Champions Rise: Celebrating #VFLs Paxton Brooks, Kyle Phillips, and Bryce Thompson on Their UFL Championship Victory

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, the United Football League (UFL) has emerged as a promising platform for athletes seeking to prove themselves on the grand stage. This season, the league delivered thrilling games, inspiring performances, and unforgettable moments. But for fans of the Tennessee Volunteers, the 2025 UFL Championship carried a special layer of pride. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the winning team, but for the legacy of the University of Tennessee. Former Vols Paxton Brooks, Kyle Phillips, and Bryce Thompson—collectively known to the Tennessee faithful as #VFLs (Vols For Life)—stood tall as champions. Their journey from Neyland Stadium to the UFL title game is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of team spirit.

Let’s take a deep dive into their story—how they got here, the significance of their victory, and what it means for the Volunteer Nation.

Before diving into the individual stories of Brooks, Phillips, and Thompson, it’s worth acknowledging the context in which their championship was earned. The UFL, formed through the 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL, quickly gained a reputation for competitive football, fan engagement, and offering a legitimate platform for players overlooked or cut from NFL rosters. The league emphasizes innovation, fast-paced gameplay, and giving talented players a second (or sometimes third) shot at professional football glory.

Amid this dynamic ecosystem, several former Tennessee Volunteers found themselves with the opportunity to continue their careers. Among them were punter Paxton Brooks, defensive lineman Kyle Phillips, and defensive back Bryce Thompson—each bringing their own unique strengths and stories to the gridiron.

Punting is an art, and Paxton Brooks has long been one of its most disciplined practitioners. During his time at Tennessee (2018–2022), Brooks consistently ranked among the SEC’s most reliable specialists. Though punters rarely get the spotlight, his ability to flip the field, pin opponents deep, and execute under pressure often proved invaluable for the Vols.

Despite his college consistency, Brooks was not selected in the NFL Draft, and after short stints with practice squads and workouts, he found a home in the UFL. In this league, Brooks emerged not just as a serviceable punter but as one of the best in the game. His strategic punts consistently kept opponents on the back foot, and his directional precision was unmatched.

In the UFL Championship, Brooks played a quietly crucial role. With field position proving to be a deciding factor in a tightly contested game, Brooks dropped three punts inside the opposing 10-yard line, one of which led directly to a turnover and eventual score. For a player who’s been often overlooked because of his position, the championship cemented his place as an elite-level punter capable of impacting the game on the biggest stage.

Kyle Phillips, a Nashville native, has always carried the weight of expectation. A highly touted recruit, Phillips joined the Vols in 2015 and was a staple of the defensive line through 2018. Known for his work ethic, leadership, and versatility, he was a steadying force through both the highs and the rebuilding years in Knoxville. His senior year was his breakout campaign, with 55 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks.

After his college career, Phillips spent time with the New York Jets, where he showed flashes of brilliance, including a standout rookie season. But injuries and coaching changes limited his NFL opportunities. Enter the UFL—a chance for rebirth.

In the 2025 season, Phillips was a beast. His veteran presence anchored a dominant defensive front that terrorized quarterbacks and stuffed the run. With 7 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and countless hurries, he reestablished himself as a defensive force. And in the championship game? Phillips was a game-wrecker. He notched two sacks, recovered a fumble, and pressured the quarterback on the final play of the game, sealing the victory for his team.

Phillips’ impact went beyond the stat sheet. His leadership galvanized a young defensive unit. He brought stability, mentorship, and the kind of locker room voice every championship team needs. For fans who watched him battle in orange and white, seeing him lift the UFL Championship trophy was a long-awaited reward for years of effort and resilience.

Bryce Thompson’s road to the UFL Championship was paved with talent, grit, and a little bit of redemption. The South Carolina native joined Tennessee in 2018 and quickly emerged as a ballhawk in the defensive backfield. He led the team in interceptions as a freshman and was named a Freshman All-American. Though his college career had moments of inconsistency, his natural playmaking ability was never in question.

Thompson declared early for the NFL Draft after his junior year, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints. He showed flashes in preseason action and spent time on the practice squad, but never secured a long-term roster spot.

The UFL provided a fresh canvas. In 2025, Thompson had his best professional season to date, finishing with 5 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and a pick-six. His closing speed, anticipation, and aggressive tackling helped him stand out as one of the league’s top corners.

In the championship game, Thompson delivered one of the game’s pivotal plays—a red-zone interception that thwarted a scoring drive and swung momentum back to his team. It was a signature moment for a player long known for rising to the occasion.

For the Tennessee fanbase—one of the most passionate and loyal in college football—seeing former Vols succeed at the next level is a source of immense pride. The “VFL” moniker is more than a hashtag. It’s a declaration: Once a Vol, Always a Vol. It’s a badge of honor that speaks to the character, grit, and unity instilled in players during their time in Knoxville.

Brooks, Phillips, and Thompson may have taken different paths since leaving Rocky Top, but their shared roots in Tennessee’s program shine through in their performance. Watching them hoist the UFL Championship trophy served as a reminder of what the program is capable of producing—not just NFL stars, but resilient, adaptable, championship-caliber professionals.

Their victory also underscores the depth of talent that has come through Knoxville in recent years. While not every player takes the traditional NFL route, leagues like the UFL provide meaningful platforms for players to continue their careers and showcase their skills. And when those players bring home hardware, it reflects positively on the Tennessee program as a whole.

The UFL is already becoming a springboard for players seeking NFL returns, and the performances by Brooks, Phillips, and Thompson have not gone unnoticed. NFL scouts were reportedly present at the UFL Championship, and there’s real speculation that at least one, if not all three, could get NFL training camp invites this summer.

• Paxton Brooks has the kind of consistency and poise that NFL teams value in a punter. With specialist jobs often decided by reliability under pressure, Brooks’ championship performance could be his ticket back to the NFL.
• Kyle Phillips, still only in his late 20s, has shown he can play both inside and outside on the defensive line. For teams needing veteran depth or a situational pass-rusher, he brings both experience and production.
• Bryce Thompson, with his knack for turnovers and positional versatility (he’s played both corner and safety), fits the mold of the modern defensive back. He’s likely to draw interest as a potential nickel corner or special teams contributor.

Regardless of what the future holds, their place in the history of the 2025 UFL season is secure. More importantly, they’ve added another chapter to the story of Tennessee Volunteers who went on to shine in professional football.

Sports have a unique ability to inspire. Championships even more so. They represent the culmination of effort, the overcoming of adversity, and the triumph of belief. For Paxton Brooks, Kyle Phillips, and Bryce Thompson, this championship wasn’t just about one season—it was the product of years of dedication, sacrifice, and determination.

To see these three Vols walk off the field as champions is a moment worth celebrating, not just for them, but for the entire Tennessee community. Their success reminds us that no matter where the journey leads, the spirit of Rocky Top travels with them.

So raise your glass, light up that Power T, and sing it loud:

“Good ol’ Rocky Top… Rocky Top, Tennessee!”

Congratulations once again to our #VFLs—Paxton Brooks, Kyle Phillips, and Bryce Thompson—UFL Champions!

Here’s to more glory ahead.

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