As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to assess their running back roster for the 2026 season, a familiar face is making headlines by stepping into a new chapter of his career.
Benny Snell Jr. Joins the Louisville Kings in the UFL
Benny Snell Jr., who was drafted by the Steelers in 2019 from Kentucky, has signed with the Louisville Kings of the UFL. This marks his return to the gridiron after a three-year hiatus.
UFL insider Avion Plummer shared insights on what Snell's addition means for the Kings. "Snell brings veteran presence and physicality to the Kings’ backfield as they aim to establish a consistent running game," Plummer noted. "A comeback story worth watching."
The Kings picked Snell on January 14, with the UFL season kicking off in late March.
Snell's journey in Pittsburgh began with promise. As a rookie, he rushed for 426 yards and scored two touchdowns. He followed that with a solid 2020 season, adding 368 yards and four touchdowns to his record.
However, with the emergence of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Snell's role diminished, leading to less than 100 rushing yards in each of his last two seasons with the Steelers.
Snell made a name for himself at Kentucky, where he dazzled with over 1,000 rushing yards each season. His final two years were particularly impressive, with back-to-back 1,300-plus yard seasons and a total of 35 touchdowns.
In total, Snell racked up 48 touchdowns during his college career, earning him a fourth-round pick in the NFL Draft. After his stint with the Steelers, he had a brief tenure with the Detroit Lions, which ended after the 2023 season.
Now, as Snell dons the Kings' jersey, fans will be eager to see if he can reignite the spark that made him a standout in both college and his early NFL days.