To many, football is an itch that needs to be scratched.
The DC Defenders advanced to the UFL United Bowl after beating the Orlando Storm, 28-22, in the semifinals at Daytona Stadium on Sunday. They will vie for the crown against the Louisville Kings.
Andre Mintze has been instrumental in the Defenders' inspired run in the playoffs. Mintze, who played for the Denver Broncos in 2021, came out of retirement and returned to DC on June 1 as a last-minute addition amid the team's quest to win the title.
The 27-year-old linebacker reportedly took paid time off (PTO) from his day job in Baltimore. In an interview with ESPN, Mintze expressed how happy he is to be competing again on the gridiron.
“I've been playing this since I was 10 years old. It's in you. It's in my veins,” said Mintze.
Andre Mintze took PTO from his day job and came out of retirement for the DC Defenders' playoff run 😅 pic.twitter.com/Ysybr1PEx5
— ESPN (@espn) June 7, 2026
Fans appreciated Mintze's lasting passion for the sport.
“Great story. This league reminds us that working guys can still get it done,” said @themightygwinn.
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“That is an absolutely legendary grind,” added @MerlinOnWeb3.
“He used his vacation days to come out of retirement for a playoff run, and that is the most beautiful sentence in sports today,” wrote @aonepipi.
“That’s dedication. Respect to him for jumping back in for a playoff push,” commented @Slomn5z5b.
“Love this dude. Using PTO to unretire and chase UFL glory is pure passion. Legend move,” echoed @bremaonline.
Mintze went undrafted out of Vanderbilt in 2021 before the Broncos signed him. He appeared in six games, tallying six total tackles.
After being waived by the Broncos, he joined the Minnesota Vikings. He, however, was relegated to the practice squad.
Mintze has been with the Defenders since 2023, helping the squad win the title in 2025 before retiring.
To many, football is an itch that needs to be scratched. The DC Defenders advanced to the UFL United Bowl after beating the Orlando Storm, 28-22, in the semifinals at Daytona Stadium on Sunday. They will vie for the crown against the Louisville Kings. Andre Mintze has been instrumental in the Defenders' inspired run in the playoffs.