Birmingham Stallions fans will be pleased with this news: Linebacker DeMarquis Gates is officially returning for another season in the UFL.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/PdYmV3Pu7V
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) September 20, 2024
When it comes to spring football, there aren’t many who have a more storied career than DeMarquis Gates. He began his career in the AAF, with the Memphis Express. He was one of the leading tacklers in that league through eight weeks, with 72 tackles and a sack to his name.
In 2020, Gates made the jump to the XFL – signing with the Houston Roughnecks. He had another tremendous campaign there, with 32 tackles, two sacks, and an interception in just five games.
What a play! @XFLRoughnecks #Roughnecks #Defense #Gates #XFL pic.twitter.com/QAFLIZUQ8R
— XFLCanton (@CantonXFL) March 1, 2020
From there, DeMarquis ended up playing with the Birmingham Stallions in the inaugural season of the USFL. He posted 62 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception in 2022 – which earned him an NFL stint with the Chicago Bears.
Dental Floss DeMarquis Gates is 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞. https://t.co/kiVkI2WfIu pic.twitter.com/L8QhSU4mvl
— BirminghamSports (@BirminghamSport) February 14, 2024
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Gates stuck around in Chicago on their practice squad for over a year. He saw action in a couple of games, compiling two tackles.
In 2024, Gates found himself without a home – so he returned to a familiar scene with the Stallions. He ended up being a key piece to another Championship title, posting 37 tackles and two sacks this season. DeMarquis started in all 10 games he played in during the 2024 campaign.
DeMarquis Gates, playmaker. 😤@Y_DGates | #GIDDYUP 🐎 pic.twitter.com/ByFAs8QNH2
— B2B2B CHAMPION STALLIONS 🏆🏆🏆 (@USFLStallions) May 24, 2024
Now, he’ll look to run it back for another season with the three time champs. General Manager Zach Potter once again…