Former Alabama defensive tackle returning to football in UFL

Below is an in‑depth look at the unexpected return of former Alabama standout Isaiah Buggs to professional football via the United Football League. We examine his journey from Ruston, Louisiana, to Tuscaloosa, his rise through the NFL ranks, the off‑field hurdles that sidelined him, and what his signing with the San Antonio Brahmas means for both player and league.

Executive Summary

Isaiah Buggs, a former University of Alabama defensive tackle, has officially signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL, marking his first professional appearance since the 2023–24 NFL season . A Sixth‑round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 NFL Draft, Buggs accrued 89 tackles over stints with Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Kansas City before off‑season legal challenges saw him away from the field for the entirety of 2024 . His return to action in the spring league underscores both personal redemption and the UFL’s appeal as a platform for players seeking a second chance at pro football .

Early Life and College Career

Isaiah Buggs was born on August 24, 1996, in Ruston, Louisiana, where he first made waves at Ruston High School as a dominant defensive lineman . Following high school, he attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2015 and 2016, recording 134 tackles and 7.5 sacks over two seasons . In late 2016, Buggs committed to the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over offers such as LSU, and arrived in Tuscaloosa for the 2017 season . As a junior in 2017, he started 13 of 14 games, notching 51 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and delivered five tackles in Alabama’s 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Georgia . He returned for his senior year in 2018, earning Second‑team All‑SEC honors before declaring for the NFL Draft .

NFL Career Trajectory

Pittsburgh Steelers (2019–2022)

Drafted in the sixth round (192nd overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Steelers, Buggs appeared in eight games his rookie year, registering three tackles . In 2020, he spent time on Pittsburgh’s Reserve/COVID‑19 list but was activated after three days and finished the season with limited snaps . He was released by the Steelers on January 8, 2022, after three seasons in Pittsburgh .

Las Vegas Raiders (January 2022)

Shortly after his release, Buggs joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad on January 17, 2022, seeking to carve out a role on their defensive front .

Detroit Lions (2022–2024)

On July 22, 2022, Buggs signed with the Detroit Lions, where he made his biggest impact, playing all 17 games with 13 starts and totaling 46 tackles, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble . His strong 2022 campaign earned him a two‑year, $6 million contract extension on March 13, 2023 . Despite this, the Lions released him on January 2, 2024, as part of end‑of‑season roster moves .

Kansas City Chiefs (2024)

Plucked by the Chiefs on January 4, 2024, Buggs joined Kansas City’s practice squad and celebrated his first Super Bowl ring when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII on February 12, 2024 . However, legal issues arising in the offseason led to his release on June 24, 2024, ending his NFL tenure .

Off‑Field Challenges and Legal Matters

During the 2024 offseason, Buggs faced charges of animal cruelty after authorities found his dogs in neglectful conditions in Tuscaloosa; he was ultimately sentenced to 60 days in jail and two years of probation . In June 2024, he encountered further legal trouble with charges of second‑degree domestic violence and burglary, which were later resolved, clearing his path back to the field .

Signing with the San Antonio Brahmas

On May 1, 2025, the UFL announced that Isaiah Buggs had signed with the San Antonio Brahmas, marking his return to professional football after more than a year away . The deal represents both a fresh start for Buggs and a significant acquisition for the Brahmas, who were seeking to fortify their defensive line . Confirmed via UFL transaction report and social media posts by league insiders, the move has generated buzz across spring football circles .

San Antonio Brahmas: Team Context

The Brahmas entered the 2025 UFL season with high hopes but stumbled to a 1–4 start, highlighting weaknesses along the defensive front . Adding a veteran with NFL and championship experience such as Buggs bolsters depth and leadership on the line, offering a disruptive presence against both the run and pass . Coached by veteran staff, San Antonio is looking to rebound quickly, and Buggs’s signing is viewed as a catalyst for improved performance .

Player Profile: Skills and Strengths

At 6 ft 3 in and 335 lb, Buggs combines size, power, and surprising athleticism for an interior lineman . Alabama’s program refined his gap‑shooting ability and leverage, which translated to his NFL roles as both run stuffer and occasional pass rusher . His tenure in Detroit showcased improved play recognition and ability to occupy double teams, freeing teammates to make plays . Despite time away, his work ethic and frame suggest he can quickly regain football form .

Impact on UFL and Spring Football

Buggs’s signing underscores the UFL’s growing reputation as a viable spring league for players aiming to revive or launch careers . His presence brings additional media attention, which benefits both the Brahmas brand and the league’s broadcast partnerships . For younger UFL players, his NFL and championship pedigree provides an on‑field mentor, elevating practice standards and competitive culture .

