History of Birmingham Stallions (2022) in Timeline

The Birmingham Stallions are a professional American football team based in Birmingham, Alabama, competing in the UFL. As a founding member of the 2022 USFL, they quickly established dominance, winning three league championships. They defeated the Philadelphia Stars in 2022, the Pittsburgh Maulers in 2023, and most recently the San Antonio Brahmas in the inaugural UFL Championship Game in 2024. Owned by Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, they play home games at Protective Stadium.

November 22, 2021: Birmingham Stallions Announced as USFL Franchise

On November 22, 2021, the Birmingham Stallions were officially announced as one of eight USFL franchises on The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

January 6, 2022: Gene Chizik Initially Named Head Coach

On January 6, 2022, Gene Chizik was initially reported as the new head coach of the Birmingham Stallions, but he later declined the position.

January 20, 2022: Skip Holtz Named Head Coach and General Manager

On January 20, 2022, Skip Holtz was announced as the head coach and general manager of the Birmingham Stallions.

July 3, 2022: USFL Championship Victory over Philadelphia Stars

On July 3, 2022, the Birmingham Stallions defeated the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL Championship Game held in Canton, Ohio. Scooby Wright's interception sealed the victory, and Victor Bolden Jr. was named the game's MVP.

2022: Zachary Potter Hired

Following the 2022 season, Zachary Potter, who previously served as team director, was hired by the Stallions.

2022: Rivalry with Houston Gamblers Begins

In 2022, the Birmingham Stallions began a rivalry with the Houston Gamblers, known as the Double Down Derby.

2022: South Division Title and Championship Game Berth

In 2022, the Birmingham Stallions finished the regular season with a 9–1 record, winning the South Division title and defeating the New Orleans Breakers 31–17 in the South Division Championship game to advance to the USFL Championship Game.

2022: USFL Championship Victory

In 2022, the Birmingham Stallions won the USFL championship, defeating the Philadelphia Stars 33–30.

2022: Legacy Brand Member

In 2022, the Stallions were a legacy brand member.

September 2023: XFL and USFL Merger Talks

In September 2023, it was reported that the XFL and USFL were in advanced talks to merge prior to the start of the 2024 seasons, with assurances given to Birmingham officials that the Stallions would be included in the merged league.

September 28, 2023: XFL and USFL Announce Intent to Merge

On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL announced their intent to merge, pending regulatory approval, with further details to be revealed later.

October 2023: XFL Files Trademark for "United Football League"

In October 2023, the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League."

November 30, 2023: Merger Receives Regulatory Approval

On November 30, 2023, Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL merger had received regulatory approval, with plans for a "combined season" to begin on March 30, 2024.

2023: Celebration Parade Led by The Horsemen

After the 2023 USFL Championship, The Horsemen led the Birmingham Stallions team and cheerleaders in the celebration parade.

2023: The Horsemen Become Official Fan Base

At the beginning of the 2023 season, The Horsemen became the official fan base of the Birmingham Stallions, stationed in Section 104 of Protective Stadium.

2023: USFL Championship Victory

In 2023, the Birmingham Stallions won the USFL Championship, defeating the Pittsburgh Maulers 28-12.

December 31, 2023: XFL and USFL Merger Becomes Official

On December 31, 2023, the merger between the XFL and USFL was officially completed.

March 30, 2024: Combined Season Start

Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL merger had received regulatory approval, with plans for a "combined season" to begin on March 30, 2024.

April 20, 2024: The Birth of the "Pyramid of Flesh"

On April 20, 2024, during a game against the D.C. Defenders that was delayed due to lightning, a group of shirtless fans in Section 138 created what became known as the "Pyramid of Flesh," a tradition that continued at subsequent home games. Stanley, the Stallions' mascot, also joined in.

2024: Record Against Houston

As of 2024, the Birmingham Stallions held a 4–2 record against the Houston Gamblers.

2024: Chavis Leaves Team

During the 2024 season, Chavis left the Birmingham Stallions team in Week 9.

2024: United Football League

In 2024, the Birmingham Stallions began competing in the United Football League (UFL).

2024: UFL Championship

In 2024, the Birmingham Stallions won the UFL Championship.

June 9, 2025: Regular Season Status

As of June 9, 2025, the Birmingham Stallions were in the regular season.

October 2025: Discontinuation of Michigan Panthers and Memphis Showboats

In October 2025, with the discontinuation of the Michigan Panthers and Memphis Showboats, the Stallions were set to be the last remaining member of the 2022 USFL still using its USFL legacy brand.

December 2025: Resignations of Key Personnel

In late December 2025, Head coach Skip Holtz, quarterback J'Mar Smith, tight end Jace Sternberger and running back C. J. Marable all announced their resignations within a two-week span.

2025: Decline and Uncertainty

In 2025, the Birmingham Stallions experienced declining attendance and the relocation of the league's hub, leading to uncertainty about the team's future in Birmingham. The USFL conference championship was lost.