Five former Steelers to Play in USFL Championship Game

Twelve players and coaches with Pittsburgh and Steelers connections will be playing in the USFL Championship Game on Saturday, when the Pittsburgh Maulers face the Birmingham Stallions in Canton, Ohio on Saturday.

Former Steelers corner cam Mark Gilbert, Pitt kicker Chris Blewitt and Central Catholic safety Arnold “Tre” Tarpley will play for the Maulers, who advanced to the title game with a thrilling overtime victory over the Michigan Panthers on Saturday.

The Maulers are coached by former Steelers defensive backs coach Ray Horton, and former Steelers coaching intern Jarren Horton, scout Stephen Meyer and offensive lineman Emerson Martin are all on the coaching staff.

Gilbert lead the USFL with four interceptions and was named to the All-USFL team in his first season in the league. He spent parts of the last two seasons with the Steelers.

Former Steelers wide receiver Deon Cain, tight end Jace Sternberger, tackle Derwin Gray, cornerback Brian Allen and ex Pitt defensive tackle Keyshon Camp all play for the Stallions. Sternberger, who was on the Steelers practice squad the last two seasons, was also an All-USFL pick.

Birmingham defeated the New Orleans Breakers, 47-22, in the South Division final on Sunday.

The Maulers will be hosting the game at their home stadium, Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on NBC nationally and WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.

The entire USFL played in Birmingham, Alabama in the first season of its revival in 2022. The league moved to pods in 2023, with the Maulers and Philadelphia Stars sharing the Canton site. Teams also played in Birmingham, Detroit and Memphis.