The Houston Roughnecks have been cleaning house, completely remaking the roster for the 2025 UFL season. That said, in their latest batch of additions, they’ve brought back three players who were on the team in 2024.
The #UFL has announced the following transactions pic.twitter.com/nPJNUYiy2L
— UFL Communications Department (@UFL_PR) August 13, 2024
WR Emmanuel Butler
Emmanuel Butler was with Coach C.J. Johnson with the Gamblers in 2023, but was hardly utilized at all. This changed in 2024, making the move to the Houston Roughnecks. Butler started in four games this year, seeing action in all ten.
BUTLER WITH HIS FIRST TD OF THE YEAR‼️
The @XFLRoughnecks take the lead 👏 pic.twitter.com/D2SOUx4Vd2
— United Football League (@TheUFL) April 21, 2024
He finished the season with 16 receptions for 238 yards, and a touchdown. At 6’4”, 220 lbs., Butler is a bigger body who has the ability to make things happen down the field. He showed legitimate growth as a playmaker from 2023 to 2024, and should be in a position to do the same heading into 2025.
DB Colby Richardson
Colby Richardson was an offseason addition for this Houston organization, ultimately making the Roughnecks roster. He started in all ten games, serving as a staple in Chris Wilson’s secondary.
THAT’S OURS 😤
COLBY RICHARDSON WITH THE PICK pic.twitter.com/sBldJ5sPBp
— Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) May 12, 2024
In the UFL, Richardson totaled 30 tackles, a TFL, an interception, and three PBU’s. According to PFF, his strong suit this year was run defense, with a positive 77.1 grade in that category. Colby is a young corner with plenty of upside, and will now look to build upon his professional career in the UFL with Houston.
K JJ Molson
One of the special teams surprises in the UFL this year was JJ Molson, who proved to have one heck of a leg for Houston. He was a lone bright spot on a team that struggled to score points, ultimately making 15 of his 18 field goal attempts.
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Molson’s big leg was on display all year long, hitting multiple attempts from 50+ yards – including a long of 62.
J.J. Molson made the fifth 60+ yard field goal this season 😮
UFL kickers are on fire 🔥 @XFLRoughnecks | @TheUFL pic.twitter.com/44Tojk2SGU
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 12, 2024
Additionally, Molson was solid on kickoffs. He averaged 68 yards per kick, which is an important statistic given the way the UFL kickoff is designed. After a successful season in Houston, Molson now returns for another campaign with the Roughnecks.
Final Thoughts
New General Manager Will Lewis has been very busy since taking over in Houston. The Roughnecks have released over 20 players from the 2024 season, while bringing in a couple dozen who were free agents. With this latest batch, they’ve now officially re-signed a few players who were actually with the team a season ago.
It’s an exciting time to be a fan of the Houston Roughnecks. After a 1-9 record in 2024, there’s really nowhere to go but up for this organization in 2025.
What are your thoughts on Colby Richardson and Emmanuel Butler returning to Houston? Will JJ Molson earn All-UFL honors next year? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
