Green Bay Packers in 2022, Seattle Seahawks in 2023, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. Despite showing flashes of potential, he was waived before the start of each regular season.
He is one of several players with ties to Alabama high schools and colleges who are set to play in the UFL this season. The full list includes:
Arlington Renegades
- TE Sal Cannella (Auburn)
- DL DaVonte Lambert (Auburn)
Birmingham Stallions
- G Deonte Brown (Austin High School, Alabama)
- CB Shyheim Carter (Alabama)
- DE D.J. Coleman (Jacksonville State)
- G Lachavious Simmons (Selma High School)
- WR Austin Watkins (UAB)
- WR Marlon Williams (McGill-Toolen Catholic High School)
D.C. Defenders
- LS/TE Trae Barry (Spanish Fort High School, Jacksonville State)
- G Gunner Britton (Auburn)
- OL Tykeem Doss (Aliceville High School)
Houston Roughnecks
- DE Christopher Allen (Alabama)
- DT Shakel Brown (Troy)
- OT Cam Carter (Minor High School)
- CB Keenan Isaac (Midfield High School, Alabama State)
- C Avery Jones (Auburn)
- P Mike Rivers (Troy)
Memphis Showboats
- WR Dee Anderson (Alabama A&M)
- CB Eric Garror (McGill-Toolen Catholic High School)
- WR Eli Stove (Auburn)
- TE Jay Jay Wilson (Auburn)
Michigan Panthers
- OLB De’Gabriel Floyd (Alabama A&M, injured list)
- K Austin Jones (Alabama)
- DT Garrett Marino (UAB)
San Antonio Brahmas
- WR Kawaan Baker (South Alabama)
- RB La’Damian Webb (Beauregard High School, South Alabama)
St. Louis Battlehawks
- No Alabama-affiliated players
As the UFL season begins, the league is making headlines for various reasons, including coaching changes just before the season opener. The Birmingham Stallions, in particular, have expressed a need for discipline in their Week 1 game, while other teams have had to adjust due to coaching departures.