From Bowling Alleys to Gridiron Glory: The Luis Perez Story

Luis Perez's football odyssey reads like a Hollywood script - a tale of relentless determination that's taken him from high school bowling alleys to the verge of an NFL roster. Now 30 and leading the UFL's Arlington Renegades, Perez has chronicled his unique path in his autobiography The Spring King, earning the nickname through his success across multiple spring football leagues.

The Unconventional Path to Football

Perez never played varsity football at Otay Ranch High School. Instead, the California native rolled 12 perfect bowling games and could have pursued a college bowling scholarship. "I knew I could always go back to bowling," Perez recalled. "Your window to make it to the NFL is so small. You can't wait on that dream."

With no formal quarterback training, Perez turned to an unlikely teacher: YouTube. For months, he studied Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady highlights while practicing footwork in front of a full-length mirror. This dedication caught the attention of former NFL QB Akili Smith, who helped Perez land at Southwestern College.

Climbing the Football Ladder

His journey featured setbacks that would discourage most:

• Started as the 9th-string QB at junior college
• Suffered a broken leg during his first season
• Lost scholarship offers due to academic technicalities
• Went undrafted after winning a Division II national championship

Yet Perez persevered, ultimately earning:

• Harlon Hill Trophy (Division II's Heisman equivalent)
• Texas A&M Commerce's single-season TD record (46 in 2017)
• UFL/XFL championship as Renegades starter

The Spring League Legend

Perez became the face of spring football: 2019: Birmingham Iron (AAF)
2020: XFL's LA Wildcats/NY Guardians
2021: The Spring League champion
2022: USFL's New Jersey Generals
2023-24: UFL/XFL championship with Arlington

"He galvanized our team with four games left," said Renegades OC Chuck Long. "Brought positive energy and took us to a championship."

Never Stop Competing

At 31, Perez continues chasing his NFL dream between fatherhood duties. Brief stints with the Rams, Eagles, Lions, and Chargers have only fueled his fire. "Every year I ask if I still enjoy the grind," Perez said. "The answer is always yes."

Renegades TE Sal Cannella predicts: "This story's headed for Netflix. It feels like fiction, but his reality makes you respect him more."