The pipeline from spring football to the NFL has become increasingly vital for player development, and few stories illustrate this better than Adrian Martinez’s journey from UFL MVP to the New York Jets organization. The dual-threat quarterback’s path represents a compelling case study in how alternative leagues create opportunities for talented players to showcase their skills and earn chances at the highest level.
Martinez’s ascent
Martinez’s ascent began with a dominant 2024 UFL season with the Birmingham Stallions, where he earned league MVP honors after leading the UFL in rushing with 528 yards while ranking third in passing with 1,749 yards and 15 touchdowns. His ability to impact games with both his arm and legs caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his signing with the Jets on July 27, 2024. After spending most of the 2024 season on New York’s practice squad, Martinez signed a reserve/future contract with the team on January 6, 2025, securing his spot in the organization’s plans.
During the 2025 preseason, Martinez competed for the backup quarterback role behind Justin Fields, appearing in all three preseason contests and completing 30 of 51 passes for 352 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Though he was eventually waived on August 24, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers quickly signed him to their practice squad just three days later. Martinez was subsequently promoted to the active roster in early October 2025 when the 49ers faced quarterback injuries, demonstrating that his NFL journey remains very much alive.
For daily fantasy sports enthusiasts looking to capitalize on emerging talent like Martinez, understanding the evolving landscape of DFS contests is essential. One of the fastest-growing formats in the industry is pick’em style contests, which simplify traditional DFS by eliminating salary caps and focusing instead on player projections. In these contests, participants predict whether players will perform “More” or “Less” than specific statistical benchmarks—such as passing yards, rushing yards, or touchdowns.
New users can maximize their DFS experience by taking advantage of promotional offers like the one available at https://www.fantasylabs.com/articles/underdog-promo-code/.Using promo code LABS, newcomers can receive $100 in bonus funds or entries when they create their first $5 lineup. This type of welcome bonus provides an excellent opportunity for both casual fans and serious players to explore pick’em contests without significant upfront risk.
Pick’em Contests Explained
Pick’em contests work by allowing participants to select between two and eight player projections across various sports. For example, if Martinez were to see playing time in an upcoming game, you might encounter a projection like “Adrian Martinez over/under 175.5 passing yards.” Your task is to predict whether he’ll throw for more or less than that total. Each correct pick you add to your lineup increases the potential payout multiplier—string together three correct picks and you can 10x your entry fee, while five correct selections can yield a 20x return.
The beauty of these contests lies in their accessibility and simplicity. Unlike traditional salary-cap DFS formats that require extensive knowledge of player pricing and roster construction strategies, pick’em contests focus purely on performance predictions. This makes them ideal entry points for newcomers while still providing strategic depth for experienced players who can leverage matchup analysis, injury reports, and statistical trends.
Martinez’s dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing DFS option when opportunities arise. His college career at Nebraska and Kansas State demonstrated consistent production both through the air and on the ground—he finished as Nebraska’s career leader in total offensive yards with 10,792 yards. In the UFL, he averaged 9.7 yards per rush attempt while maintaining a 58.5% completion percentage. If he eventually earns regular playing time, these versatile skills could translate into multiple scoring opportunities for DFS lineups.
UFL – NFL Connection
The broader UFL-to-NFL pipeline continues to strengthen, with 67 players from the 2025 UFL season signing with NFL teams as of August 2025. The Birmingham Stallions alone have sent nine players to the NFL, tied for the most among UFL franchises. This pipeline benefits not just the players but also creates fascinating DFS storylines as these athletes transition to bigger stages and potentially offer value plays before the broader market recognizes their talent.
For those interested in exploring pick’em contests with players like Martinez, platforms like Underdog Fantasy have emerged as leaders in this space. The promo code LABS unlocks the $100 bonus for new users across most states where DFS is legal, including major markets like Texas, Florida, Illinois, and many others. The bonus comes in one of two forms—either $100 in bonus funds that can be used flexibly across contests, or 10 bonus entry tokens valued at $10 each.
Martinez’s journey from undrafted free agent to UFL MVP to NFL practice squad player exemplifies the perseverance required to succeed in professional football. While he currently serves as emergency quarterback depth for the 49ers behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, his athletic profile and demonstrated ability to elevate his game when given opportunities make him a player worth monitoring. In DFS contests, emerging players like Martinez can provide contrarian value—lower ownership percentages combined with explosive upside if they get their chance to shine.
