Since its inaugural season, the UFL has become a beacon of hope for football players whose career dreams have stalled. The league is full of stories of players who have resurrected their football careers despite multiple obstacles. Time and again, these players learned to overcome adversity. For Louisville Kings’ linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, who has overcome enormous odds throughout his life, it’s another opportunity to continue playing the game that has always been his salvation.
Whether it’s a player’s first chance at playing professional ball, a second, or even a third chance, the UFL is now a legitimate pathway to the NFL. Achieving success in the UFL resurrects the dream of playing in the NFL. For younger stars who weren’t drafted in the NFL or invited for a team tryout, it’s another way to play professional football. For veterans who previously attained, but lost their NFL dreams, it’s a chance to rewrite their legacy and get their football career back on track.
For others, including a standout talent like Mauldin, sometimes, all it takes is just one person who believed in him and supported his dream.
Mauldin’s Chaotic Childhood
Growing up in Atlanta, GA, Mauldin endured a chaotic childhood spent in foster care. Over the years, he lived in 16 different foster homes. With both of his parents incarcerated, it was the only alternative for Mauldin and his four siblings. But the foster care situation was far from stable, and one move after another followed, often without warning.
Mauldin responded to the lack of stability and uncertainty of knowing when the next move would come with angry outbursts. Noticing that he was athletically gifted, a foster care volunteer, Lou Winship, encouraged him to play sports.
As a three-sport athlete, playing football, track, and basketball, Mauldin began to carve out a place for himself. But football was his first love and the one constant in his life. It also became his salvation. Especially, once his former high school football coach, Maurice Hart, took him under his wing. Hart became the person who first recognized his talent and believed in him. He also taught him to channel his anger and frustration into improving his game.
A Collegiate Standout For Louisville
As a high school senior, Mauldin was named to the Class AA All-State Team. A three-star prospect, he committed to Louisville as a defensive end. In his sophomore year, Mauldin earned a starting role in six games. That season, he recorded a team-leading 4.5 sacks and 22 tackles.
The following year, Mauldin started all 13 games, despite a hit-and-run moped injury the summer before the season opener. He finished the year with 40 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
Moved to linebacker in his senior year, Mauldin’s positional versatility was noted on his draft profile along with his “strong mental makeup.”
Becoming an NFL Draft Pick
When Mauldin was selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, it was a dream come true and an incredible triumph of talent, spirit, and perseverance. In his rookie season, he appeared in 15 games, recording 10 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
However, in 2017, a training camp back injury landed him on injured reserve. He missed the entire season. The following year, he was released by the Jets.
Mauldin, A CFL Star
Stints with the CFL Hamilton Tiger Cats and the Ottawa Redblacks followed. Signing with the Tiger Cats, Mauldin found another mentor in former Senior Director of Player Personnel Shawn Burke. Following Burke to Ottawa, where he became the GM and VP of Football Operations, Mauldin continued to excel.
In 2022, he led the league with 17.0 sacks and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Signed by the Redblacks to a one-year contract extension in 2023, he earned a second extension in January of 2025.
However, after a trade to the Calgary Stampede the following September, Mauldin decided to return to Louisville. A fan favorite, he recorded 20 tackles and 20.5 sacks during his collegiate career at the University of Louisville. Mauldin signed with the Kings on February 11, 2026. After achieving success in college, the NFL, and the CFL, Mauldin will be a tremendous addition to the Kings’ defense.
Mauldin, A Hero In the Community
In addition, Mauldin is a wonderful community role model for young people. A frequent spokesperson who shares on the topic of his own rough upbringing, he inspires and encourages others not to give up on their dreams. Mauldin knows their struggles, but he’s not afraid to share his own challenges, telling them it’s worth it. “When you get with the right people, the sky’s the limit. It matters.”
With Mauldin signed to the Kings, Louisville picked up not only a talented football star but a community hero as well.
