Defenders Add Former Elk Kai Gray
The D.C. Defenders have signed defensive back Kai Gray, according to the UFL transactions page [3]. Gray, a 28-year-old from Newark, New Jersey, stands six feet tall and weighs 215 pounds [3]. He was previously released by the Edmonton Elks on May 2, 2025 [3]. The Elks initially signed Gray on January 10, 2023 [3]. During his time with Edmonton in 2023, Gray recorded 54 tackles and two tackles for loss [3].
Stampeders Secure Hicks for Legacy
Meanwhile, in the CFL, the Calgary Stampeders have re-signed star defensive lineman Clarence Hicks [2]. Hicks expressed his desire to "create a legacy with Calgary" [2]. Last year, Hicks earned a spot on the West Division all-CFL team and was nominated as the Stampeders’ Most Outstanding Player [2]. He is considered a terrorizer of quarterbacks and a crucial element in the Stampeders' turnaround [2]. Before his CFL success, Hicks played for the Blue Dragons, where he made 42 tackles, 14 sacks, and forced two fumbles [1]. He received second-team Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference all-star honors in 2018 [1]. Just last month, Hicks had a workout with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs but ultimately returned to the Stampeders [1].
TL;DR
- The D.C. Defenders signed defensive back Kai Gray, formerly of the Edmonton Elks [3].
- Clarence Hicks, a star defensive lineman, re-signed with the Calgary Stampeders, aiming to build a legacy [2].
- Hicks was a CFL West all-star and Stampeders' Most Outstanding Player nominee last year [2].
- Prior to the CFL, Hicks excelled in junior college, earning all-star recognition [1].