Sal Cannella Named to 2025 All-UFL Team After Standout Season with Arlington Renegades
Former Auburn standout and current professional tight end Sal Cannella continues to build an impressive football résumé. In recognition of his strong 2025 campaign, Cannella has been named to the United Football League’s All-UFL Team, a prestigious honor awarded to the league’s top performers. The Arlington Renegades’ tight end earned the accolade following a stellar regular season in which he hauled in 44 receptions for 474 yards and a touchdown over 10 games.
Cannella’s contributions went beyond just stats — though the numbers alone speak volumes. He ranked second in the UFL in receptions and sixth in receiving yards, demonstrating both consistency and playmaking ability throughout the season. His performance helped solidify his status as one of the most dependable targets in the league, and it capped another chapter in a professional career that has spanned multiple leagues and organizations.
A Journey That Started at Auburn
Cannella’s football journey began in earnest at Auburn University, where he made a lasting impression in his final collegiate appearance — catching a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix in the 2020 Outback Bowl against Minnesota. That game turned out to be a launching pad for a winding professional career, one that would see Cannella take the road less traveled, moving through emerging leagues and multiple NFL opportunities.
Pro Career: Climbing Through the Ranks
Cannella first made headlines in spring football in 2022, when he was named an All-USFL selection while playing for the New Orleans Breakers. That season, part of the USFL’s revival based in Birmingham, Alabama, put him on the radar of scouts and fans alike as a reliable receiving tight end with size and hands.
In 2023, Cannella took his talents to the XFL, joining the Arlington Renegades. There, he played a key role in helping the team secure the league’s championship title. In the XFL Championship Game against the D.C. Defenders, Cannella turned in one of his most impactful performances to date, recording four receptions for 71 yards, including a memorable 41-yard touchdown catch that helped seal a 35-26 victory.
2024: UFL Merger and a League-Leading Season
The following year, Cannella remained with Arlington, now rebranded as a UFL franchise following the historic merger between the USFL and the XFL. He continued to shine on the field, finishing the 2024 UFL season as the league leader in touchdown receptions with six. His productivity also earned him third place in total receptions (53) and fifth in receiving yards (497), signaling a season that was both dominant and dynamic.
NFL Stints
While Cannella has made his mark primarily in alternative professional leagues, he has also seen time with several NFL franchises. Over the course of his career, he has been on the roster or practice squad for the Miami Dolphins, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though he has yet to find a long-term home in the NFL, his persistence and success in spring leagues continue to keep him on the radar of teams looking for proven playmakers.
League Recognition and Honors
The All-UFL Team, announced on Monday, recognizes the top players across the league’s eight teams. Selections were made by a committee comprising league executives, team coaches, fellow players, and broadcast partners — a mix that ensures the honors reflect both statistical performance and professional respect. Cannella’s inclusion signals both.
Now a two-time all-star across spring football leagues (with prior All-USFL honors in 2022), Cannella is carving out a career that reflects not just talent but tenacity. His adaptability and performance in multiple formats — the USFL, XFL, and now the UFL — reinforce his status as one of the top tight ends outside the NFL.
Leave a Reply