The San Antonio Brahmas success stories from 2025 just keep on coming. TE Steven Stilianos is signing with the Detroit Lions, sources confirm to Pro Football Newsroom – as also reported by Pat Rifino.
Steven Stilianos is one of those stories that makes the UFL – and spring football – so special. Stilianos joined the Brahmas a week into the season – due to the release of Izaiah Gathings. He immediately made an impact up front, as San Antonio saw an offensive shift in play calling with A.J. Smith departing after week two.
Stilianos ended up starting in six of nine games played. He recorded 86 receiving yards and a touchdown – while also throwing for a score on a trick play – which ended up being one of the highlights of the UFL’s 2025 season.
During the season, IHC Payton Pardee had nothing but praise for the work Steven did. He said that “all 32 NFL teams need to take a look at Stilly” when the UFL’s year concluded.
This summer, Stilianos garnered quite a bit of NFL attention, and for good reason. He had workouts with the Bills and Vikings, prior to signing with the Lions. Steven was brought in for an immediate signing with Detroit – skipping the workout process.
Now, the former Iowa product makes his way back to the NFL. He had a stint with the Tennessee Titans last year.
The Detroit Lions have been very busy targeting UFL talent. So far, they’ve signed Battlehawks RB Jacob Saylors, Battlehawks DB Nick Whiteside, and Panthers DB D.J. Miller. Stilianos is the fourth UFL pickup of the year for the Lions.
Not to mention – Steven is the seventh Brahma to sign an NFL…