With the UFL season complete, and CFL rosters filled out fans continue to see several players announce their retirements with spring football ties. Prior to the 2025 UFL season kicking off we saw 41 players announce their retirements whether it be through the league or via their own announcements. So far, 13 players have “retired” this cycle since the commencement of the UFL’s 2nd season.
John Yarbourgh D.C. Defenders
Yarbrough has been a figure in spring football dating back to The Spring League. The Richmond alum spent time with the TB Vipers, Tiger-Cats, Gamblers, Roughnecks, Brahmas, & Defenders including a quick stint with the Browns during his Rookie season. Yarbrough was most recently with the Defenders and has appeared in 26 games with 11 starts.
Isaiah Chambers Houston Roughnecks
Chambers “popped” in 2023 with a 4.5 sack and 11 TFLs in his first season with the Gamblers. In 2024, Chambers struggled to find his same level of success eventually finding his way to the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts. Chambers would be released in May and would announce his retirement via twitter.
Garrett McGhin Arlington Renegades
McGhin calls it quits after 7 years in professional football. A 2019 UDFA out of ECU, McGhin has had stints with the Bills, Giants, Panthers, Jaguars, New Jersey Generals, and the last Three seasons with the Arlington Renegades. McGhin had battled injuries the last Two seasons in Arlington, however, retires with 2 NFL game appearances, an All-USFL selection in 2022, and a 2023 XFL championship with the Renegades. He’s also earned over $400,000 in his NFL career as well.
Other players who’ve moved on to other careers:
Brian Lewerke (Michigan Panthers), Silas Kelly(St. Louis Battlehawks), Justin Rogers (Orlando Guardians)
UFL players are now at 14 during this cycle of the off-season. McGhin, Ben DeLuca, Kristjan Sokoli, Keonte Schad, John Yarbourgh, and Isaiah Chambers are all players who recently retired that were on rosters during the 2025 season. McGhin’s retirement continues to be a season of transition for the Renegades who have now seen their 4th player (3 NFL signings, 1 Retirment), transition from their roster.
2 Comments
by Ken Granito
I hope all these players accept retirement on their terms. I am sure they hoped for great success in the NFL, but I hope they feel comfortable with where they are. I will miss Garrett McGhin most. I remember Daryl Johnston at the Generals practice giving out the MVP, OPOY and Coach of the year awards and there is Garrett McGhin in a boot, yet he still played in that week’s playoff game against the Stars. I actually got his custom made football card. He hope he has some great memories. He certainly should feel good about his efforts.
by Patrick Rifino
McGhin has had his butt kicked and still pushed through.
A mainstay of this league the last 4 years.