After three seasons with the Birmingham Stallions, and seven seasons in professional football, Jace Sternberger has opted to retire prior to the 2026 UFL season. Sternberger has spent the last three seasons with Birmingham, and amid the uncertainty of the player allocations will opt to change careers moving forward.
After four seasons with the Packers, Seahawks, Commanders, and Steelers Sternberger joined the Stallions prior to the 2023 season. Over the span of three seasons Sternberger earned two championships, two all-league selections (2023, 2024), in addition to garnering 77 receptions, 1204 yards, and 13 touchdowns throughout 30 regular season games. Sternberger also added another 200 receiving yards on 13 receptions and one touchdown in five post season games as well.
The recent retirement of Sternberger may be a sign of things to come for the UFL as players will be shuffled around with the league moving towards an allocation process rather than the continuity of the past teams. Sternberger has been a consistent figure for Birmingham and is currently in line to be allocated to the Houston Gamblers.
Sternberger’s retirement may also play into what new owner Mike Repole’s goal of “new blood” and younger players into the new era of the UFL reboot. The UFL is set to begin its allocation draft with the QB selection on January 5th, with rosters expected to be set by January 14th.
Other UFL News:
Renegades Tight End Sal Cannella is set to make his NFL debut as he has been elevated by the Cleveland Browns for week 17. Cannella has been on the practice squad for Cleveland all year and has been a member of spring football leagues since 2020 dating back to “The Spring League”.
Former Maulers Defensive Lineman Jeremiah Pharms has been signed to the Patriots active roster after spending the majority of the season on the practice squad. Pharms has been with New England since 2022.
Former Tampa Bay Bandit/Memphis Showboat T.J. Neal has retired. He spent three seasons in the UFL/USFL, along with his time in the CFL.
1 Comment
by 4th&long
Jace was great in the USFL/UFL – sorry to see him go – but not surprised with him turning 30 next June. Good luck in the future Jace!
And good for Sal, he’s been staying with it and he’s earned some good money in 2025 with UFL, Brown’s camp and PS, now as active player. I hope he’s active these two last games, he’s worked hard for it.