The Denver Broncos have become a pipeline for UFL players looking to make it big in the NFL. One of the biggest names to come from the UFL to the NFL is Dondrea Tillman, who has come to receive meaningful snaps in Denver's pass rush rotation.
As such, former NFL wide receiver and current UFL coach Ricky Proehl of the St. Louis Battlehawks made his way out to Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit to check on some of his former UFL players, wide receiver Hakeem Butler and kick returner Sean Fresch. They are among a large group of UFL players trying to make the 53-man roster prior to the final cut-down on Sunday.
Proehl talked with Butler and Fresch about training camp, and competing for roster spots in an already talented locker room. "It's kinda
crazy seeing y'all out there," Proehl told the duo. "It's wild. It's awesome."
You can see the full two-minute video from Proehl's visit to Broncos practice below.
From the Battlehawks to the Broncos 💪
— United Football League (@TheUFL) August 21, 2026
Ricky Proehl made it out to Denver Broncos Training Camp to check on his guys Hakeem Butler and Sean Fresch 💙#UFLtoNFL pic.twitter.com/gmpyLGBi2j
Broncos coach Sean Payton recently commented on the role that the UFL has played in helping shape NFL rosters. “There was a time where it was the World [Football] League and we found players, coaches and officials," Payton said after Tuesday's practice. "Clearly that’s the [UFL] now. Each team is looking at that league for something they specifically need. We’ve got ‘Til’ (Tillman) here.
"It’s a great opportunity for us to see guys under fire and then there’s quite a few players that fall under this category. They’re not ready in that first year, but there’s still growth, maturity and all of a sudden, ‘Who is this guy three years removed from college and he’s ready now?’ So it only helps the game, and helps not only the UFL, but all the member clubs that can look at a talent pool of players to find a kicker or find a corner... It’s extending careers for more players and I would say it’s a win for everyone.”
Unfortunately for Butler, he was cut by the Broncos to make room for another UFL product, pass-rusher Ron Stone on Tuesday afternoon. Butler had been underwhelming in two preseason showings, likely expediting his departure from the team.
The Broncos have had previous success with, and will continue to try out players from the UFL to see if they could fit on the 53-man roster. Who knows? Denver's next best player in 2026 could be from the UFL.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Battlehawks coach visits ex-UFL players at Broncos practice
