The Detroit Lions are the latest NFL team to announce UFL signings after inking two of the Louisville Kings’ wide receivers, Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black. Over the past few seasons, Detroit has signed several UFL players to its roster, including kicker Jake Bates, former St. Louis Battlehawks’ All-UFL running back Jacob Saylors, and cornerback Nick Whiteside.
Jackson finished the UFL season with 38 receptions for 440 yards with two touchdowns. He also showed promise as a return specialist, recording 13 punt returns for 155 yards.
A former D.C. Defenders All-XFL star, Jackson played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Appearing in three regular-season games for the Vikings, when Justin Jefferson injured his hamstring during training camp, Jackson took most of his reps in practice.
At the time, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said, "I think it shows a lot that he can step in for [Jefferson] in many ways and take the positional reps that Justin would be taking.”
Acknowledging that this was an indication of the coaching staff’s trust in him, he continued, “This is a guy that does everything the right way… doing everything in his control to become the best player he can become.”
6’3” 213 lb. Tarik Black was one of the Kings' leading receivers this inaugural season. The 28-year old from Hamden, CT, posted 31 receptions for 459 yards with three touchdowns. Black already has a local connection. He attended the University of Michigan from 2017 to 2019 before entering the transfer portal to spend his final year of eligibility playing for Texas.
Black distinguished himself this season as one of the Kings' most reliable receivers, coming up with the football in contested catch scenarios. After an incredible UFL Championship season, both players now get the opportunity to showcase their abilities in one of the NFL's more exciting offenses.