r/UnitedFootballLeague

As mentioned in my previous post comparing spring football QBs to discuss who is the greatest, I'm continuing this series by reviewing receivers.

Today we'll attempt to answer the question, who is the greatest receiver in spring football history?

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Disclaimer

Only players from the following leagues were considered for this discussion:

• USFL (1983-1985)
• XFL (2001)
• AAF (2019)
• XFL (2020)
• TSL (2021)
• USFL (2022-2023)
• XFL (2023)
• UFL (2024-present)

Pre-1980's spring football leagues were not included due to unreliable statistical sources for these leagues.

UFL (2009-2012) was not included due to playing their games in the fall.

European leagues and pre-cursors to European leagues like the WLAF were not included, as I consider WLAF, NFL Europe, ELF, and others in this vein to be part of its own separate lineage of American football in Europe. These players deserve to be honored in their own right, separate from this discussion.

Finally, to be clear, this is a discussion about who is the greatest in terms of their accomplishments in spring football, not what they did before or afterward.

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With the disclaimer out of the way, we'll begin with a list of the all-time (1983-present) receiving yardage leaders.

##All-Time Receiving Yards

Below are the top 20 all-time career receiving yards leaders.

Name	Pos.	Teams	Leagues	Receptions	Yards	YPC	TDs	Awards/Accolades
Jim Smith	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (1983-1985)	227	3559	15.7	31	1983 All-USFL (Second Team), 1984 Receiving Yards Leader, 1984 Birmingham Stallions Receiving TD Leader, 1985 Receiving TDs Leader, 1985 All-USFL
Joey Walters	WR	Washington Federals, Orlando Renegades	USFL (1983-1985)	219	3153	14.4	24	1983 Washington Federals Receiving Yards Leader, 1984 Washington Federals Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1984 All-USFL (Second Team), 1985 Orlando Renegades Receiving Yards & T-1st TDs Leader
Anthony Carter	WR	Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders	USFL (1983-1985)	160	3042	19	27	Won 1983 USFL Championship, 1983 Michigan Panthers Receiving Yards Leader, 1983 All-USFL (Second Team), 1985 Oakland Invaders Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1985 All-USFL (Second Team)
Gordon Banks	WR	Oakland Invaders	USFL (1983-1985)	187	2907	15.5	12	1984 Oakland Invaders Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Derek Holloway	WR	Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders	USFL (1983-1985)	148	2854	19.3	27	Won 1983 USFL Championship, 1983 Michigan Panthers Receiving TDs Leader, 1984 Michigan Panthers Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Richard Johnson	WR	Houston Gamblers	USFL (1984-1985)	218	2839	13	29	1984 Receiving TDs Leader, 1984 All-USFL, 1984 Houston Gamblers Receiving Yards Leader, 1985 All-USFL, 1985 Houston Gamblers Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Eric Truvillion	WR	Tampa Bay Bandits	USFL (1983-1985)	167	2602	15.6	30	1983 Receiving TDs Leader, 1983 All-USFL, 1984 Tampa Bay Bandits Receiving Yards & T-1st TDs Leader
Trumaine Johnson	WR	Chicago Blitz, Arizona Wranglers	USFL (1983-1984)	171	2590	15.1	23	1983 Receiving Yards & Receptions Leader, 1983 All-USFL, 1983 Chicago Blitz Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1984 All-USFL, 1984 Arizona Wranglers Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Frank Lockett	WR	Boston Breakers, New Orleans Breakers, Portland Breakers, San Antonio Gunslingers	USFL (1983-1985)	136	2528	18.6	14	1984 New Orleans Breakers Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1985 Portland Breakers Receiving Yards Leader
Scott Fitzkee	WR	Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars	USFL (1983-1985)	183	2508	13.7	15	Lost 1983 USFL Championship, Won 1984-1985 USFL Championship, 1984 Philadelphia Stars Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1985 Baltimore Stars Receiving Yards Leader
Greg Anderson	WR	Birmingham Stallions, Pittsburgh Maulers, Arizona Outlaws	USFL (1983-1985)	142	2438	17.2	16	1983 Birmingham Stallions Receiving TDs Leader, 1984 Pittsburgh Maulers Receiving Yards Leader
Hakeem Butler	WR	St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	138	2192	15.9	20	2023 All-XFL, 2023 XFL Receiving TDs (8) Leader, 2023 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving Yards (599) Leader, 2024 Offensive Player of the Year, 2024 All-UFL, 2024 Receiving Yards (652) Leader, 2024 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving TDs (5) Leader, 2025 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving Yards (300) & TDs (4) Leader, 2026 Offensive Player of the Year, 2026 All-UFL, 2026 Receiving Yards (641) Leader
Jackie Flowers	WR	Arizona Wranglers, Chicago Blitz, Pittsburgh Maulers, Orlando Renegades	USFL (1983-1985)	144	2146	14.9	24	1983 Arizona Wranglers Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1984 Pittsburgh Maulers Receiving TDs Leader, 1985 Orlando Renegades T-1st Receiving TDs Leader
Al Williams	WR	Oklahoma Outlaws, Arizona Outlaws	USFL (1984-1985)	105	2107	20.1	15	1984 Oklahoma Outlaws Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1985 Arizona Outlaws Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Leonard Harris	WR	Denver Gold	USFL (1984-1985)	136	2089	15.4	12	1984 Denver Gold Receiving Yards & T-1st TDs Leader, 1985 Receiving Yards Leader, 1985 Denver Gold Receiving TDs Leader, 1985 All-USFL (Second Team)
Willie Collier	WR	Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars	USFL (1983-1985)	142	2001	14.1	14	1983 Philadelphia Stars Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, Lost 1983 Championship, Won 1984 & 1985 USFL Championship
Jo-Jo Townsell	WR	Los Angeles Express	USFL (1983-1985)	126	1992	15.8	16	1984 Los Angeles Express Receiving Yards & TDs Leader, 1985 Los Angeles Express Receiving Yards & TDs Leader
Willie Gillespie	WR	Tampa Bay Bandits	USFL (1983-1985)	121	1929	15.9	10
Ricky Sanders	WR	Houston Gamblers	USFL (1984-1985)	149	1916	12.9	18	1984 All-USFL (Second Team)
Justin Hall	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Houston Gamblers	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	195	1899	9.7	11	2023 All-USFL, 2023 Houston Gamblers Receiving Yards (513) & TDs (4) Leader, 2024 T-1st Receptions (56) Leader, 2024 Houston Roughnecks Receiving Yards (604) & TDs (3) Leader, 2025 Houston Roughnecks Receiving Yards (501) Leader

