For a third straight season in the United Football League (UFL), the St. Louis Battlehawks are heading to the playoffs. This time, the scenery is just a tad bit different than it was a year ago.
Ricky Proehl has taken over as the team’s Head Coach, with Anthony Becht departing for the newly-born Orlando Storm. The Storm are now in the playoffs, alongside the Louisville Kings – another new franchise. St. Louis will play Louisville on Sunday.
Heading into this game, the Battlehawks are still searching for their first playoff win. Under Anthony Becht, the team lost back-to-back XFL Conference Championships against San Antonio and DC, following incredibly successful seasons.
Despite this, Coach Proehl is simply focused on the now. Looking to the past is not in Ricky’s playbook, as he told the media this week:
“I don’t like to look in the rearview mirror. I know that the Battlehawks are 0-2 in the playoffs at The Dome. But we’re trying to look at now. We want to put our best foot forward. This football team, this coaching staff, we want to play our best. We believe that if we play our best, we’re going to win. It’s not about getting a monkey off our back, this is a new team, a new coaching staff.”
Now, Ricky wants a win more than anyone. St. Louis has shown up with tremendous support for this franchise over the past few seasons, and the Battlehawks are due for a victory in the postseason. Proehl has felt the city’s love all year long, something he’s incredibly familiar with as a former St. Louis Ram, and Super Bowl Champion.
“This city, they deserve a win. They’ve been so supportive of the Battlehawks and this organization. I want to win for this football team, and this city, for right here, right now.”
During this press conference, media continued to press Proehl on the pressure surrounding this game. They were valid questions, as St. Louis has been on the doorstep of a Championship for a few seasons, but haven’t been able to get over that hump.
After 7-3 and 8-2 records the last two UFL seasons, St. Louis ended their 2026 campaign at 6-4. It was good enough to secure the second seed, locking up homefield advantage against Louisville.
“I don’t feel pressure. I’m just being honest. Looking at the history, I put in the time, I put in the work. It’s going to unfold the way its supposed to. I believe that. You prepare for these moments, your whole life, for a winning catch in the Super Bowl. To me, I try to exemplify that to our football team.”
For Coach Proehl, it’s all about drowning out the noise this week in practice. Coming off of a loss against Dallas to close out the season, this franchise has a bitter taste in their mouths – despite the playoff berth. Proehl told us that it’s “a new season” here in the playoffs, though, with everyone sharing the same record: 0-0.
“We’ve had two great practices this week. Really pleased with how our guys have reacted, with the regular season in the past, and the playoffs game in St. Louis ahead. The energy has been awesome. Our coaching staff, we’re pleased with how these guys are bouncing around. The enthusiasm, the energy, it’s second to none.”
The action will kickoff this Sunday evening, at 6pm ET on FOX. You can secure your tickets here.
What are your thoughts on the job Ricky Proehl has done with the St. Louis Battlehawks so far this season? Will they win on Sunday? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
