Luis Perez Bio
Luis Francisco Perez is an American professional football quarterback for the Dallas Renegades of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football for the Texas A&M–Commerce Lions from 2015 to 2017 and was awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2017, recognizing him as the best player in NCAA Division II. Perez was instrumental in leading the Lions to their second national championship in football during the 2017 season. Recently, he won the 2023 XFL Championship with the Arlington Renegades, where he was named MVP of the Championship Game after a stellar performance that led his team to victory.
Early Life and Background
Luis Francisco Perez was born on August 26, 1994, in San Diego, California, to Juan and Carla Perez. His father, Juan, was a professional soccer player in Mexico. Growing up in the Rancho Del Rey neighborhood of Chula Vista, California, Perez began playing quarterback at a young age. He attended Otay Ranch High School, where he initially played sub-varsity football and basketball. Although he was moved to different positions and never played varsity football, he graduated from Otay Ranch in 2012.
As a child, Perez also pursued bowling, participating in leagues and tournaments. He became a top-rated amateur bowler in California, achieving 12 perfect games. However, he ultimately decided to focus on football, recognizing that while he could bowl into middle age, his football career would be limited.
Path to American Football
After high school, Perez walked on to the football team at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, despite having no prior varsity experience. He trained himself in quarterback fundamentals by watching YouTube videos and started as the ninth quarterback on the depth chart. Due to injuries and transfers, he eventually became the starter, making his debut against Los Angeles Pierce College, where he threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Perez’s performance helped lead the Jaguars to a conference title and earned him all-conference honors.
Following his success at Southwestern, Perez transferred to Texas A&M University–Commerce, where he redshirted his first year. He became the starting quarterback in 2016, making history as the first player of Mexican-American descent to start for the Lions. Under his leadership, the team won multiple Lone Star Conference titles and made significant playoff runs. In 2017, Perez led the Lions to their second national championship, earning the Harlon Hill Trophy as the best player in Division II football.
Luis Perez Career
Early Career (2018)
Luis Perez was not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft but signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. He participated in the Rams’ training camp and saw action during the preseason. However, he was waived shortly after and joined the practice squad before being released.
Breakthrough (2019-2023)
After his time with the Rams, Perez signed with the Birmingham Iron in the Alliance of American Football (AAF). He had a strong debut, throwing for 252 yards and leading the team to a victory. Unfortunately, the AAF suspended operations after eight weeks, cutting his season short. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles but was waived shortly after.
In 2020, Perez joined the XFL, where he played for the Los Angeles Wildcats and later the New York Guardians. His time in the XFL was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the league’s suspension. In 2022, he signed with the New Jersey Generals in the USFL, where he made history by throwing the first touchdown in the league’s inaugural game.
Perez’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Arlington Renegades in 2023. He led the team to the XFL Championship Game, where they defeated the D.C. Defenders, and Perez was named MVP of the game. He continued to excel in the league, leading in various statistical categories and earning accolades for his performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Luis Perez has achieved several notable milestones, including being named an XFL champion and MVP of the Championship Game in 2023. He has also been recognized as a UFL passing yards leader and has earned multiple All-American and All-Conference honors during his college career.
Luis Perez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Luis Perez has received numerous nominations and accolades, including the Harlon Hill Trophy and various All-American honors during his college years.
Luis Perez Awards Won
Luis Perez has won several prestigious awards, including the Harlon Hill Trophy in 2017, recognizing him as the best player in NCAA Division II football. He also won the XFL Championship in 2023 and was named the MVP of the Championship Game.
Luis Perez Family
Luis Perez has been married to his wife, Brenda, since 2015. The couple has known each other since junior high school and shares a birthday.
Personal Life
In addition to his football career, Perez released an autobiography titled “The Spring King” in 2025, detailing his journey in football and personal experiences.