The D.C. Defenders re-signed quarterback Mike DiLiello, tight end Ben Bresnahan, defensive lineman Andre Mintze, and defensive back Sam Kidd on Wednesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Mike DiLiello is six foot one and weighs 215 pounds. The 24-year-old from Pembroke Pines, Florida, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and attended the Tennessee Titans rookie minicamp last week. The D.C. Defenders signed DiLiello on May 15, 2024. He did not play for the Defenders in 2024.
Collegiately, DiLiello played two seasons at Florida Tech (2018-19) completing 141 of 233 passes (61%) for 1,773 yards, 12 touchdowns, six interceptions, 139 carries for 672 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 11 games for the Panthers.
Next, DiLiello transferred to Middle Tennessee State (2020-21) completing 32 of 53 passes (60%) for 302 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, 51 carries for 270 yards, six touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 13 games for the Blue Raiders.
Then, DiLiello transferred to Austin Peay (2022-23) completing 442 of 690 passes (64%) for 5,611 yards, 49 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 243 carries for 649 yards, 13 touchdowns, punting the ball four times for 78 yards with a long of 34 yards, one from inside the 20-yard line, and one tackle (1 solo) in 23 games for the Governors.
In 2023, DiLiello completed 242 of 362 passes (67%) for 3,164 yards, 28 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 123 carries for 203 yards, five touchdowns, and punting the ball four times for 78 yards with a long of 34 yards, and one from inside the 20-yard line in 12 games.
He was named First Team All-UAC, STATS Perform Walter Payton Award Finalist, and Third Team All-American by both STATS and FCS Football Central.
Ben Bresnahan is six foot four and weighs 243 pounds. A native of Cumming, Georgia, attended the Atlanta Falcons rookie minicamp in 2023. The D.C. Defenders signed Bresnahan on January 27, 2024, and was released on March 10, 2024. The Defenders re-signed him on April 23, 2024. He did not see any action for the Defenders in 2024.
Collegiately, Bresnahan played five seasons at Vanderbilt (2018-22) making 61 catches for 701 yards, and five touchdowns in 43 games for the Commodores.
Andre Mintze is six foot three and weighs 249 pounds. The 26-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, re-signed with the D.C. Defenders on February 8, 2024. In 2024, Mintze made six tackles (4 solo, 2 assists), one tackle for loss, and half a sack in seven games.
Mintze signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2021. He played one season in Denver making four tackles (2 solo, 2 assists) in six games. The Broncos released him on May 12, 2022. The Minnesota Vikings signed Mintze on June 14, 2022.
The Vikings released him on August 16, 2022. The D.C. Defenders drafted Mintze in the second round (12th pick) in Phase 3 of the 2023 XFL Draft.
In 2023, Mintze made 18 tackles (8 solo, 10 assists) and 3.5 sacks in eight games for the D.C. Defenders in 2023. In the playoffs, Mintze made two tackles (2 solo) and one sack helping them reach the XFL Championship game against the Arlington Renegades.
Collegiately, Mintze played four seasons at Vanderbilt (2017-2020) making 75 tackles (43 solo, 32 assists), 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery in 33 games for the Commodores.
Sam Kidd is six foot one and weighs 206 pounds. The 25-year-old from Reston, Virginia, went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. The D.C. Defenders signed Kidd on January 25, 2024. He was placed on injured reserve on March 5, 2024, and missed the entire season.
Collegiately, Kidd played five seasons at James Madison University (2018-22) making 112 tackles (63 solo, 49 assists), eight tackles for loss, one sack, one interception for 16 yards, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 42 games for the Dukes. He was an All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention and Second Team All-State by VaSID in 2022.
