ARLINGTON, TX (August 24, 2026) - Former UFL players were once again among the key contributors across the NFL in Week 2 of the preseason, highlighted by a 100-yard pick-six from DB Alex Cook, a pair of touchdown passes from 40-year-old veteran QB Josh Johnson, and another team-leading performance from United Bowl MVP RB Ian Wheeler.
Here are some of the top UFL-to-NFL performances from Preseason Week 2:
DB Alex Cook - Los Angeles Rams (Birmingham Stallions)
Perhaps the biggest play of the preseason thus far, Cook intercepted a pass at the Rams own 1-yard line and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown, while also recording a defensive tackle and special teams tackle.
The pick-six continued a run of big plays for Cook, who recorded two defensive touchdowns during the 2026 UFL season, including a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 73-yard scoop-and-score after forcing a loose ball on a backward lateral.
Cook now has three defensive touchdowns between the UFL and NFL in 2026.
RB Ian Wheeler - Buffalo Bills (Louisville Kings)
The United Bowl MVP continued to set the pace on the ground, leading Buffalo with 14 carries and 56 yards, while also catching a pair of passes for an additional 21 yards.
Wheeler has now totaled 97 rushing yards on 21 carries in two NFL preseason games.
DB Bryce Hall - Houston Texans (Louisville Kings)
Hall made a statement in Week 2 of preseason with six tackles and a pass breakup.
WR Roc Taylor - Carolina Panthers (Columbus Aviators)
Taylor made his opportunity count with a 16-yard touchdown grab in tight coverage in the corner of the end-zone.
He also added a special teams tackle while seeing action on 10 offensive snaps and three special teams plays.
QB Josh Johnson - Cincinnati Bengals (LA Wildcats)
The 40-year old veteran started at quarterback and completed 15-of-23 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with a 113.7 quarterback rating.
Johnson also added a 7-yard rushing attempt.
LB Jacoby Windmon - Pittsburgh Steelers (Columbus Aviators)
Windmon led the Steelers with five tackles and added 1.0 tackle for loss in Week 2
RB Tre Stewart - Arizona Cardinals (Orlando Storm)
Made an immediate impact in his Arizona debut, rushing for 40 yards on just two carries.
UFL TO NFL Endzones
Four former UFL players made their way to the endzone during Week 2 of the NFL preseason scoring touchdowns for their respective teams.
DB Alex Cook - Los Angeles Rams (Birmingham Stallions): Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown.
QB Adrian Martinez - San Francisco 49ers (Birmingham Stallions): Delivered on back-to-back possessions in the 4th quarter as he scrambled for a 9-yard score, and then threw a 17-yard touchdown pass deep right.
QB Josh Johnson - Cincinnati Bengals (LA Wildcats): Struck out of the shotgun on back-to-back possessions in the 2nd quarter, connecting on 17 and 6 yard touchdowns.
WR Roc Taylor - Carolina Panthers (Columbus Aviators): Caught a 16-yard touchdown pass in tight coverage.
OTHER UFL PLAYERS MAKING AN IMPACT
Several other members of the 2026 UFL class also made their presence felt during the NFL’s Preseason Week 2:
DE Cam Gill - Carolina Panthers (Louisville Kings): Had a tackle and recovered a fumble.
WR Isaiah Winstead - Pittsburgh Steelers (Louisville Kings): Caught two passes for 32 yards.
DE Dondrea Tillman - Denver Broncos (Birmingham Stallions): Recorded four tackles.
LB Eugene Asante - Arizona Cardinals (Houston Gamblers): Finished with five tackles.
WR Lucky Jackson - Detroit Lions (Louisville Kings): Caught two passes for 15 yards.
DT Kyler Baugh - Pittsburgh Steelers (St. Louis Battlehawks): Added two more tackles in 13 defensive snaps.
DB Sean Fresch - Denver Broncos (St. Louis Battlehawks): Returned a punt for 10 yards and added a special teams tackle.
LB Curtis Jacobs - Washington Commanders (Louisville Kings): Had a pair of tackles in addition to 1.0 tackle for loss.
K Harrison Mevis - Los Angeles Rams (Birmingham Stallions): Connected a 25-yard field goal and converted all four extra point attempts.