Community and Media Reaction

Fans and media outlets have welcomed the move, viewing it as a redemption story and a football‑first opportunity for Buggs . Social media posts from Brahmas supporters expressed optimism about his impact, while local San Antonio writers highlighted his potential to shift the team’s fortunes . Alabama alumni groups noted with pride his return to the gridiron, hopeful of a triumphant chapter .Before diving into the details, here’s a brief overview: Isaiah Buggs—who starred at Alabama, spent five seasons in the NFL, and earned a Super Bowl ring—has overcome significant off‑field challenges to get back on the field. On May 1, 2025, he signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL), aiming to revitalize his career and bolster a team off to a 1‑4 start. Below, we explore his journey from Louisiana standout to UFL hopeful, examining his college exploits, NFL tenure, legal setbacks, and what lies ahead in San Antonio.

Early Life and Collegiate Success

Isaiah Buggs was born on August 24, 1996, in Ruston, Louisiana, and played high school football at Ruston High School before beginning his collegiate career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in 2015–16, where he amassed 134 tackles and 7.5 sacks over two seasons . He transferred to the University of Alabama in 2017, immediately earning a starting role. In his first year with the Crimson Tide, he started 13 of 14 games, recording 51 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and added five tackles in Alabama’s 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship victory over Georgia . Returning in 2018, Buggs earned second‑team All‑SEC honors, finishing his Alabama tenure with 78 pressures, 60 stops, and two forced fumbles across two seasons .

NFL Journey

Draft and Pittsburgh Steelers

Buggs entered the 2019 NFL Draft and was selected in the sixth round (192nd overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in eight games as a rookie, tallying three total tackles, and spent time on the reserve/COVID‑19 list in 2020 before being released in January 2022 .

Las Vegas Raiders and Detroit Lions

Shortly after departing Pittsburgh, Buggs joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad in January 2022. By July, he had signed with the Detroit Lions, where he enjoyed his most productive NFL season: in 2022, he started 13 games, recording 46 tackles, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble .

Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl Triumph

In January 2024, Buggs signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and earned a Super Bowl LVIII ring when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in overtime. He inked a reserve/future deal in February but was released in June following a series of off‑field incidents .

Off‑Field Challenges

During the 2024 offseason, Buggs faced two legal troubles: in late May, he was sentenced to 60 days in prison and two years’ probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty charges in Alabama, and in June, he was released by the Chiefs amid additional domestic violence and burglary allegations. These incidents sidelined him for the entire 2024 campaign and severely impacted his professional reputation .

Return to Football: UFL and the San Antonio Brahmas

On May 1, 2025, the UFL announced that Isaiah Buggs had been signed by the San Antonio Brahmas, marking his first professional engagement since the end of the 2023–24 NFL season . Buggs brings veteran experience—he has recorded 89 tackles over his five-year NFL career—and championship pedigree to a Brahmas defense that has struggled to a 1–4 start in the UFL season . As a player known for his size (6’3”, 335 lb) and interior disruption, he is expected to bolster San Antonio’s run defense and pass rush .

Impact and Expectations

The Brahmas, under head coach [Coach Name], have faced defensive lapses, surrendering an average of 120 rushing yards per game through their first five outings. Buggs’s addition addresses a clear need for a high‑motor, space‑eating defensive tackle who can collapse pockets and plug running lanes. His presence should allow younger linemen to thrive off his ability to command double teams, and his leadership may prove invaluable in the locker room.

Conclusion

Isaiah Buggs’s path—from JUCO standout to Crimson Tide disruptor, from NFL rotation player to legal controversies—has been tumultuous. His signing with the San Antonio Brahmas presents both a redemption arc and a strategic move by the UFL franchise. If Buggs can rekindle the form that made him a second‑team All‑SEC pick and impactful NFL contributor, he may redefine his legacy while helping turn around a Brahmas defense in

desperate need of reinforcements.

Isaiah Buggs’s journey—from JUCO standout to national champion at Alabama, from NFL rotation player to off‑field challenges, and now to the UFL—exemplifies resilience and the enduring allure of football. His signing with the San Antonio Brahmas offers him a stage to demonstrate personal growth and football prowess, while providing the Brahmas a proven defensive anchor. As spring football returns, all eyes will be on Buggs to see if he can translate his past successes into a

new era of achievement in the United Football League.