Former Giants LB Tae Crowder Joins Birmingham Stallions for 2025 UFL Season

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder, known as “Mr. Irrelevant” after being the final pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, will return to football in 2025 with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Crowder, 27, sat out the 2024 season after stints with the Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans.

Crowder, drafted No. 255 overall by the Giants in 2020, started 31 of his 43 career games, recording 232 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. His time with the Giants was marked by a brief controversy in 2022 when he tweeted a cryptic message, leading to his temporary release before being re-signed to the practice squad. “I apologized to all my teammates just because I never want to cause anything to the program. I never want to be that guy to be a distraction. All my teammates know I’m not that type of guy,” Crowder said at the time.

With the Stallions, Crowder will reunite with former Giants assistant coach Anthony Blevins, who now serves as Birmingham’s defensive assistant. The UFL, formed from the merger of the XFL and USFL, is set to kick off its spring season on March 28, 2025.

Crowder’s journey has been a testament to resilience. After being labeled “Mr. Irrelevant,” he carved out a role as a reliable linebacker in the NFL. His signing with the Stallions offers a chance to reignite his career and potentially return to the NFL. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play the game I love and prove myself once again,” Crowder said in a statement.

The Stallions, one of the UFL’s most successful teams, are looking to bolster their defense with Crowder’s experience. His familiarity with Blevins’ coaching style could provide a seamless transition. “Tae brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to our team,” Blevins said. “We’re excited to have him on board.”

Crowder’s return to football comes as the UFL aims to establish itself as a viable spring league, offering players a platform to showcase their talents. For Crowder, it’s another chapter in a career defined by perseverance and determination.