##Modern-Era Passing Yards

Below are the top 20 modern-era (2019-present) career receiving yards leaders.

Name	Pos.	Teams	Leagues	Receptions	Yards	YPC	TDs	Awards/Accolades
Hakeem Butler	WR	St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	138	2192	15.9	20	2023 All-XFL, 2023 XFL Receiving TDs (8) Leader, 2023 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving Yards (599) Leader, 2024 Offensive Player of the Year, 2024 All-UFL, 2024 Receiving Yards (652) Leader, 2024 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving TDs (5) Leader, 2025 St. Louis Battlehawks Receiving Yards (300) & TDs (4) Leader, 2026 Offensive Player of the Year, 2026 All-UFL, 2026 Receiving Yards (641) Leader
Justin Hall	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Houston Gamblers	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	195	1899	9.7	11	2023 All-USFL, 2023 Houston Gamblers Receiving Yards (513) & TDs (4) Leader, 2024 T-1st Receptions (56) Leader, 2024 Houston Roughnecks Receiving Yards (604) & TDs (3) Leader, 2025 Houston Roughnecks Receiving Yards (501) Leader
Sal Cannella	TE	Generals, New Orleans Breakers, Arlington Renegades, St. Louis Battlehawks	TSL (2021), USFL (2022), XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	182	1854	10.2	9	2022 All-USFL, 2023 Arlington Renegades Receiving Yards (415) Leader, Won 2023 XFL Championship, 2024 Receiving TDs (6) Leader, 2025 All-UFL
Tyler Vaughns	WR	Arlington Renegades, Dallas Renegades	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	158	1807	11.4	15	Won 2023 XFL Championship, 2024 Arlington Renegades Receiving Yards (503) Leader, 2025 All-UFL, 2025 Arlington Renegades Receiving Yards (475) & TDs (4) Leader, 2026 All-UFL, 2026 UFL T-1st Receiving TDs (7) Leader, 2026 Dallas Renegades Receiving Yards (527) Leader
Jonathan Adams	WR	New Orleans Breakers, Memphis Showboats	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2025)	139	1801	13	8	2022 New Orleans Breakers Receiving Yards (406) Leader, 2025 Memphis Showboats Receiving Yards (443) & TDs (2) Leader
Chris Rowland	WR	Philadelphia Stars, DC Defenders, Orlando Storm	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2026)	145	1612	11.1	13	2024 All-UFL (KR), 2025 All-UFL, 2025 DC Defenders Receiving Yards Leader, Won 2025 UFL Championship, 2026 All-UFL, 2026 Orlando Storm T-1st Receiving TDs Leader
Jontre Kirklin	WR	Houston Roughnecks, San Antonio Brahmas, Houston Gamblers	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	134	1457	10.9	8	2024 T-1st Receptions (56) Leader, 2024 San Antonio Brahmas Receiving Yards (614) & T-1st TDs (3) Leader
Deon Cain	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	103	1427	13.9	15	Won 2023 USFL Championship, Won 2024 UFL Championship, 2025 All-UFL, 2025 Birmingham Stallions Receiving Yards (514) & TDs (6) Leader, 2026 Birmingham Stallions Receiving TDs (4) Leader
Jahcour Pearson	WR	Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	148	1401	9.5	6	2023 All-XFL, 2023 XFL Receiving Yards (670) Leader
