Columbus Aviators Kick Off Inaugural UFL Season with Cleveland Ties

New Ohio pro football team features former Browns players and coaches on the roster and coaching staff.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:48am

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The Columbus Aviators, a new team in the United Football League (UFL), are set to kick off their inaugural season on March 29. The team has strong connections to Cleveland, with former Browns players and coaches taking on key roles. Head coach Ted Ginn Jr. and linebacker Tony Fields II both have roots in Cleveland, while other former Browns players like Toa Taua, Storey Jackson, and Easop Winston Jr. are also on the Aviators' roster.

Why it matters

The Aviators' Cleveland connections highlight the pipeline of talent flowing between the two Ohio cities, as players and coaches look to use the new UFL as a springboard back to the NFL. The team's success could also generate excitement and support for professional football in the Columbus area.

The details

Ted Ginn Jr., who played at Glenville High School in Cleveland and for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is the head coach of the Aviators. Former Browns linebacker Tony Fields II will be playing middle linebacker for the new team, having connected with the Aviators through ex-Browns teammate Justin Hardee. Other former Browns players on the Aviators roster include running back Toa Taua, linebacker Storey Jackson, and wide receiver Easop Winston Jr.

  • The Aviators' inaugural season in the UFL kicks off on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Ginn played for the Buckeyes in Columbus in 2004 before a 13-year NFL career.
  • Fields was drafted by the Browns in 2021 and played in Cleveland until 2024, before spending the last two years with the Los Angeles Rams.

The players

Ted Ginn Jr.

Head coach of the Columbus Aviators and a former standout player at Glenville High School in Cleveland and for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Tony Fields II

Middle linebacker for the Columbus Aviators who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2021 and played for them until 2024.

Justin Hardee

Former Browns teammate of Tony Fields II who helped connect him to the Aviators.

Toa Taua

Running back for the Columbus Aviators who previously played for the Cleveland Browns.

Storey Jackson

Linebacker for the Columbus Aviators who previously played for the Cleveland Browns.

Easop Winston Jr.

Wide receiver for the Columbus Aviators who previously played for the Cleveland Browns.

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What they’re saying

“The pipeline is being able to be here in Ohio, where we have great football, where you can be seen playing great football. I think that's the biggest opportunity.”

— Ted Ginn Jr., Head Coach, Columbus Aviators

“First impressions are lasting. We have to make an impression that [says] 'Look, we're here to stay. We're going to run this league.' So that's what I'm pushing for the guys all the time. 'Look, we're going to run in this league. We're going to be one team, one heartbeat, and we're going to be in and out every game because we're smashing these teams.'”

— Tony Fields II, Linebacker, Columbus Aviators

“Jason Tarver. I give that man the utmost respect with everything I love. He taught me so much about football that I didn't even understand. I hear him all the time, even when I'm out on the field like 'Get after the ball!' 'Set up and break!'”

— Tony Fields II, Linebacker, Columbus Aviators

“Coach [Jim] Schwartz as well. Coach Schwartz was really, really, really inspirational to me just by how he showed up every day, and he attacked the day. He always would tell us all the time, 'We need to be one defense, one heartbeat.'”

— Tony Fields II, Linebacker, Columbus Aviators

What’s next

The Aviators will kick off their inaugural UFL season on Sunday, March 29, 2026, against the Orlando Storm, who have former Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on their roster.

The takeaway

The Columbus Aviators' strong Cleveland connections, with former Browns players and coaches taking on key roles, highlight the pipeline of talent flowing between the two Ohio cities. The team's success could generate excitement and support for professional football in the Columbus area, while also providing a path for players to potentially return to the NFL.