As UFL and former spring football stars continue to impact the 2026 NFL season, this list highlights the top 5 standout performers who helped their team secure the week’s victory. Midway through the season, injuries continue to decimate NFL rosters, and additional opportunities for UFL player signings emerge. Find out which players made the biggest impact for their teams in NFL Week 9.
This week, former UFL MVP Adrian Martinez was signed to his 4th NFL team since 2023. In the wake of injuries to quarterback Sam Darnold, Martinez, who previously was rostered by the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, was signed to the Seahawks' practice squad.
Also, this past week, a “blink and you’ll miss it” Baltimore Ravens signing of Dallas Renegades’ quarterback Austin Reed ended with a waiver just days later. Reed became expendable after the team traded for Arizona Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett after Lamar Jackson’s recent thumb injury.
Top 5 Standout Players in Week 9:
Honorable Mention: Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings DT (Arlington Renegades)
Despite his team’s 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond continues to shine for Minnesota’s defense.
On Monday Night Football, Redmond had five tackles (two solo), 0.5 sacks, and two quarterback hits. On 351 snaps this season, Redmond has earned a PPF grade of 78 with 15 QB pressures, 12 stops, and one forced fumble.
Number 5: Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
The NFC North is proving to be the NFL’s toughest division, with all four teams boasting at least 6 wins. At 6-3, the Green Bay Packers are currently in 4th place following Sunday’s 45-27 shellacking of the 2025 AFC Champion New England Patriots, proving just how competitive the battle for the division crown is this season.
Punter Daniel Whelan had another big game with four punts for 214 yards, with a longest of 62 yards.
Number 4: Sean Fresch, Denver Broncos Punt Return Specialist (St. Louis Battlehawks)
After three previous practice squad elevations, former All-UFL Team punt return specialist Sean Fresch was officially signed to the Denver Broncos roster. Fresch celebrated the roster signing with two kick returns, including an impressive 41-yard return to start the game. Although the opening offensive drive stalled with a couple of incomplete passes and two penalties, they capitalized on Fresch’s strong return with a 26-yard field goal. The 7-2 Broncos remain atop the AFC West division, a full game ahead of the 6-2 Kansas City Chiefs.
Number 3: Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys Kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
The Dallas Cowboys and their Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey got back on the winning track this week with a 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The 4-5 Dallas Cowboys remain firmly in second place in the NFC East behind the division-leading 5-2-1 New York Giants.
Although Aubrey missed a 50-yard field goal, he converted two others on Sunday, including a 45-yarder, and nailed 3/3 extra points. However, this season is proving to be Aubrey’s most challenging yet, with misses on almost half of his long-distance kicks. To date, Aubrey is 14/24 on field goals from 50-plus yards.
Number 2: Jake Bates, Detroit Lions Kicker (Michigan Panthers)
On Sunday, in a critical game against the Miami Dolphins, Jake Bates had another perfect outing. Dolphins. In a game that became a must-win scenario for the injury-decimated Lions to remain competitive in the league’s winningest division, he was flawless. Converting 4/4 field goals and one extra point to give Detroit a 19-9 win over the upstart Dolphins, Bates connected on a 43-yarder with 4 1/2 minutes left in the game to give the Lions a 10-point lead to secure the victory.
Bates continues his (almost) perfect season, converting 16/17 field goals and 24/24 extra points. Sunday’s game was a much-needed emotional victory after the beloved team captain, linebacker Jack Campbell, sustained a terrifying neck and spinal cord injury one week ago. Campbell issued a statement earlier in the week that he has regained full mobility in his lower body, but he remains hospitalized while his upper body is still recovering.
In a show of support for his recovery, several Detroit teammates showed up to the stadium ahead of the game wearing a number 46 jersey to honor Campbell's ongoing fight.
Number 1: Tay Martin, Detroit Lions Wide Receiver and Return Specialist (Columbus Aviators)
Sunday’s game was former Columbus Aviators’ standout Tay Martin's most impactful NFL game yet. Martin made a huge play early in the second quarter when he caught an 11-yard pass from punter Jack Fox, moving the chains and giving Detroit another opportunity to score. Sadly, the offense couldn’t capitalize on the fake punt, but Martin’s reception was one of the highlights for the low-scoring game. In addition, he made another big play when the Dolphins decided to copy Detroit with their own fake punt. Late in the game, instead of delivering the expected kick, Miami punter Bradley Pinion tossed the ball to Kaytron Allen, who turned it into a 46-yard reception. Martin helped make the tackle at the Detroit 18-yard line, saving the likely touchdown. Instead, the Dolphins ended up kicking a 34-yard field goal.
Next Sunday, the 6-2 Lions travel to Munich, Germany, to take on the 5-4 New England Patriots.
Check back here next week to find out which UFL to NFL stars were the standout players for their team.