Benny Snell Drafted by Louisville Kings, Eyes Fresh Start in UFL
Benny Snell is back in the game - and this time, he’s suiting up for the spring. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back was selected by the Louisville Kings in the UFL draft on Wednesday, giving the 27-year-old a new opportunity to reignite his football career.
The Kings are one of three expansion franchises joining the UFL this year, alongside teams in Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando. Louisville will play its home games at Lynn Family Stadium, marking the city’s first foray into professional spring football. For Snell, it’s a fresh chapter in a career that’s seen its share of highs and hurdles.
Snell entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2019 draft, bringing his signature power-running style - affectionately known as "Benny Snell Football" - from Kentucky to the pros. At 5-foot-10 and 224 pounds, Snell made his presence felt early in his rookie season, rushing for 426 yards and two touchdowns on 108 carries while backing up James Conner. He showed flashes of that bruising, downhill style that made him a fan favorite in college.
The following year, Snell stepped into a larger role, starting three games in 2020 and totaling 368 yards and four touchdowns on 111 carries. But as the Steelers’ backfield evolved, Snell’s role began to shrink.
The arrival of first-round pick Najee Harris in 2021 and the emergence of undrafted rookie Jaylen Warren in 2022 pushed Snell further down the depth chart. His touches dwindled to just 36 carries for 98 yards in 2021, and by 2022, he was largely a special teams contributor.
Still, Snell had his moments. One of his standout performances came in a 2022 road win over the Colts, where he stepped up in a critical situation and reminded fans of the physicality he brings when given the chance.
After his time in Pittsburgh, Snell signed with the Detroit Lions in August 2023, but his stint was brief - he was released before the end of the month. He later had a workout with the Cleveland Browns in November, though it didn’t lead to a contract.
Now, with the UFL’s Louisville Kings, Snell has a chance to reset. The spring league offers a platform for players like him - experienced, still hungry, and looking to prove there’s more left in the tank. For a player who once embodied grit and grind in the Steelers’ backfield, the UFL could be the perfect stage to show he’s still got that edge.
Whether this leads to another NFL shot or simply a new chapter in a different league, Benny Snell Football is back - and Louisville fans are about to see what that really means.