Union City Native Steven Gonzalez Retires from Pro Football, Joins Penn State Staff

Steven Gonzalez, a Union City native and former St. Louis Battlehawks guard, has officially retired from professional football and accepted a new position at Penn State University, where he played collegiate football.

Gonzalez, 28, began his football journey at Union City High School before attending Penn State from 2015 to 2019, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors his senior year. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals and later the Buffalo Bills, spending time on both teams’ practice squads.

In 2022, Gonzalez was selected by the Battlehawks in the XFL Draft and went on to start 29 games across three spring football seasons. He earned All-XFL honors in 2023 and was named to the All-UFL Team in 2025.

“Well, I never would have thought the time would come where I officially announce my retirement from the game I love so much,” Gonzalez said in a public statement. He thanked God, his parents, and his coaches, including Union City’s football staff. “You all started my journey and we made incredible memories together. Thank you so much for showing me that a kid from Union City, NJ could make it to big time Division 1 football and to the NFL.”

Gonzalez also expressed appreciation to Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht for giving him a second chance in the sport. “You helped pull me out of the pit I was in at the time and gave me a chance to make a name for myself,” he said.

Closing his statement, Gonzalez said he looks forward to the next chapter of his life at Penn State, signing off with “74 out.”