Intense UFL Rivalry: Trey Dean and Elijah Badger Clash

Trey Dean and Elijah Badger, who both played for the Florida Gators in college, showcased a distinct rivalry during Saturday’s UFL game. The St. Louis Battlehawks, with Dean on their roster, were putting a solid performance against the Orlando Storm, leading 25-0 in the third quarter.

During the game, Badger caught a routine pass that appeared to cross the first-down marker. However, after making the catch, he came up just shy of the line, and Dean didn’t hesitate to take action. In a surprising move, he delivered a forceful tackle against Badger, who was clearly outside the play.

Dean’s Controversial Hit

Almost immediately after the whistle, Dean tackled Badger with considerable force—this wasn’t merely a nudge; it was a full-body hit against a player who was not in the game. The referees promptly ejected Dean, a decision that many felt was justified given the circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Badgers kept their momentum and managed to make a comeback, scoring four passes, including a touchdown, while Orlando marked 17 points unanswered in the second half, transforming the game into a competitive showdown.

It’s noteworthy that both players had contrasting college careers. Dean dedicated four years to the Gators, while Badger only spent one season there after transferring from Arizona State prior to the 2024 season. Neither player was selected in the NFL draft but was later signed to practice squads during their early careers.

As of now, the UFL has not indicated any further penalties for Dean, but it seems likely that something will be decided before their next game in St. Louis on April 30th.