The UFL is proving to be a legitimate pathway to the NFL. This year, as the 2024 NFL season kicks off, two more UFL players have beaten the odds to make NFL rosters. Former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates overcame a rough training camp to secure the starting assignment with the Detroit Lions. After an impressive college career at the University of Oklahoma, Arlington Renegades defensive end Jalen Redmond is now active with the Minnesota Vikings.
Fans question why more UFL players don’t get signed to active rosters. However, signing with an NFL franchise during training camp is merely an opportunity to showcase their talents and prove themselves. UFL players compete against experienced NFL veterans, highly touted rookie draft picks, and other undrafted free agents for one of 53 roster spots. Even though the odds of making the 53-man roster are stacked against UFL players and undrafted free agents, history proves it is possible.
Spring Football Players Who Paved the Way
Over the past few years, several spring football players have made their way onto active NFL rosters. The story of Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey‘s successful transition from the USFL Birmingham Stallions to the NFL is well-known. Converting 36 of 38 field goals and nailing a 60-yarder, Aubrey proved to be one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers last season.
But Aubrey is not the only USFL player to find success in the NFL. After earning MVP honors while playing for the USFL New Jersey Generals, wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. New England Patriots and former Pittsburgh Maulers star defensive tackle, Jeremiah Pharms Jr. is another USFL player who flourished in the NFL. According to Greg Parks at UFLboard.com, 14 former XFL and USFL players are currently active on NFL rosters.
From The Practice Squad to the 53-Man Roster
Although Bates and Redmond were the only two individuals who made NFL rosters this season straight out of training camp, 19 other former UFL talents secured spots on team practice squads. The practice squad is one step closer to making the active roster as an extension of the regular team roster.
Players can be elevated to an active status up to 90 minutes before the game to fill in for injured or inactive players. Elevating a practice squad player for a single game does not count against the 53-man roster unless the same player is active for more than three games in a season. After that, the player is designated as active and another player must be cut to maintain the 53-man status.
Practice squad members participate in team practices by assuming the role of opposing players. Their role is to mimic a member of the opposition, creating a realistic game situation so active players can adjust their game in preparation.
Many NFL players including Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert and current LA Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke found their way onto an active roster through the practice squad. Now, a veteran of several NFL teams, Heinicke, the former Birmingham Stallions quarterback, was initially activated from the Washington Commanders practice squad in 2022. Another NFL veteran who made the roster from the practice squad is Baltimore Raven’s quarterback, Josh Johnson. Now, in his second stint with the Ravens, Johnson surpassed former backup Tyler Huntly on the depth chart to claim the number two role.
UFL Players Who Could Soon Make The Active Roster
As might be expected from a team that won back-to-back championship titles, the Birmingham Stallions have the highest number of players signed to NFL practice squads. Seven former Stallions are now with various NFL teams including UFL League MVP, Adrian Martinez.
Signed to the New York Jets, Martinez has a decent shot to make the roster this season as a backup quarterback. The Jets are counting on aging veteran Aaron Rogers to have fully recovered from his ACL injury, but having a talented young backup like Martinez provides the team with a solid insurance policy. Martinez can provide the Jets with athleticism and a leadership mentality. He’s also developed a great connection with former D.C. Defenders wide receiver and practice squad member, Brandon Smith.
Besides Martinez, former Michigan Panther, E.J. Perry is the only other quarterback on an NFL practice squad and he is with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Of the remaining 17 players, two are running backs, four are defensive linemen, four are wide receivers and four are offensive linemen. Some positions are going to be easier to fill than others given the nature of NFL injuries and lineup changes. Running backs are especially susceptible to injuries as are offensive linemen, which increases the likelihood of an opportunity to make the roster.
Other notable players such as the Stallions’ defensive end Jonathan Garvin had a strong preseason with the San Francisco 49ers. Garvin could be elevated to the roster in the coming weeks as well as his former Stallions teammate, offensive lineman Dondrea Tillman.
A member of the Denver Broncos practice squad, Tillman could be called up, should a current player go down with an injury. Stallions wide receiver, Deon Cain also stands a good chance of making the Carolina Panthers roster. Finally, given the frequency of offensive line injuries, two former players from the San Antonio Brahmas, Kohl Levao (Jets) and Julien Davenport (Atlanta Falcons)could very well find themselves on the NFL roster before the end of the season.
As always, once the opportunity arises and a player is called up, the onus is on that individual to perform and exceed expectations so that he remains on the 53-man roster.
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