With the Orlando Storm kicking off their season on Sunday, March 29th, at Inter&Co Stadium, there is a lot of buzz about the team’s long-term success.
The Storm is the latest attempt to bring a professional football team to Orlando. The previous attempt was done by the XFL with the Orlando Guardians, who finished with a 1-9 record in 2023.
The Guardians would not be brought back the following season due to the merger between the USFL and XFL, forming the now-active United Football League.
Getting the nod at head coach for this pro football rebirth is former St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht, who has three years of head coaching experience in the UFL and was a former first-round pick in the 2000 NFL draft.
Becht has a 22-8 coaching record in the UFL, with his best season being last year, when he led the Battlehawks to an 8-2 record and their third consecutive playoff appearance.
At quarterback, former member of the Cleveland Browns, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, is expected to start week 1. Although he has NFL experience, it is not the best. However, his upside for spring football is very high.
Helping Thompson-Robinson are dangerous wide receivers with professional experience. KJ Hamler, a former member of the Denver Broncos and practice squad signee with the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, leads the charge.
Alongside Hamler is former Sun Devil Elijhah Badger. He had a stellar sophomore season at Arizona State, becoming the number one receiver on the squad. He finished the year with 70 receptions for 864 yards and seven touchdowns.
Badger would be signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs, but would be cut before the beginning of the 2025 season.
To view the full roster, click here.
An experienced coach in the UFL, combined with multiple players who have NFL and UFL experience under their belt, is a recipe for success for the Storm.
It is only a matter of time until everyone can form opinions about the Orlando Storm and whether this team will last or become another addition to Orlando’s pro football graveyard.