Jace Sternberger	TE	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2025)	75	1204	16.1	13	2023 All-USFL, 2023 USFL Receiving TDs (7) Leader, Won 2023 USFL Championship, 2024 All-UFL, 2024 Birmingham Stallions Receiving Yards (454) & T-1st TDs (4) Leader, Won 2024 UFL Championship
Deontay Burnett	WR	Houston Roughnecks, Arlington RenegadesDallas Renegades	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	104	1185	11.4	12	2023 All-XFL, 2023 Houston Roughnecks Receiving TDs (6) Leader
Keke Chism	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Columbus Aviators	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	106	1172	11.1	10	2025 Houston Roughnecks Receiving (4) TDs Leader, 2026 Columbus Aviators T-1st Receiving TDs (3) Leader
Lucky Jackson	WR	Blues, DC Defenders, Louisville Kings	TSL (2021), XFL (2023), UFL (2026)	78	1106	14.2	9	2023 All-XFL, 2023 DC Defenders Receiving TDs (5) Leader, Won 2026 UFL Championship
Darrius Shepherd	WR	New Jersey Generals, St. Louis Battlehawks	USFL (2022), XFL (2023),UFL (2024)	104	1082	10.4	7
Devin Gray	WR	Generals, Philadelphia Stars, Michigan Panthers	TSL (2021), USFL (2022-2023),UFL (2024)	110	1068	9.7	5
Siaosi Mariner	WR	Generals, Michigan Panthers	TSL (2021), UFL (2024-2025)	74	1056	14.3	5	2025 UFL Receiving Yards (527) Leader
Alonzo Moore	WR	San Antonio Commanders, Seattle Dragons, New Jersey Generals	AAF (2019), XFL (2020), USFL (2022-2023)	72	1041	14.5	8	2023 New Jersey Generals Receiving Yards (348) & TDs (5) Leader
Marlon Williams	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2026)	78	1038	13.3	9	2022 Birmingham Stallions Receiving Yards (474) & TDs (4) Leader, Won 2022 USFL Championship, Won 2023 USFL Championship, Won 2024 UFL Championship
Davion Davis	WR	Blues, Birmingham Stallions	TSL (2021), UFL (2023 & 2025)	78	1016	13	7	2021 Blues Receiving Yards (223) & TDs (2) Leader, 2023 Birmingham Stallions Receiving Yards (575) Leader, Won 2023 USFL Championship
Vinny Papale	WR	Conquerors, Tampa Bay Bandits, Memphis Showboats	TSL (2021), USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024)	97	998	10.3	10	2023 Memphis Showboats Receiving Yards (345) & TDs (3) Leader, 2024 Memphis Showboats T-1st Receiving TDs (5) Leader

Notes:

• Unsurprisingly, with the 1980's USFL playing 18-game seasons, they have the advantage in simply playing more games than most of their modern-era counterparts. I'm including the all-time numbers because I find the historical deep dive interesting, but for the purposes of answering the question in this post, I'll be differentiating between the greatest all-time and the greatest in the modern-era.

• Jim Smith tops the all-time list, finishing his USFL career with the most amount of receiving yards (3559) and receiving TDs (31) in spring football history. He was the leading receiver on his team, the Birmingham Stallions, twice in his career (1481 yards in 1984, which was the most in the league that year, and 1322 yards in 1985). He was named to the All-USFL team twice (second team in 1983, first team in 1985). He is one of only three receivers in spring football history to ever eclipse 3K+ yards. He remains the all-time single season receiving yards record holder for his 1984 season (context: 18 game season).

