UFL Launches Rhode Island Breakers, Led By A.J. McCarron
By: Diego Mendoza
PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The United Football League took center stage Sunday at Centreville Bank Stadium, welcoming the Rhode Island Breakers to the Ocean State.
Centreville hosted a launch event for the Breakers for over 1,000 local Rhode Islanders. The stadium brings yet another tenant, joining Rhode Island FC and Boston Legacy FC as mainstream professional sports teams.
Fans took the chance to pick their seats, purchase merchandise, and meet players such as Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Tre Norwood. Excitement filled the stadium, with local Rhode Island officials and UFL President Russ Brandon appearing.
The Breakers are Rhode Island’s first professional football team since 1966. The last team to take the field was the Rhode Island Steelers of the Atlantic Coastal Football League, who also played in Pawtucket. One team more notably remembered is the Providence Steam Roller, which played in the National Football League from 1925 to 1931 before disbanding due to a lack of fan interest.
New Orleans Breakers vs Philadelphia Stars (2022) | United States Football League
Long-time spring football fans will recognize the Breakers’ name from the United States Football League's first and second iterations. The branding debuted under the Boston Breakers in 1983, relocating to New Orleans and Portland in the following seasons. The USFL returned in 2022 under Fox Corporation, with the New Orleans Breakers as one of the eight teams. New Orleans played two seasons before disbanding in late 2023 after the UFL announced the team would not feature in the merged league.
Breakers head coach A.J. McCarron enters his second coaching season after serving as head coach with the Birmingham Stallions in 2026. He led the team to a 4-6 record. McCarron is optimistic about bringing a winning culture to Rhode Island.
"What makes this thing special is not only my staff and our players, but you fans," McCarron said. "Making this an atmosphere that opponents hate to play in. Making this an atmosphere that is a huge advantage for us… We are going to be a hard-nosed team that plays for 60 minutes with relentless effort, and I want our fans to be the exact same way."
McCarron played eight seasons in the NFL from 2014 to 2023. He was drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 164th overall pick in the fifth round. McCarron also played with the St. Louis Battlehawks from 2023 to 2024, where he quickly became a fan favorite.
Rhode Island now prepares for the 2027 UFL Draft on November 18th at the Ballpark Village in St. Louis. McCarron will take the first step in setting a team decades in the making.
The Breakers are expected to unveil their helmets and uniforms early next year. Their unique color scheme will undoubtedly bring an oceanic vibe, fitting in perfectly with Rhode Island and New England as a whole.
Centreville hosts the Breakers’ home opener on April 2nd at 8 p.m. Fox will televise the game nationally.
Season tickets begin at $75, affordable football for all fans. More information can be found at theufl.com.
