If you haven’t figured it out yet spring football is an extremely lucrative avenue for specialist looking to transition to the NFL. Since 2019 33 specialist have earned NFL contracts since taking advantage of the opportunities afforded to them by the AAF, XFL, USFL, or UFL. Collectively these players have earned about 53.4 million while also earning several post season awards as well. What’s even more fascinating is those figures don’t include players like KaVontae Turpin, and Maurice Alexander both of whom have extended their professional careers due to being assets in the return game.
Who has made it?:
While Jake Bates, and Brandon Aubrey have headlined the successes of spring football specialists going back to 2019’s AAF class their predecessors Younghoe Koo, and Nick Folk made plenty of headway after their NFL careers came to a hiatus. In 2020, the XFL became a year of the long-snapper with Nick Moore, Scott Daly, and Christian Kuntz all are still active in the NFL earning millions in NFL contracts, with Moore earning a 2nd-Team All-pro with the Ravens. Along with the Five afore mentioned players who all played in 2024, the AAF and XFL saw 18 specialists earn NFL contracts with 17 of them spending time on a practice squad or active roster.
The “Modern Era”:
With Aubrey earning Two pro bowls, and multiple All-Pros, followed up by the booming leg of Jake Bates both “modern” kickers have gotten plenty of attention for their transition to the NFL coming from the “modern era”, of spring football leagues.
But Bates and Aubrey aren’t the only success stories from this time period as the 2022 class had 4 specialist appear in games after the USFL season with 5 spending time on NFL rosters or practice squads. Taylor Bertolet (an AAF alum) would make his NFL debut after replacing Austin MacGinnis for the New Orleans Breakers in 2022 kicking a game winning field goal before an injury ended his season/career. Ramiz Ahmed also made his NFL debut in 2022, along with Tucker Addington, and Mitch Fraboni carving out nice careers for themselves since their time in the USFL. Addington remains rostered, with the Houston Texans, and Fraboni was just signed to a 3 yr/ $4,175,000 extension by the Denver Broncos this past off-season.
The 2023 class’s success was headlined by Brandon Aubrey’s pro bowl season while also being buoyed by Daniel Whelan of the XFL’s D.C. Defenders who appeared in all 17 games for the Green Bay Packers while Brad Wing also made a cameo for the Pittsburgh Steelers coming off his season with the 2023 San Antonio Brahmas. John Parker Romo (Brahmas), Brandon Wright (Showboats), and Alex Matheson (Battlehawks) all also spent time on NFL practice squads as well.
Much like the 2023 season, the 2024 season was headlined by Jake Bates while also seeing several other contributing members of the inaugural UFL signing class. In addition to Bates, John Parker Romo made his NFL debut for the Minnesota Vikings while also finishing the season on the New England Patriots. Rex Sunahara would also make his NFL debut finishing the year as the Cleveland Browns Long Snapper where he will compete with UDFA Brent Matiscik. Matt McCrane (Defenders), and Andre Szymt (Battlehawks) also spent time on NFL practice squads with Szymt looking to compete with the Browns incumbent Dustin Hopkins for the 2025 season.
Who’s in the Pipline:
Right now all eyes are on Battlehawks kicker Rodrigo Blankenship to make the jump back into the NFL. Between Blankenship’s past NFL experience and his season in St. Louis (his one miss was 58 yards) the University of Georgia alum is primed to return to the fall.
Matt Coghlin should also be on NFL radars as the Showboats Kicker remains one of the UFL’s best this season. Coghlin has remained a consistent force hitting his 49th career FG between the USFL/UFL, along with showcasing his ability as a punter several times throughout his career. Coghlin should still be on NFL “shortlists” as he’s received NFL workouts last year.
The UFL also has several NFL bounce backs including Lucas Havrisik (Renegades), and Harrison Mevis (Stallions), most recently spent time on NFL rosters with Matt McCrane (Defenders) always being a possible option for a team needing extra insurance as well.
Several UFL punters could also make a jump with NFL vets like Colby Wadman and Sterling Hofrichter putting together strong seasons in limited opportunities this year, leading the league in net yardage. The UFL’s punting class is full of veterans with NFL experience who could provide stop gaps for NFL teams looking for help in a pinch due to injuries.
While Long Snapper is always a tough spot to “grade” leaning on the workout cycle to project signings is always a fair bet. Alex Matheson received a workout from the Patriots in 2024, in addition to his cameo with the Rams in 2023. Cameron Lyons (Brahmas) worked out with the Dolphins after spending time with the Bears in 2024. Antonio Ortiz (Renegades) has worked out with the Steelers and Browns multiple times, including competing with Peter Bowden who replaced Jordon Ober (Panthers).
Final Thoughts:
While it may be a “crapshoot” to figure out who will be able to succeed at the next level, spring football has proven to be a consistent indicator for NFL team evaluating talent. Between the demand of specialist needing to perform at a high level, the UFL has done a great job (all spring leagues have) providing an outlet for specialist to showcase their skills. With the UFL currently finishing up their 9th of week of play, NFL teams will have the opportunity to begin signing players once the Championship game completes the season.