• Joey Walters is the second of the three receivers in the 3K club, finishing his USFL career with 3153 yards and 24 TDs. He was the leading receiver on his team all three years of his career, and was named to the 1984 All-USFL team (second team).

• Anthony Carter is the third and final receiver in the 3K club, finishing his USFL career with 3042 yards and 27 TDs. He was the leading receiver on his team twice (1181 yards in 1983, and 1323 yards in 1985), second team All-USFL in 1983 and 1985, and won the 1983 USFL championship with the Michigan Panthers.

• Gordan Banks, the Oakland Invaders legend. He spent all 3 of his USFL seasons with the Invaders, finishing his run with 2907 yards and 12 TDs.

• Derek Holloway is next with 2854 yards and 27 TDs in his USFL career. He led his team in receiving yards once (1219 yards in 1984), and also won the 1983 USFL Championship alongside his teammate, Anthony Carter.

• Richard Johnson is Houston's all-time leading receiver, finishing his run with the Gamblers with 2839 yards and 29 TDs. He was the leading receiver on the Gamblers both years of his career (1455 yards in 1984, and 1384 yards in 1985), and was named All-USFL (first team) in both seasons.

• Eric Truvillion, Tampa Bay Bandits legend. Finished his 3 year run with the Bandits with 2602 yards and 30 TDs (2nd all-time). Was named to the 1983 All-USFL team (first team), and was the leading receiver on his team in his 1984 season (1044 yards).

• Trumaine Johnson had an incredible 2 year stretch with the Chicago Blitz and Arizona Wranglers. Finished with 2590 yards and 23 TDs. He had the most receiving yards in the 1983 USFL season (1322 yards), and also led his team in receiving yards in his 1984 season (1268 yards). He was named to the All-USFL team in both seasons (first team).

• Frank Lockett was a Breakers legend, playing for each iteration of the team (Boston, New Orleans, and Portland). Finished with 2528 yards and 14 TDs, and was the leading receiver on his team twice (1199 yards in 1984, and 537 yards in 1985).

• Scott Fitzkee, Philadelphia and Baltimore Stars legend, finished his 3 year run with the team racking up 2508 yards and 15 TDs. While he garnered more postseason success than his peers above him on this list (won both the 1984 and 1985 USFL championship, more on the postseason later), his greatest regular season accomplishments were leading his team in receiving yards in both 1984 (895 yards) and 1985 (882 yards).

• Greg Anderson, journeyman receiver, played for 3 different teams in his 3 USFL seasons (Birmingham Stallions, Pittsburgh Maulers, and the Arizona Outlaws). Finished his run with 2438 yards and 16 TDs. Led the Maulers in receiving yards in 1984 with 994 yards.

• Hakeem Butler, tops the modern-era list, and is the only receiver in the modern-era to eclipse 2K+ receiving yards. Has 2192 yards (1st in the modern-era) and 20 TDs in his combined XFL and UFL career for the St. Louis Battlehawks (so far). The most accomplished modern-era receiver in the regular season, he was the #1 receiving yards leader in the league twice in his career (652 yards in 2024, and 641 yards in 2026), led his team in receiving yards every year of his career, named to the 2023 All-XFL team and the 2024 and 2026 All-UFL team, and was named Offensive Player of the Year twice in his career (2024 and 2026).

• Jackie Flowers, another journeyman receiver, playing for 4 different teams in his 3 year USFL run, racking up 2146 yards and 24 TDs. Was the leading receiving on his team once in his career (869 yards in 1983).

• Al Williams, Outlaws legend, playing for both iterations of the team (Oklahoma and Arizona). Finished his 2 year USFL run with 2107 yards and 15 TDs. He was the leading receiver on his team in both of his seasons (1087 yards in 1984, and 1020 yards in 1985).

• Leonard Harris, Denver Gold great, finished his 2 year run with the Gold with 2089 yards and 12 TDs. He led the 1985 season in receiving yards (1432 yards), was the leading receiver on his team in both of his seasons, and was named to the 1985 All-USFL team (second team).

• Willie Collier, another Stars legend alongside his teammate Scott Fitzkee. He rounds out the all-time list as the last receiver in the 2K club, finishing his three year run with 2001 yards and 14 TDs. Was the leading receiver on the Stars for the 1983 season (771 yards), and won the 1984 and 1985 USFL championships alongside his teammate.

