News Summary
The Birmingham Stallions made a stunning comeback to defeat the Houston Roughnecks 33-25 at Protective Stadium. Overcoming a 19-point deficit, they recorded the largest comeback in UFL history. The Stallions scored 27 unanswered points in the second half, showcasing outstanding performances from quarterback J’Mar Smith and others. This victory improved their season record significantly.
Birmingham Stallions Achieve Historic Comeback Victory Over Houston Roughnecks on Mother’s Day
The Birmingham Stallions pulled off a remarkable comeback on May 11, 2025, defeating the Houston Roughnecks 33-25 at Protective Stadium. The Stallions overcame a 19-point deficit, marking the largest comeback in United Football League (UFL) history. This exhilarating victory was highlighted by a scoring streak that saw Birmingham net the last 27 points of the game, including an impressive 12 points in the final 115 seconds.
This game showcased a dramatic shift in momentum as the Roughnecks initially held a commanding 25-6 lead. They had established their advantage through a strong offensive performance in the first half, accumulating 196 yards across four successful possessions. However, the Stallions managed to confine Houston’s offense to a mere 46 yards on 18 plays in the second half.
Key Moments from the Comeback
The Stallions’ resurgence began with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Case Cookus to Jace Sternberger just before halftime, reducing the deficit to 25-12. Following this momentum shift, Birmingham’s quarterback J’Mar Smith, who had come out of retirement to replace Cookus after he was injured, led a series of scoring drives that transformed the game.
Smith, whose last pass before this game was in April 2023, stepped up with significant plays, including a critical 23-yard completion to Deon Cain and a 32-yard connection to Sternberger. After a missed 1-point conversion, Smith capped off a scoring drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Stallions their first lead at 27-25 with just under two minutes left.
Following this key score, the Stallions strengthened their position when cornerback Mario Goodrich forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, allowing safety Tre Norwood to recover the ball for Birmingham. Running back Ricky Person Jr. then added a 2-yard touchdown, extending the Stallions’ lead to 33-25 with just 1:40 remaining in the game.
Offensive Contributions and Strategy
Throughout the game, Harrison Mevis proved invaluable, contributing three successful field goals, including a crucial 52-yarder after Smith’s first snap. Overall, the Stallions’ offense demonstrated significant adaptability and execution, particularly in the second half.
Person led the Stallions in rushing, accumulating 60 yards on 13 carries while also finding the end zone. Teammate C.J. Marable added 48 yards on 10 carries, contributing to the balanced offensive attack that ultimately secured the victory.
Impact on the Season
With this victory, the Stallions improved their season record to 5-2, maintaining their position in a competitive UFL Conference. The Roughnecks, conversely, fell to a 3-4 record. The Stallions are now tied with Michigan for the conference lead as they prepare for their upcoming match against the St. Louis Battlehawks on May 24, 2025, which will be broadcast on FOX.
Historical Context
This game not only marked an impactful victory for Birmingham but also provided a platform for J’Mar Smith to make a significant comeback. In the previous season, he led the Stallions to a championship victory before retiring due to injury in 2023. Coach Skip Holtz had been keen on reinstating Smith to the roster following injuries to other quarterbacks throughout the current season. His decision to return proved pivotal in this historic matchup.
Ultimately, the Stallions demonstrated resilience and determination, reinforcing their reputation as competitors in the UFL and thrilling fans with one of the league’s most memorable come-from-behind victories.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Stallions Secure Spot in UFL Playoffs
Birmingham Rises as a Sporting Hub
Additional Resources
- Fox Sports: UFL Live Updates
- AL.com: Stallions’ Historic Comeback
- Times Union: Stallions Sign Jalen Morton
- Google Search: Birmingham Stallions
- Wikipedia: United Football League
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
