DC Defenders Advance to UFL Title Game After Defeating Orlando Storm

The DC Defenders defeated the Orlando Storm 28-22 in a UFL playoff semifinal on Sunday to advance to the league championship game. The Storm entered the four-team bracket as the top seed. The Defenders finished the regular season at 5-5 and were the final team to qualify for the postseason.

Andre Mintze, who played linebacker for the Defenders in 2024 and 2025, had retired before the 2026 season. The team announced on June 1 that he had rejoined the roster along with offensive lineman Gunner Britton. Mintze recorded one tackle in the semifinal. He told a sideline reporter that his return amounted to a two-week sabbatical from his regular job.

The Defenders will face the Louisville Kings in the title game next Saturday. The team won the UFL Championship in 2025. After the game, Mintze posted on social media that he had spoken with his employer, who plans to attend the championship game.