• Jo-Jo Townsell, Los Angeles Express legend, his USFL career began to takeoff with the addition of future HOF QB Steve Young in the 1984 season. He finished his 3 year run with the team with 1992 yards and 16 TDs, and was the leading receiver on the Express in both the 1984 (889 yards) and 1985 season (777 yards).

• Willie Gillespie, another Tampa Bay Bandits great. A solid partner-in-crime for his teammate, Eric Truvillion, he finished his 3 year run with the team with 1929 yards and 10 TDs.

• Ricky Sanders closes out the OG USFL players on the all-time list top 20 list, finishing his 2 year run with the Houston Gamblers with 1916 yards and 18 TDs. He was named to the 1984 All-USFL team (second team). Solid duo with his teammate, Richard Johnson.

• Justin Hall is the only other modern-era receiver to make the all-time top 20, with 1899 yards (2nd in the modern-era) and 11 TDs in his career (so far). The Houston Gamblers and Roughnecks legend was the leading receiver on his team three times (513 yards in 2023, 604 yards in 2024, and 501 yards in 2025), and was named to the 2023 All-USFL team.

• Sal Cannella, Renegades legend, is 3rd in receiving yards in the modern-era, with 1854 yards. Was named to both the 2022 All-USFL team, and the 2025 All-UFL team. Was the leading receiver on his team once in his career (415 yards in 2023), and won the 2023 XFL championship.

• Tyler Vaughns, another Renegades legend, is just below his former teammate Cannella with 1807 yards. Was the leading receiver on his team three times (503 yards in 2024, 475 yards in 2025, and 527 yards in 2026). He was named to the All-UFL team twice (2025 and 2026), and won the 2023 XFL championship alongside Cannella.

• Jonathan Adams rounds out the modern-era top 5, finishing his run with 1801 yards. Was the leading receiver on his team twice in his career (406 yards in 2022, and 443 yards in 2025).

• Chris Rowland is next with 1612 yards in his 5 year run (note: this is his receiving yards only, not his all-purpose yards). He led his team in receiving yards once in his career (522 yards in 2025), and was named to the All-UFL team three times (2024, 2025, and 2026). Won the 2025 UFL championship with the DC Defenders (more on the postseason later).

• Jontre Kirklin is next with 1457 yards in his 4 year run. He led his team in receiving yards once in his career, with 614 yards in his 2024 season with the San Antonio Brahmas.

• Deon Cain is our first Birmingham Stallions player of the modern-era list. In his 4 seasons with the team, he racked up 1427 yards, was named to the 2025 All-UFL team, and led his team in receiving yards once in his career (514 yards in 2025). He is also a 2x champion, winning the 2023 USFL and the 2024 UFL championships (more on the postseason later).

• Jahcour Pearson is next on the modern-era list with 1401 career receiving yards. He has yet to reach the heights again of his 2023 season with the Seattle Sea Dragons, leading his team (and the entire league) with 670 yards. He was named to the 2023 All-XFL team.

• Jace Sternberger joins Sal Cannella as the only other TE to make the top 20. He racked up 1204 yards in his 3 year run with the Stallions, leading his team in receiving yards once in his career (454 yards in 2024). He was named to the 2023 All-USFL and the 2024 All-UFL team, and won two championships with the Stallions (2023 USFL and 2024 UFL).

• Deontay Burnett is next on the modern-era list with 1185 career receiving yards. His best season was in 2023 with the Houston Roughnecks, being named to the All-XFL team that year (378 yards).

• Keke Chism, former Houston and now Columbus legend with that insane catch for the Aviators this year. He has racked up 1172 yards in his 4 year run with the Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, and Columbus Aviators.

• Lucky Jackson is next with 1106 yards in his 3 year run, starting all the way back with the Blues in 2021. He was named to the 2023 All-XFL team, and won the 2026 United Bowl with the Louisville Kings. In between his last two seasons (2023 and 2026), he was on NFL practice squads, and as of the time of this writing, is currently signed to the Detroit Lions.

• Darrius Shepherd, a solid receiver in his time, finished his three season run with the Generals and Battlehawks with 1082 yards.

• Devin Gray had a 4 year run with the Generals (2021), Philadelphia Stars (2022-2023), and the Michigan Panthers (2024), accumulating 1068 yards in that timespan.

