
With the conclusion of the NFL’s regular season in week 18, there were only three UFL players whose teams made the playoffs. Which former spring football players saw post-season action and where do their teams stand now?
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
Led by Bo Nix, their talented rookie quarterback, the Denver Broncos finished the season with a 10-7 record. After defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0 in week 18, the Broncos secured the last remaining AFC playoff berth. It was Denver’s first playoff appearance in 10 years.
The team traveled to Highmark Stadium to take on MVP candidate Josh Allen’s number two seed, the Buffalo Bills. Sadly, for the San Antonio Brahmas offensive lineman Dondrea Tillman and his teammates, their playoff season ended following a 31-7 loss to Buffalo.
Finishing the season tied for the third-most tackles on the Denver defense, Tillman was credited with a total of 11 solo tackles and five sacks. Despite a disappointing end to the 2025 post-season, Tillman can look forward to next year with a team that shows a lot of promise.
Jalen Redmond -Minnesota Vikings Defensive Lineman
Following a crushing 27-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night, former D.C. Defenders DL, Jalen Redmond and the Minnesota Vikings were knocked out of the playoffs. The Rams scored a touchdown on their first possession and never let up. With nine sacks on quarterback Sam Darnold for a combined loss of 82 yards and two costly turnovers, the Vikings were overwhelmed by the re-energized Rams. Redmond finished the regular season with eight solo tackles and one sack.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
Along with Redmond, Jake Bates was one of two UFL players to make their NFL team straight out of training camp. Bates’ historic rookie season has been one for the record books. Setting a new franchise record for the Detroit Lions, Bates earned a total of 142 points this season. He finished the regular season converting 26 of 29 field goals and 64 of 67 extra points. With five field goals over 50 yards this season, Bates’ longest NFL kick cleared 58 yards.
In addition, Bates could be headed to his first NFL Pro Bowl. Joining Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey and return specialist KaVontae Turpin who are both headed to their second Pro Bowl appearance, Bates made the team as an alternate.
For now, though, Bates’ attention is focused on the Lions’ upcoming playoff game against the Washington Commanders. Detroit enjoyed a much-needed bye week after wrapping up the NFC’s number-one seed with a league-leading 15-2 record. Securing home-field advantage, the Lions will host Washington on Saturday night.
Other UFL Players Making News
A total of nine former UFL players were signed to futures /reserve contracts by their NFL teams. Their contracts officially begin on March 12th, “reserving” that individual and prohibiting the player from signing with any other team.
While there is no guarantee the player will make the 53-man roster at the start of the regular season, the contract is a sign of confidence that there is a spot for that player on the team.
Several NFL teams signed contracts with multiple spring football alumnae. The nine individuals are as follows:
The New York Jets:
Adrian Martinez, former quarterback with the Birmingham Stallions. Kohl Levao, former Offensive Lineman with the San Antonio Brahmas. Brandon Smith, former Wide Receiver with the D.C. Defenders.
San Francisco 49ers: Jonathan Garvin, former Defensive Lineman, Birmingham Stallions. Zach Johnson, former Guard, Birmingham Stallions.
Cleveland Browns: Andre Szmyt, former Kicker, St. Louis Battlehawks.
New England Patriots: John Parker Romo, former Kicker, Minnesota Vikings, and San Antonio Brahmas.
Dallas Cowboys: Kelvin Harmon, former Wide Receiver, D.C. Defenders.
Cincinnati Bengals: Nate Brooks, former Defensive Back, Michigan Panthers.
Over the coming weeks, there will undoubtedly be other spring football alumnae signed to NFL team contracts. Check back here for the latest updates.