Making a comeback to the NFL is never easy, and the challenge only grows the longer a player is away from the game. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell Jr. has faced an uphill battle in recent years. He has not appeared on an NFL roster since 2023 and struggled to establish himself as a dependable running back during his time in Pittsburgh.
After falling out of the league, Snell is now attempting to revive his football career.
The United Football League may not generate widespread buzz, but it continues to serve an important role for players seeking another opportunity. A strong performance during the UFL’s spring season can help keep their NFL aspirations alive. For those who do not earn another shot, the league also offers a chance to remain in the spotlight and build a stable career in spring football.
Having been out of football for nearly three years will be a significant obstacle for Snell to overcome. Although he spent parts of five seasons in the NFL, he never progressed beyond a depth role. His lack of speed limited his effectiveness, but his contributions on special teams helped him remain on rosters. So far, his attempt at a comeback in the UFL has produced disappointing early results.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Benny Snell Jr. has failed to live up to the UFL hype
One of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the revamped United Football League this season was the localization of its teams.
The league made a concerted effort to incorporate football icons connected to each franchise’s home region in hopes of drawing fans to the stadiums. For the most part, the strategy has been effective. However, Snell was expected to be a major attraction for the Louisville Kings, and that plan has yet to materialize as intended.
Snell was a standout star at the University of Kentucky, located just an hour and a half from where the Kings play. He was viewed as a potential cornerstone who could play a significant role in the franchise’s success. Unfortunately for both Snell and Louisville, the first two weeks of the season have been disastrous. The former Steelers running back may be fighting a losing battle.
Pittsburgh is not an obvious landing spot for Snell in a potential comeback. However, if he can prove himself as an effective runner against lesser competition, an NFL team could still offer him a training camp opportunity. While he demonstrated value as a special teams contributor during his time with the Steelers, his lack of production with the Kings has stalled his NFL aspirations.
Despite Louisville’s plans to make Snell a cornerstone of its offense, he has totaled just 11 rushing attempts through the first two games.
Those carries have resulted in only 16 yards and no touchdowns. While the Kings appear to be among the weaker teams in the United Football League, Snell will need to elevate his performance quickly if he hopes to earn another opportunity at the next level.