• Siaosi Mariner, Michigan Panthers legend, led the UFL in receiving yards in 2025 with 527 yards. His career total is 1056 yards, getting his start with the Generals in 2021 alongside his teammate Devin Gray.

• Alonzo Moore, first receiver on the modern-era list to have played in the ill-fated 2019 AAF season. He accumulated 1041 yards in his 4 year run, and led his team in receiving yards once in his career (348 yards in 2023 for the New Jersey Generals).

• Marlon Williams, another Birmingham Stallions legend, is next with 1038 career receiving yards. He was the leading receiver on the Stallions once in his career (474 yards in 2022), and won three championships with the team (2022 & 2023 USFL championship, and the 2024 UFL championship). While he was on the team for the 2026 season, he saw no meaningful action this year.

• Davion Davis, another Stallions legend, with a spring career actually starting with the Blues in 2021. He has 1016 career receiving yards, and was the leading receiver on his team twice in his career (223 yards in 2021, and 575 yards in 2023). Won the 2023 USFL championship with the Stallions. He rounds out the 1K club in the modern-era.

• Vinny Papale closes out the modern-era top 20, just barely missing the 1K club with 998 career receiving yards. Like some of the others above him, he got his spring career start in the Spring League (2021), playing for the Conquerors with QB Brandon Silvers. His best years were with the Memphis Showboats, leading the team in receiving yards in 2023 with 345 yards.

Notable receiving yards leaders outside of the top 20:

• Corey Coleman, led the 2023 USFL in receiving yards with 668 yards for the Philadelphia Stars. Was named to the 2023 All-USFL team. He did not play in spring football beyond this season.

• KaVontae Turpin, led the 2022 USFL in receiving yards with 540 yards for the New Jersey Generals. Was named the 2022 USFL MVP and 2022 All-USFL. His career yardage in spring football is 780 yards (he played for the Sea Lions in 2021 in addition to his run with the Generals). He continued his pro football career on the Dallas Cowboys following his 2022 season.

• Michael Dereus, led the 2021 TSL in receiving yards with 435 yards for the Linemen (note: this was a 6 game season). He went on to win the 2021 TSL championship. Following his 2021 campaign, he joined the Birmingham Stallions for the 2022-2023 USFL seasons (though he did not see much playing time), with a final career total of 510 yards and 3 championship titles.

• Cam Phillips, led the 2020 XFL in receiving yards with 455 yards for the Houston Roughnecks (note: this was a 5 game season). He did not play spring football again following this season.

• Charles Johnson, led the 2019 AAF in receiving yards with 687 yards for the Orlando Apollos (note: this was an 8 game season). Johnson holds the distinction of retaining his title as the single season receiving yards leader in the modern-era. He did not play spring football again following this season.

• Stepfret Williams, led the 2001 XFL in receiving yards with 828 yards for the Birmingham Thunderbolts (note: this was a 10 game season). Was named to the 2001 All-XFL team. He holds the distinction of having the most single season receiving yards in a 10 game season.

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Next let's take a look at the all-time receiving TDs leaders.

##All-Time Receiving TDs

Top 20 in career receiving TDs:

Name	Pos.	Teams	Leagues	TDs
Jim Smith	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (1983-1985)	31
Eric Truvillion	WR	Tampa Bay Bandits	USFL (1983-1985)	30
Richard Johnson	WR	Houston Gamblers	USFL (1984-1985)	29
Anthony Carter	WR	Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders	USFL (1983-1985)	27
Derek Holloway	WR	Michigan Panthers, Oakland Invaders	USFL (1983-1985)	27
Joey Walters	WR	Washington Federals, Orlando Renegades	USFL (1983-1985)	24
Jackie Flowers	WR	Arizona Wranglers, Chicago Blitz, Pittsburgh Maulers, Orlando Renegades	USFL (1983-1985)	24
Trumaine Johnson	WR	Chicago Blitz, Arizona Wranglers	USFL (1983-1984)	23
Derrick Crawford	WR	Memphis Showboats	USFL (1984-1985)	21
Hakeem Butler	WR	St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	20
Ricky Sanders	WR	Houston Gamblers	USFL (1984-1985)	18
Greg Anderson	WR	Birmingham Stallions, Pittsburgh Maulers, Arizona Outlaws	USFL (1983-1985)	16
Jo-Jo Townsell	WR	Los Angeles Express	USFL (1983-1985)	16
Scott Fitzkee	WR	Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars	USFL (1983-1985)	15
Al Williams	WR	Oklahoma Outlaws, Arizona Outlaws	USFL (1984-1985)	15
Tyler Vaughns	WR	Arlington Renegades, Dallas Renegades	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	15
Deon Cain	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	15
Frank Lockett	WR	Boston Breakers, New Orleans Breakers, Portland Breakers, San Antonio Gunslingers	USFL (1983-1985)	14
Willie Collier	WR	Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars	USFL (1983-1985)	14
Chris Rowland	WR	Philadelphia Stars, DC Defenders, Orlando Storm	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2026)	13

