Once again, former spring football special teams players proved among the best in the league in this week's NFL games. Two former spring football kickers, John Parker Romo and Brandon Aubrey, led the way with exceptional NFL outings on Sunday.
John Parker Romo-Atlanta Falcons Kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
XFL San Antonio Brahmas alum John Parker Romo was elevated from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad to fill in for veteran kicker Younghoo Koo. With only a day to practice with the team, he barely had time to acquaint himself with his new teammates. Nonetheless, Romo’s debut with his new team couldn’t have gone better. He was five for five on field goals and named the “Player of the Game.”
Converting kicks from 38 yards, 29 yards, two from 33 yards, and a 54-yard boot plus an extra point, Romo's superb kicking was responsible for the Falcons' 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Romo initially came to the attention of NFL fans a year ago when he filled in for Minnesota kicker Will Reichard. During Reichard’s four-week absence, the former Brahmas' placekicker made quite an impression, connecting on 11 of 12 field goals, including a 55-yarder and seven of eight extra points. However, upon Reichard’s return in week 14, Romo was released. He was quickly signed to the New England Patriots practice squad and had an opportunity to compete for the starting job this season, but was edged out by Andy Borregales. His release from New England led to Romo's signing in Atlanta. After Sunday’s winning performance, it’s safe to say that Romo has found a new home.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Two-time All-Pro Brandon Aubrey continues to cement his reputation as the NFL's best kicker. On Sunday, the former USFL Birmingham Stallions kicker was four for four on field goals and added a stunning 64-yard blast that was only a yard shy of his personal best, a 65-yarder. Even more impressive, Aubrey delivered the 64-yard kick to tie the game when regulation ended, sending the teams to overtime. Then, he came to the rescue once again, nailing a 46-yard field goal as the final seconds ticked down in overtime to secure the win for the Cowboys 41-37 over the New York Giants.
Andre Szymt -Cleveland Browns Kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Despite a rough Week 1 outing, former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szymt has the confidence of the Browns coaching staff. Improving upon his Week 1 performance when he missed a game-winning field goal and an extra point, Szymt contributed a 38-yard field goal and two extra points. Szymt did everything the Browns asked of him this week. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the team's 41-17 shellacking at the hands of one of the league's top teams, the Baltimore Ravens.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker (Michigan Panthers)
The Detroit Lions kept their placekicker, Jake Bates, very busy on Sunday afternoon. The former UFL Michigan Panthers standout delivered one of two field goal attempts on Sunday, converting a 34-yarder but experiencing a rare miss from 55 yards. As it turned out, Bates' missed field goal didn't matter. The Lions' offensive scoring machine kept rolling, and Bates added seven extra points in their 52-14 rout of their division rival, the Chicago Bears.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and kick returner KaVontae Turpin has already proven his value to the Dallas Cowboys with his prowess on kick returns. In March, the Cowboys made Turpin the league's highest-paid special teams player. In two games this season, Turpin has eight returns for 181 yards. This season, the two-time Pro Bowler looks to play a bigger role with Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. On Sunday, he recorded 4 receptions for 47 yards with a touchdown.
It's only Week 2 in the NFL, but with the injury bug already knocking out several elite starters, more UFL players could get an opportunity to prove themselves.