Louisville Kings edge rusher Jaylon Allen likely ruined his chances of a return to the NFL during the UFL game against the St. Louis Battlehawks on Thursday night. He attacked an opponent with a headbutt.
You can’t do that!
Allen lost his temper over some fairly tepid trash talk from a smaller player during an underwhelming season. I don’t know why a National Football League organization would now want to sign him.
Who is Jaylon Allen?
For Allen to reach this point in his career is an accomplishment in itself. He was rated as a two-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2018 and received only four scholarship offers from ULM, Central Arkansas, UNLV and Memphis out of Atascocita High School.
The Humble, Texas-native ultimately committed to the Tigers and played five years with the program in a hybrid edge rusher role, somewhere between defensive end and outside linebacker. Jaylon Allen made 150 total tackles in 60 games, with 13 sacks, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles and an interception. It was a really strong college football career. 2021, 2022 and 2023 were most impressive.
Allen did not get drafted into the NFL out of college in 2024 but he signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent. His rookie season was cut short due to an injury.
Fortunately, Allen was able to get healthy. He signed on with the Memphis Showboats in December 2024 and played the following spring in the UFL. He made 23 total tackles (12 solo) with one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and 1.5 sacks for a loss of 10.5 yards in 10 games. It was a really strong campaign.
#UFL To NFL Workout: The New England #Patriots are working out @USFLShowboats EDGE Jaylon Allen today.@jaylon_allenn, the former #Memphis product, was productive for the Showboats this season with 27 tackles & 2 sacks. He's got a legit motor. pic.twitter.com/mtdzEahbL9
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 11, 2025
An impressive first year in the UFL generated a lot of NFL interest in Allen. The Patriots worked him out. The San Francisco 49ers signed him to a one-year deal. He was a standout during training camp.
He also made his mark during the preseason.
However, Jaylon Allen did not record a regular season snap in the NFL last fall. Nor did he make the roster. The 49ers waived him as part of the last round of roster cuts in late August. That was it.
You can’t headbutt somebody in the UFL if you want to make the NFL…
Allen made his return to the United Football League in 2026 with the Louisville Kings. The 26-year-old is listed on the roster as an outside linebacker. He recorded 13 total tackles during the first six games of the season with three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. It was another strong start to another strong year.
ANOTHA ONE 🔥😮💨
— Louisville Kings (@UFLKings) April 11, 2026
Jaylon Allen SACK 💥 pic.twitter.com/07bx6HX1H6
Unfortunately, Jaylon Allen spoiled his success during a game against the St. Louis Battlehawks. It was a chippy from the jump. There was a lot of trash talk back and forth between the two teams.
Allen let it get to him. He headbutted an offensive player during the fourth quarter and got ejected.
Another Ejection this season as Kings DE Jaylon Allen headbutt's Battlehawks TE Tyler Neville
— LanePFN (@LanePFN) May 1, 2026
Rough night for the Kings 😬😬.#UFL pic.twitter.com/JBovNPj2sG
Now, to be fair, I don’t know what the Battlehawks player said to set Allen off. Maybe his reaction was warranted. Maybe the quip was about his mother or racist in nature. That would be explainable.
If not, Allen likely spoiled his chances at making a return to the NFL. Why would a team take a risk on a player who might lose his cool and cost his team with a headbutt?!