Find out which former UFL players made a big impact in their team’s NFL season opener. Who is the latest former UFL player to be elevated to his team’s NFL roster from the practice squad this week?
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
One of the UFL’s inaugural season standout players is already making a name for himself in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. Former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates is proving he has what it takes as an NFL-caliber talent.
Bates did everything the Lions asked of him on Sunday night in the game against the Los Angeles Rams and contributed significantly to their overtime victory. He converted two out of two field goals, a 25-yarder in the first half, and a score-tying kick late in the game.
With only 17 seconds left on the clock, Bates showed tremendous grace under pressure, kicking a 32-yard field goal that tied the score at 20-20 sending the game into overtime. After winning the coin toss, the Lions claimed the 26-20 victory eight plays later, on a one-yard touchdown run by David Montgomery.
In addition to providing both extra points, Bates also demonstrated his superior leg strength in kickoffs, hitting the designated NFL landing zone with an average distance of 64.6 yards.
Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End
It was a quiet afternoon for former Arlington Renegades defensive end Jalen Redmond who did not participate in the Vikings’ 28-6 victory over the New York Giants. Redmond could be a big contributor for the Vikings going forward, after registering 18 tackles (11 solo) in four games for the Renegades. Redmond also posted a huge loss of yards in one sack in excess of 20 yards.
Chris Blair -Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
The newest former player from spring football to join his team’s active roster is former D.C. Defenders wide receiver, Chris Blair. Although Blair didn’t play last year, he was a member of the 2023 XFL D.C. Defenders. Blair recorded 25 receptions for 594 yards with three touchdowns in 2023. With Rondale Moore on injured reserve, the 6’2″ 198 lb. Blair has been activated for Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Blair will be competing for catches against Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and tight end Kyle Pitts.
Second Year Players
Now in their second year with the NFL, two former USFL talents who continue to thrive as members of the Dallas Cowboys are kicker Brandon Aubrey and KaVontae Turpin. As the former USFL Birmingham Stallions kicker, Aubrey went on to become one of the best kickers in the NFL last season. Picking up right where he left off, Aubrey was instrumental to the Cowboys’ 33-17 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Converting all four field goals and three extra points, Aubrey delighted his teammates and fantasy managers alike with two kicks over 50 yards including a 57-yarder. Later in the game, he added another 46-yard score.
Former USLF player wide receiver KaVonte Turpin is also continuing to excel as a second-year talent in the NFL. Turpin thrilled fans as a punt return specialist in Sunday’s game scoring a 60-yard touchdown. It was Turpin’s first career touchdown return. But there was still more for Turpin to do in the Cowboys’ blowout over Cleveland and he finished the day with five returns for 96 yards total.
Undoubtedly, as the season progresses, illnesses and injuries to NFL players are inevitable. Additional opportunities for practice squad players to become active for a single game or more are likely to occur. Keep checking back here for the weekly updates.
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