Wheeler, formerly of the Chicago Bears, was named the game’s MVP

A staff Report

Former Howard University standout Ian Wheeler led the Louisville Kings to their first United Football League title after dethroning the D.C. Defenders, 27-20, Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Wheeler was named United Bowl MVP, finishing with 81 rushing yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. During the Kings’ playoff run, he recorded 170 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Wheeler has spent time in the NFL with the Saints and Bears.

The Kings erased a nine-point halftime deficit on their way to victory.

Louisville trailed entering the fourth period, 16-13, until Wheeler broke loose on a 44-yard touchdown run to make it, 19-13. From there, the Kings never looked back. Backfield mate James Robinson provided the knockout punch, scoring 16 yards out on the left side, 27-16.

D.C.’s Matt McCrane made the contest a one-possession game, thanks to a 60-yard field goal, but the Kings held on with a defensive stance in the waning moments.

Wheeler wrapped up his career as one of the MEAC’s (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) most dynamic players, finishing with nearly 2,500 all-purpose yards while returning a school-record three kickoffs for touchdowns. The former walk-on from Houston also shined in the classroom, earning a cumulative 3.57 GPA and being named to the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic Team. In October 2023, the two-time MEAC Champion was accepted into Howard University med school.

After his collegiate career, Wheeler inked an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears after the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his NFL debut (August 10, 2024), he scored two rushing touchdowns en route to the Bears grabbing a 33-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills during preseason action in Buffalo, N.Y. He earned a spot on the squad despite suffering a season-ending injury in the final preseason game.

In their inaugural season, the Louisville Kings are United Bowl Champions under head coach Chris Redman who played in the NFL for the Ravens and Falcons.

The Kings started the season 0-3 before marching on tothe United Bowl title.

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