In football, special teams oftentimes get overlooked. Now, kickers get plenty of the glory these days, especially those in the UFL who have been stellar this year.
However, special teams play as a whole can tend to be overlooked in the public eye. To the NFL, though, these reps may end up being some of the most important. For players in the UFL, if their goal is to make it to the next level – performing on special teams might be their only path to take that leap.
“Special teams, for a lot of us, is going to be the key to get to the next level. If you can show your worth on special teams as a core player, and also play your position…you gotta make it hard for them to not want you. The more you bring to the table, playing multiple positions – hanging your hat on every single thing you can do – that’ll get you back in the door. That’s the goal, to get back to the NFL.” – Storm WR Jerome Kapp
For a fourth straight season, a team coached by Anthony Becht has looked the part when it comes to special teams play. Over the past two years, a couple of Battlehawks have gone to the NFL (K Andre Szmyt, RB Jacob Saylors). That trend will likely carry over into the 2026 season here in Orlando, as the Storm have several pieces all worthy of a look at the next level.
The key? Quality coaching. Special teams units need to have a purpose, and that’s what Becht’s staffs have accomplished. This year, Martin Bayless was named Special Teams Coordinator, replacing Kyle Caskey who took a job with the Minnesota Vikings. Both Caskey and Bayless have spent time with Scott O’Brien – a legendary special teams coach in the NFL who is a three time Super Bowl Champion.
“I got the call from Coach Becht right after Christmas. He gave me the Christmas present of being named his special teams coordinator. I was so excited. Losing Caskey isn’t an easy pill to swallow, but I’m grateful for this opportunity.” – Martin Bayless
Martin Bayless’ coaching resume dates back further than most of his players have been alive. He played in the NFL for over a decade, as a cornerback and safety. Since becoming a coach in 2000, he has transitioned into working primarily on the defensive side of the football, alongside special teams.
Martin found himself in the spring football scene the last few years, and he hasn’t left. In 2022 and 2023, he was on Bart Andrus’ staff with the Philadelphia Stars, and then proceeded to land with Anthony Becht’s Battlehawks during the USFL-XFL merger process.
“I take my job very seriously. At the end of the day, everyone’s just trying to get results. We want to flip the field. The main thing we look at is production. It’s a big chunk of yardage that we’re always exchanging, and you need talented players who understand that. You need specialists who are good, and people who are focused.” – Martin Bayless
During Martin’s first year as the lead STC for Becht, the operations have looked smooth. The explosives have been there all season long. Chris Rowland is a leading kick returner in the league, and their coverage on kickoffs and punts have been stellar since snap number one, literally. Orlando’s first play in franchise history was a fumble they forced against the Columbus Aviators on a kickoff.
Back in week five, the Storm blocked a punt against St. Louis, which sparked the comeback they needed to give themselves a chance late in the game.
The unit ended the year on a high note, with a blocked punt against DC that led to a double digit lead in the fourth quarter. Later in the period, Darien Butler forced a fumble on a kickoff, allowing the Storm to keep control late.
“There’s a lot of different schemes you can do. Whether it’s twisting guys on kickoff, switching off of guys on kickoff returns, etc. – it’s a lot more than just lines on a paper. It’s all about “want to”. The team that wants it more, they’re going to benefit on the backend from that. There’s a reason why we are in the playoffs for a third straight year under Becht – it just means more to us.” – WR Jerome Kapp
Standouts In Orlando
Jerome Kapp has carved out a role for himself on special teams. He spent the last two years with the St. Louis Battlehawks, and was brought over to Orlando with Becht during the merger. He currently leads the UFL in special teams tackles with 13, showing up in a myriad of ways.
Just last week, Kapp downed a punt at the one yard line in the fourth quarter against DC, and then proceeded to block DC’s punt a few plays later to score two points for Orlando. He’s been nothing but a pillar for Martin Bayless’ group in Orlando, which is no surprise.
“Special teams has come naturally to me over the years. The first year I came in here, it was my first time playing professional football in the regular season. Just carved out that special teams role, and it’s something I’ve been building on. I take a lot of pride in it. I’ve played for some amazing coaches, like Caskey and Bayless. They’ve given me confidence to carve out this niche role, as a special teams leader on the team. I want to make an impact each and every game, something I can hang my hat on.”
On the other hand, Chris Rowland earned All-UFL honors as a kick returner. For years, Rowland has served the Philadelphia Stars, DC Defenders, and now the Orlando Storm with elite play. When they need a spark, #12 is who they call upon more often than not. Rowland had 377 kick return yards this year, on 13 touches.
“Chris is one of my favorite guys. I had him with the Stars, he played extremely well for us there. I hated playing against him the last couple of years. We were fortunate enough to get him back this year, which is a blessing. He’s a great leader, he’s a guy who is going to do things the right way. Turn the film on, watch his tape. It’s self-explanatory. He’s not a dime-a-dozen kind of guy. I’m thankful we have him.” – Martin Bayless
Punter Jack Browning has been a pleasant surprise in the UFL this year. He’s quietly been one of the league’s top punters, averaging 48.6 yards per punt. 12 of his punts (43%) have ended up inside opponent’s 20 yard lines.
Final Thoughts
Orlando is a team that is stacked from top to bottom. Offensively and defensively, they’ve got all kinds of weapons who are capable of making big plays.
However, the special teams pieces cannot go unnoticed. As Martin Bayless told us, there’s “a reason we’re 8-2, it isn’t by accident”. Every single group on this team is dialed in, focused on doing their “1/11”, as he preaches day in and day out.
After an 8-2 record in the regular season, it’s now time for the Orlando Storm to prove it in the playoffs. They’ll host the DC Defenders for a third straight week, at 3pm ET on ABC. The game will be played at Daytona Stadium, tickets can be secured here.
What are your thoughts on the Orlando Storm and their special teams unit? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
