Former Tigers gear up for USFL season in Birmingham

Former Tigers gear up for USFL season in BirminghamFormer Tigers gear up for USFL season in Birmingham

AUBURN, Ala. – Spring practice for Auburn wrapped up last weekend with A-Day, but fans can still watch football this spring with the USFL season beginning Saturday night in Birmingham. The upstart league features six former Tigers. 

  • OL Calvin Ashley, New Jersey Generals
  • TE Sal Cannella, New Orleans Breakers
  • WR John Franklin III, Tampa Bay Bandits
  • OL Marquel Harrell, Michigan Panthers
  • DB Christian Tutt, New Jersey Generals
  • CB Ryan White, Houston Gamblers


The new USFL, a reincarnation of the league from the 1980s, features eight teams and will play a 10-week season with two additional playoff rounds. For the inaugural season, all regular-season games will be played in Birmingham at either Protective Stadium or Legion Field with the playoffs being held in Canton, Ohio. 

The USFL will look similar to the traditional NFL game with the exception of some rules, including the introduction of a 3-point conversion from the 10-yard line after a touchdown, an alternative to the onside kick where teams can try to convert a fourth-and-12 play to retain possession, and a new overtime format decided by a shootout style competition where each team will get three shots at the end zone from the 2-yard line. 

For more information on the USFL, click here

The season opener featuring the Birmingham Stallions and the New Jersey Generals will kick off Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT from Protective Stadium. The game will be televised on FOX. 

Tickets for every game are $10, and kids under 15 can get in free (max of 3).