The Birmingham Stallions re-signed linebacker Elijah Sullivan and signed wide receiver Shi Smith on Monday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Elijah Sullivan is six foot and weighs 215 pounds. The 27-year-old from Tucker, Georgia, made 20 tackles (16 solos, 4 assists) in eight games in 2024. In the 2024 UFL Playoffs, Sullivan made two tackles (1 solo, 1 assist) as Birmingham won their third consecutive championship over the San Antonio Brahmas 25-0.
The San Francisco 49ers signed Sullivan as an undrafted free agent on May 14, 2021. In 2021, Sullivan made eight tackles (6 solos, 2 assists) in three preseason games. The 49ers released him on September 7, 2021. Sullivan would also spend time with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Birmingham Stallions signed Sullivan on September 17, 2022. In 2023, he made 23 tackles (13 solos, 10 assists) in seven games. In the 2023 USFL Playoffs, Sullivan made four tackles (2 solos, 2 assists), and one tackle for loss helping the Stallions win their second USFL Championship over the Pittsburgh Maulers.
Collegiately, Sullivan played five seasons at Kansas State (2015-20) making 144 tackles (107 solos, 37 assists), 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions for four yards, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 49 games for the Wildcats. He was named the 2019 Liberty Bowl Team Defensive MVP.
Shi Smith is five foot ten and weighs 190 pounds. The 26-year-old from Union, South Carolina, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round (204th pick) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played two seasons in Carolina making 28 catches for 400 yards, two touchdowns, one carry for -3 yards, one kick return for 24 yards, six punt returns for 23 yards, and four tackles (4 solos) in 23 games. In 2023, he made seven catches for 88 yards in three preseason games. The Panthers released him on August 29, 2023.
The Tennessee Titans signed Smith on September 26, 2023, and he spent the season on the practice squad. The Kansas City Chiefs signed Smith on January 17, 2024. Kansas City released him on May 3, 2024.
Collegiately, Smith played four seasons at South Carolina (2017-20) making 174 catches for 2,204 yards, 13 touchdowns, nine carries for 14 yards, 21 kick returns for 448 yards, and four tackles (4 solos) in 43 games for the Gamecocks. He was named Second Team All-SEC by Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus.
