Battlehawks HC Ricky Proehl: UFL is ‘at the forefront of changing the game’

The 2026 UFL season begins this week, with the beloved St. Louis Battlehawks in action Saturday against the defending champion DC Defenders. New Battlehawks head coach Ricky Proehl joined “First Things First” to discuss his team’s season opener, his approach to coaching and the level of talent the league has to offer. “These guys know how to play,” Proehl began. “The standard is so high here. … Some of them haven’t had the opportunity to showcase their talent and their skills. … Training camp is so different from when I was playing. … A lot of these guys just haven’t had the opportunity to do the things that they’re capable of doing.” Proehl, who played 17 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls, added that he was confident his team could win it all, even if it had started the season with only the fifth best odds to win the championship title. “Absolutely,” Proehl said when asked if he thought the Battlehawks were underrated heading into the year. “But that’s OK. It’s kind of a good place to be. I’m excited about our football team. … These guys are so much fun to coach.” Talent should be maximized this season with a handful of new offense-friendly rule changes. Proehl, who describes himself as “an offensive guy,” is excited about all the different options and revealed which UFL rule he prefers. “Fourth and 12,” he said without hesitation. “A few years ago, the Battlehawks…scored 16 points in a minute and a half because of this rule.” Teams trailing in the fourth quarter can attempt to convert this one play – a 4th-and-12 play from one team’s 28-yard line – to maintain possession as an alternative to the traditional onside kick. A successful conversion allows the team to keep the ball, while a failed attempt gives the other team possession at that spot. Proehl will have plenty of star power on his roster to make games like this possible. The Battlehawks will be led by starting quarterback Brandon Silvers, who played in both the UFL and former XFL. Hakeem Butler returns at receiver for St. Louis, alongside standout outside linebackers Pita Taumoepenu and Travis Feeney while All-UFL defensive tackle Carlos Davis joins the mix. “Who wants to watch a 10-7 game?” Proehl added. “We want to see 42-38 overtime games. That’s what this league does. That’s what it brings [with] the new rules. We are at the forefront of change. » Proehl replaced Anthony Becht, who left the Battlehawks to become head coach of the Orlando Storm, one of three new franchises in the league this season. Proehl says St. Louis fans have fully embraced him. “We are the foundation of the league,” he said. “It’s a great atmosphere. St. Louis is one of the best sports cities in our country. They support all sports in this city, and the Battlehawks are no different. … It’s exciting to be a part of it.”