Above Image Credit: Field Level Media
Kalen Ballage stepped away from the NFL after 2021, but now he’s back and ready to make waves in the UFL
The Renegades RB began chasing football stardom in 2014 at Arizona State University. Over four seasons, he showcased his effectiveness as a rusher. He carried the ball 450 times for 1,984 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. In his junior and senior years, he posted records that rank among the Pac-12’s top 10, including 15 rushing touchdowns (2nd in the Pac-12), 15 career total TDs (5th in the Pac-12), and more.
His biggest college football moment came in 2016 when he scored eight TDs against Texas Tech, tying the NCAA record for most TDs scored in a single game. He still shares that top spot with two other players.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Ballage in the 4th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In two seasons, he totaled 110 rush attempts for 326 yards and four touchdowns. However, things took a turn after he suffered a leg injury in December 2019.
Miami waived him in 2020. The New York Jets then tried to trade for him, but the deal fell through after he failed a physical due to a hamstring injury he suffered in training camp. After brief stints with the LA Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, Ballage faded from the NFL spotlight.
However, spring football gave him a second chance at a football career. He was drafted by the San Antonio Brahmas in the 2023 XFL Draft. Unfortunately, he ended up on injured reserve and was eventually waived by the team. He signed with Arlington back in January.
Now, at 29 years old, Kalen Ballage has shown that he can still go. In fact, in the first game of the Renegades’ season, he made the longest run in UFL history with 77 yards, and you can bet there is more to come from him.
