UFL Record Broken Twice in 24 Hours: A Tale of Two Running Backs

The United Football League (UFL) kicked off its 2025 season with a bang, as not one but two records for the longest run in league history were shattered within a span of 24 hours. Talk about starting the year with some fireworks!

St. Louis Battlehawks running back Jarveon Howard and Arlington Renegades running back Kalen Ballage took turns rewriting the record books. On Friday night, Howard dashed his way to a 74-yard touchdown during the Battlehawks’ commanding 31-6 victory over the Houston Roughnecks. But before Howard could even bask in the glory of his achievement, Ballage stole the spotlight on Saturday with a 77-yard run that helped the Renegades secure a 33-9 win over the San Antonio Brahmas.

Howard’s record-breaking moment came in the fourth quarter when he bulldozed through two tackles, shrugged off a third, and sprinted into the end zone. It was a jaw-dropping play that momentarily crowned him as the UFL’s longest runner. But, as fate would have it, Ballage had other plans. In the second quarter of his game, Ballage found a gap on the outside, broke a few tackles of his own, and left defenders trailing behind as he set a new benchmark.

For Howard, this was a moment of redemption. The former Alcorn State standout, who also played at Syracuse before entering the transfer portal, went undrafted in 2024. After a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers, he failed to secure a spot on the final roster. Looks like he’s found his stride in the UFL.

Ballage, on the other hand, brought a bit more experience to the table. The Arizona State alum had previously suited up for NFL teams like the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He joined the Renegades in January 2025, coming off a season with the Brahmas. Clearly, his transition has been seamless.

The wins couldn’t have come at a better time for either team. The Battlehawks, who lost last year’s XFL Conference Championship to the Brahmas, are eager to reclaim their spot at the top. Meanwhile, the Renegades are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-7 season after winning the XFL title in 2023. Both teams seem determined to make a playoff push this year, and these early victories are a solid start.

Week 1 of the 2025 UFL season wraps up with two more games on Sunday: the Michigan Panthers face off against the Memphis Showboats, and the Birmingham Stallions take on the D.C. Defenders. If the first two days are any indication, fans are in for a thrilling season.

With records falling left and right, it’s safe to say the UFL is delivering the drama football fans crave. Keep your eyes on the field—who knows what jaw-dropping moments are coming next?