Louisville Kings Edge Cam Gill Named 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year
The United Football League has announced that Louisville Kings edge rusher Cam Gill has been named the 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year presented by NOBULL.
Gill earned the honor following one of the most dominant defensive seasons in spring football history and was previously named one of four finalists for the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player Award.
The 2026 UFL Defensive Player of the Year was selected by a panel of media members, broadcast partners, coaches, and football personnel from all eight UFL teams. Voting was based on performances throughout the recently completed 10-game regular season.
Gill quickly established himself as the cornerstone of the Louisville Kings defense during the franchise’s inaugural season, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with elite pass-rushing ability and game-changing plays.
The former Wagner College standout led the UFL and set a new league single-season record with 10 sacks, accounting for 71 lost yards by opposing offenses. He also led the league with 12 tackles for loss totaling 70 negative yards.
In addition to his record-breaking sack total, Gill finished the regular season with 39 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery while recording three separate multi-sack performances.
Even when he wasn’t registering sacks, Gill’s presence was felt throughout every game. Opposing offenses frequently devoted extra blockers to contain him, creating opportunities for teammates and helping Louisville finish the regular season with 23 team sacks.
Gill’s impact was instrumental in one of the UFL’s most impressive turnarounds. After opening the season 0-3, the Kings rallied to finish 6-4 and secure a playoff berth in their first year of existence.
“Cam Gill is an exceptional player who has finally been given the opportunity to showcase the full extent of his talent,” said Louisville Kings Head Coach Chris Redman. “He is truly deserving of this award and any recognition that follows. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence are evident every day, and the results speak for themselves. Cam serves as an outstanding role model and inspiration to athletes throughout our league and beyond.”
Although postseason performances were not considered in the voting process, Gill continued his dominant play in Louisville’s playoff victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks. He recorded six tackles, one sack, and a tackle for loss as the Kings advanced to the 2026 United Bowl in the franchise’s inaugural season.
Before joining the UFL, Gill built an impressive professional résumé after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He was a member of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV championship team and recorded a half-sack against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the title game.
Gill later spent time with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings before joining Louisville and emerging as one of the UFL’s premier defensive stars.
He will be formally recognized during the UFL Awards presented by Dynasty Financial Partners on June 12 as part of United Bowl week festivities.
The 2026 United Bowl will be played on Saturday, June 13, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET and national television coverage on ABC.
Limited tickets for the United Bowl presented by Credit One Bank remain available through Ticketmaster.
Source: UFL
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