##Modern-Era Receiving TDs

Top 20 in career receiving TDs:

Name	Pos.	Teams	Leagues	TDs
Hakeem Butler	WR	St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	20
Tyler Vaughns	WR	Arlington Renegades, Dallas Renegades	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	15
Deon Cain	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	15
Chris Rowland	WR	Philadelphia Stars, DC DefendersOrlando Storm	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2026)	13
Jace Sternberger	TE	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2025)	13
Deontay Burnett	WR	Houston Roughnecks, Arlington Renegades, Dallas Renegades	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	12
Justin Hall	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Houston Gamblers	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	11
Keke Chism	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Columbus Aviators	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	10
Vinny Papale	WR	Conquerors, Tampa Bay Bandits, Memphis Showboats	TSL (2021), USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024)	10
Emmanuel Butler	WR	Houston Gamblers, Houston Roughnecks, Dallas Renegades	USFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	10
Sal Cannella	TE	Generals, New Orleans Breakers, Arlington Renegades, St. Louis Battlehawks	TSL (2021), USFL (2022), XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	9
Lucky Jackson	WR	Blues, DC Defenders, Louisville Kings	TSL (2021), XFL (2023), UFL (2026)	9
Marlon Williams	WR	Birmingham Stallions	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2026)	9
Tyrone Scott	WR	DC Defenders	UFL (2024-2026)	9
Johnnie Dixon	WR	New Orleans Breakers	USFL (2022-2023)	9
Cam Phillips	WR	Houston Roughnecks	XFL (2020)	9
Jonathan Adams	WR	New Orleans Breakers, Memphis Showboats	USFL (2022-2023), UFL (2024-2025)	8
Jontre Kirklin	WR	Houston Roughnecks, San Antonio Brahmas, Houston Gamblers	XFL (2023), UFL (2024-2026)	8
Alonzo Moore	WR	San Antonio Commanders, Seattle Dragons, New Jersey Generals	AAF (2019), XFL (2020),USFL (2022-2023)	8
Cornell Powell	WR	DC Defenders	UFL (2025-2026)	8

Notes:

• Additional shoutouts to modern-era receivers Rashad Ross (2019 Arizona Hotshots, 2020 DC Defenders) and Briley Moore (2023-2026 DC Defenders) for also having 8 career TDs. With Ross leading the 2019 AAF in receiving TDs that year with 7 TDs.

• As previously mentioned, Jim Smith is the all-time career receiving TDs leader with 31 TDs, and is one of only 2 players to reach 30+, the other being Eric Truvillion with 30 TDs. He is the all-time single season receiving TDs leader with 20 TDs in the 1985 season.

• Hakeem Butler is the modern-era receiving TDs leader with 20 TDs, and he holds the distinction of being the only modern-era player to reach the 20+ mark. He led the entire XFL in receiving TDs in 2023 with 8 TDs.

• Cam Phillips holds the distinction of being the single season receiving TDs leader in the modern-era with 9 TDs, which is quite an accomplishment, considering the 2020 XFL was only a 5 game season. This record has still not been surpassed in the 6 seasons since.

• Receiving TDs leaders for each year (modern-era): Rashad Ross (7 TDs, 2019 AAF), Cam Phillips (9 TDs, 2020 XFL), Isaac Zico (4 TDs, 2021 TSL), Isaiah Zuber (5 TDs, 2022 USFL), Jace Sternberger (7 TDs, 2023 USFL), Hakeem Butler (8 TDs, 2023 XFL), Sal Cannella (6 TDs, 2024 UFL), Cornell Powell (7 TDs, 2025 UFL), Tyler Vaughns and Emmanuel Butler (tied with 7 TDs, 2026 UFL).

• Receiving TDs leaders (prior to the modern-era): Eric Truvillion (15 TDs, 1983 season), Richard Johnson (15 TDs, 1984 USFL), Jim Smith (20 TDs, 1985 USFL), Darnell McDonald (8 TDs, 2001 XFL).

