Craig Larson Jr.
March 26, 2025
Updated 11:47 a.m. ET
We’re just two days away from the opening game in the UFL. The St. Louis Battlehawks will travel to Houston to take on the Roughnecks. It promises to be an exciting night at TDECU Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT.
Last week, Houston finalized its initial 50-man roster. Notable players include quarterback Jalan McClendon, cornerbacks Corn Elder and Colby Richardson, safety Leon O’Neal Jr., and defensive tackle Glen Logan.
Ahead of the game, I spoke with the head coach of the Roughnecks, C.J. Johnson.
Craig: How has camp gone?
Coach Johnson: Very, very well. We’re younger and faster. The league has done a great job with facilities. It’s been phenomenal. The players want to practice and want to be here. It’s a fun atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun year.
Craig: Of course, only so many guys can make the actual roster. It’s always tough releasing guys as opening night approaches is it not?
Coach Johnson: It’s the worst. You want to give guys an opportunity to play. These guys are good players but sometimes they get hurt or mis a step here or there, it’s just something you have to do. Hopefully we can revisit some of those moves that we made and get guys back with us.
Craig: Talk about the importance of winning your opener and setting the tone for the season ahead.
Coach Johnson: You have to take this thing like every week is a one game season. This thing flies by so fast that you don’t have time to mess around. We don’t have a preseason. Each team is dangerous. It’s important we win our first game, that will set our season up.
Craig: How often do you show guys the Super Bowl ring from the 2009 Saints?
Coach Johnson: (laughs) Not too much. Guys know who you are, they’ll Google you. Once they know I have a Super Bowl and a National Championship under my belt they’ll mention and ask some questions, but the actual ring stays somewhere. My wife knows where it is. I don’t even know where it’s at. (laughs)
Craig: Do you still keep up with Sean Payton and all that he’s building in Denver?
Coach Johnson: Once in a while. When I’m in season, or he’s coaching his season, not as much. Outside of that we do. He looks mean during his season (laughs) I just leave him alone.
Craig: What can we expect to see this season from QB Jalen McClendon?
Coach Johnson: Jalen has a big arm. He’s very smart. He’s physical and can throw it a country mile. He reminds me of Jameis Winston. I compare him that way. He gets the ball out quick enough. I like him a lot.
