UFL MVP quarterback Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers sat down with Jon Gruden ahead of the championship game to discuss his journey from college football through multiple professional stops to leading his team to the title game.
The interview covers Perkins’ growth as a quarterback, the Panthers’ offensive system under coordinator Marcel Bellefeuille, the development of the UFL as a viable professional league, and his championship game preparation against Washington.
On His Quarterback Development and Recent Success
Perkins breaks down the mental aspects that have elevated his play during the Panthers’ championship run.
“I think it’s preparation and post-nap read. My comfortability post-nap seeing and making decisions has gone a lot quicker. I think that’s just over the time, even over the years, something I realized that this is something, area you got to get better at it. You got to start seeing things because it never stays the same. And trusting the guys, going out there and understanding that you can make every throw and you don’t have to rely on your legs all the time.”
Interesting that he was splitting time for the first part of the season. He will be on an NFL roster this season.
On the Panthers’ Offensive Philosophy Under Marcel Belefieu
The MVP quarterback explains how his offensive coordinator’s CFL background shapes Michigan’s high-powered attack.
“I mean, it comes from the CFL, man. In the CFL, if you’re not throwing for 5,000, you’re wrong. So he’s had a dollar down, even a lot just come in here. If he could, he would pass the ball 80 % of the time. But we have such a great run-blocking O-line, man, and backs. It’s hard to really stop that. And with the rules in the NFL, you get three yards for the lineman downfield. So the RPOs become very viable.”
Perkins highlights how Bellefeuille adapted CFL concepts to UFL rules, creating a system that maximizes offensive production. The UFL is the place to experiment on different aspects of the game.
On His Journey Through Multiple Professional Stops
The quarterback reflects on how his path through various levels prepared him for this moment.
“Yeah, I think all those stops and all those challenges helps you prepare, helps me prepare for whatever comes next, adversity-wise. I broke my neck and doctor said, I may not play again. Kept the course, got clear, went to junior college, which was different. Then went to Virginia. Then after you go through like that. Anything that you go through after, you can reflect on that.”
This quote demonstrates the resilience required to succeed in professional football. Perkins’ journey from a career-threatening injury through junior college to the UFL championship game makes you root for the guy. The problem is the Panthers will lose him to the NFL now.
On the UFL’s Competitive Level and Growth
Perkins provides insight into the league’s development and talent level compared to other professional options.
“Yeah, it’s been a blast, and I think it’s getting better. It’s gotten better every year. Every year, it’s been around more talent is coming. The level of play is high, and it’s getting even higher. I think that if anybody has the opportunity to join the NFL, it’s definitely something that you have to take a look at. And you can’t be too a well-bend on, I can only play in this league, right? Because at the end of the day, if you want to give yourself the best opportunity and you’re not playing, come to the NFL and really give yourself a shot.”
The MVP’s assessment provides validation for the UFL’s position in professional football.
On Championship Game Mentality and Team Message
Before facing Washington in the title game, Perkins shares his approach to high-pressure situations.
“I think it’s the same. I mean, there’s going to be plays where it goes your way that maybe it shouldn’t. There’s going to be plays that don’t go your way that maybe should. Calls that are not called, calls that are called. And just keeping one step in front of the other. It’s four quarters and not getting too down on the plays that just happened or looking forward to plays that have to happen.”
This response shows championship-level mental preparation. Perkins focuses on process over results, demonstrating the mindset that helped him reach MVP status and lead his team to the title game.
The UFL needs more of these types on interviews and should have had them on FS1 and ESPN all season long. The interview reveals how Perkins developed from a player recovering from serious injury into the UFL’s top quarterback through technical improvement and mental growth.
Fans can access the full interview through Barstool Sports’ “Gruden Goes Long” podcast for additional insights into the UFL’s development and the Panthers’ championship run.