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Part 2 continued here.

Part 3 continued here.

Part 4 continued here.

Text from the article:

>The Battlehawks were a playoff flop — again — and the team's once-rabid fanbase is continuing to lose a lot of its oomph, at least as indicated by attendance and television ratings figures.

>The local entry in the United Football League made the playoffs this year for the third consecutive season and again lost in the first round despite being at home for all those contests.

>But while the team remains the class of the league in home attendance and is strong in drawing TV viewers, the luster certainly is waning.

>Crowds in the Dome at America's Center averaged 23,239 for the team's five regular-season contests there (attendance figures are for announced crowds.) It was the lowest number the Battlehawks have averaged in their five seasons of playing spring football — the first two in the XFL — and continued a downward spiral at the gate. It was the third consecutive year crowds have declined, and the figure for the recently completed campaign was 34% below the 35,104 the club averaged in 2023.

>The low spot came May 8, when the B-Hawks drew 18,563 for a game against Columbus. That was the smallest home audience the team has attracted for a regular-season contest in its existence.

>However, despite the significant decline, the team dominates the UFL at the turnstiles. The Battlehawks' average attendance was more than double what runner-up Louisville drew (11,195), and their worst-attended contest figure was more than what any other club drew for a game. The B-Hawks' five home outings drew 28% of the league's attendance, and they outdrew the combined total of three teams.

>On the TV viewership front, the decline also was significant. According to Nielsen, which tabulates viewership, 1.9% of the market tuned in on average to the B-Hawks' 10 outings. Just like attendance, it was the third consecutive season the figure fell, and likewise, it was a club low. That rating was 30% down from last year's figure (2.7) and down 46% from the apex (3.5 in 2023).

>One bright spot is that the Battlehawks' playoff game drew the club's biggest TV rating of the season, as Nielsen reported that it was seen in 4.8% of the market.

>That was better than the number their postseason loss last year generated (4.2) but far below the figure their playoff failure the previous season pulled (6.8). And the game drew a crowd of 18,111, the smallest ever for the club and nearly 10,000 fewer last season’s playoff contest attracted.

>"There is a notable downwards trend in St. Louis — something the UFL will need to address in the offseason," wrote James Larsen, who covers the league for the Pro Football Newsroom website. "They can’t simply expect St. Louis to show up just because it’s The Lou. More local efforts can re-energize a city that has gone a bit stale for the UFL the last two seasons."

>Coach Ricky Proehl has vowed things will get better after the B-hawks lost their last three home games.

>“I feel the frustration, not for me personally — for our fans because we’ve got the best fans in the UFL, and they come to support us year in and year out,” Proehl said after the team's finale. “We’re going to get it correct, and we’re going to get it right. I believe that, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

>In the bigger picture, the UFL's shuffling of markets in hopes of better attendance didn't pan out, as the average crowd size dipped by 14% (from 12,168 to 10,501). The league's television ratings were flat, up 1%, but that is offset by the fact that Nielsen is measuring more people than in the past, which has resulted in many events experiencing significant gains.

Data from the article:

##Battlehawks through the years

Year	Avg. attendance	TV rating
2020	28,541	6.7
2023	35,104	3.5
2024	34,365	3.4
2025	29,537	2.7
2026	23,239	1.9

##2026 Battlehawks, by the numbers

Date	Opponent	Attendance	TV outlet	Rating
March 28	vs. D.C.	31,191	ESPN	2.2
April 7	at Dallas	'--	FS1	0.9
April 12	vs. Birmingham	20,209	KDNL (30)	2.3
April 18	at D.C.	'--	KDNL (30)	2.1
April 25	at Orlando	'--	ESPN	1.3
April 30	at Louisville	'--	FS1	1.2
May 8	vs. Columbus	18,563	KTVI (2)	3.2
May 16	vs. Houston	21,609	KDNL (30)	1.8
May 24	at Houston	'--	ESPN2	1.3
May 29	vs. Dallas	24,621	KTVI (2)	2.8
AVG.		23,239		1.9
PLAYOFFS
June 8	vs. Louisville	18,111	KTVI (2)	4.8

Archive link here for anyone that wants to read the full article. Only section I didn't include above is a comparison of NHL and NBA ratings.

Interesting article. I agree the league has work to do to turn these numbers around. Though the TV ratings for the league as a whole increased from last year, improvement is still needed to increase the ratings in St. Louis, and reverse the attendance trend.