The Louisville Kings announced the release of running back Kalen Ballage along with offensive linemen Logan Bruss, Matthew Cindric, and Doug Kramer Jr. on Thursday, as noted on the UFL Transactions page. This move marks a significant shift in the team’s roster heading into the upcoming season.
Kalen Ballage’s Professional Journey and Recent Career
Kalen Ballage, a 6-foot-1, 227-pound running back from Peyton, Colorado, was drafted by the Louisville Kings in the 2026 UFL Draft. Ballage, now 30 years old, originally entered professional football when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 131st overall pick.
During his NFL career, Ballage also spent time with the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers. His NFL stats include 52 regular-season games, 213 carries for 665 yards, seven touchdowns, 54 receptions totaling 293 yards, two kick returns for 26 yards, and five tackles.
In the 2023 XFL Draft, the San Antonio Brahmas chose Ballage in the sixth round, 46th overall. That season, he accumulated 55 rushes for 149 yards, 11 catches for 82 yards, and four kick returns for 81 yards in five games, before being released in February 2024. In early 2025, the Arlington Renegades signed him. His performance there included 65 carries for 306 yards, two rushing touchdowns, 10 catches, and six kick returns across six games.
Ballage’s collegiate career took place at Arizona State from 2014 to 2017, where he recorded 1,984 rushing yards with 27 touchdowns and 82 receptions for 684 yards and two receiving touchdowns, contributing significantly to the Sun Devils over 47 games.
Background and Career of Logan Bruss
Logan Bruss, a 6-foot-5, 317-pound offensive lineman from Kimberly, Wisconsin, was also a 2026 UFL Draft pick by the Louisville Kings. Bruss, aged 27, was originally drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, with the 104th overall pick. He later joined the Tennessee Titans.
Bruss appeared in 11 NFL games, including three starts for the Rams and three games for Tennessee. His college career spanned five seasons with Wisconsin (2017-2021), featuring 41 games with 34 starts, mainly at right tackle and right guard. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 and Third Team All-Big Ten in 2020. During his senior year, Wisconsin averaged over 25 points and 371 yards per game.
Matthew Cindric’s Undrafted Path and Recent Activity
Matthew Cindric, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 295 pounds, hails from Sammamish, Washington. This 26-year-old offensive lineman was selected by Louisville Kings in the 2026 UFL Draft. Despite going undrafted in the NFL, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in May 2024. He subsequently spent time with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets.
In 2025, Cindric played three preseason games for the Falcons before being released in August. His college tenure at California extended six seasons (2018-2023), during which he started 34 of 35 games, evenly splitting his role between center and right guard. Cindric earned an All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention in 2021, contributing to a Golden Bears offense averaging close to 24 points and 386 yards per game. An injury curtailed his final season after one game.
Doug Kramer Jr.’s Career Highlights Before Release
Doug Kramer Jr., a 6-foot-2, 301-pound offensive lineman from Hinsdale, Illinois, was also released by the Louisville Kings after being drafted in the 2026 UFL Draft. Selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Kramer spent two seasons with Chicago, appearing in 18 games before a release in November 2023. He later joined the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
At Illinois, Kramer started 47 games as a center between 2018 and 2021. He achieved Second Team All-Big Ten recognition in 2021, starting 11 games that season. Over his college career, the Fighting Illini averaged more than 20 points and 329 yards per game. Kramer was also a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
Implications of the Roster Changes for Louisville Kings
Releasing four key players, including notable figures such as Kalen Ballage and Logan Bruss, signals a major roster adjustment for the Louisville Kings as they prepare for future contests. Each player brings a wealth of professional experience, from NFL drafts to XFL participation, and their departures will likely open opportunities for emerging talent. This reshaping reflects the team’s strategy to strengthen its lineup and adapt to evolving competitive demands in the league.
REMOVED FROM ROSTER:
DALLAS
RB, Isaiah SpillerDC
DE, Phil HoskinsHOUSTON
CB, Clarence Lewis
T, Jordan WilliamsLOUISVILLE
RB, Kalen Ballage
G, Logan Bruss
C, Matthew Cindric
C, Doug KramerST. LOUIS
WR, Gary Jennings Jr.
G, Addison West— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) February 20, 2026
