Once again, former UFL stars are making a huge scoring impact in the NFL. Snapping a five-game losing streak, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a surprise come-from-behind 34-26 victory over the red-hot Washington Commanders thanks to the outstanding playmaking ability of three spring football stars.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver and Return Specialist
Picking up right where he left off last week, former New Jersey General star receiver KaVontae Turpin continues to shine as both a return specialist and wide receiver. In week 11, Turpin scored a 64-yard touchdown Monday night in one of the most explosive plays of the year.
This week, Turpin was the hero again with this season’s longest kickoff return. After initially muffing the catch, Turpin recovered and with a stunning spin move, torched the Commanders on a 99-yard touchdown. It was an amazing feat of athleticism and heads-up play.
It’s also worth noting that this was Turpin’s second kick return touchdown this season. The former USFL league MVP in 2022, scored a 60-yard punt return touchdown against the Cleveland Browns earlier this season.
Josh Butler-Dallas Cowboys Defensive Back
Appearing in only his third NFL game, former Michigan Panthers DB Josh Butler was all over the field for the Cowboys. He was credited with one sack, 10 solo tackles, an assist on two others, and defended three passes in the win over Washington. This was by far Butler’s strongest game and he drew praise from his Cowboys teammates for how well he performed, filling in for injured cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker
Brandon Aubrey, Turpin’s teammate and former Birmingham Stallions kicker, had an unusually challenging afternoon. Aubrey’s first field goal was blocked and he missed a second. But he recovered admirably and added to the Cowboy’s 2nd half comeback with a 46-yard field goal, a 48-yard field goal and four extra points. He is now 25 of 30 in field goals and 18 of 18 extra points.
John Parker Romo -Minnesota Vikings Kicker
Another former UFL player was a team hero on Sunday when he kicked the game winning field goal in overtime. Former San Antonio Brahmas player John Parker Romo had a busy afternoon for the Minnesota Vikings. In addition to the overtime 29-yarder, he nailed a 40-yard field goal, and a 26-yard field goal. He also added three extra points in the Vikings 30-27 win over the Chicago Bears. Playing in three games as an NFL kicker, Romo has been perfect with eight out of eight field goals.
Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End
Another former UFL player was on the field Sunday against the Bears. Jalen Redmond, the former D.C. Defenders DE, contributed a tackle in the Viking’s victory.
Rex Sunahara-Cleveland Browns Long Snapper
Former San Antonio Brahmas long snapper Rex Sunahara was instrumental in the Cleveland Browns 24-19 win over division rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
Former San Antonio Brahmas Offensive linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed to the Denver Broncos’ 29-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with two assisted tackles.
Jeremiah Pharms-New England Patriots Defensive Tackle
It was a quiet afternoon for Jeremiah Pharms, the former Pittsburgh Maulers DT, who contributed a tackle assist in the Patriots 34-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Another former UFL player on the practice squad joined Pharms on the Patriots active roster this past week. Keshawn Banks, an offensive lineman for the Michigan Panthers was active for the game against the Dolphins.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
As the 10-1 Detroit Lions continue to rack up victories on the road, they’ve now won nine straight games. Jake Bates remains perfect on the year with 16 out of 16 field goals. On Sunday, the former Michigan Panthers’ sensational young kicker added another stunning 56-yard field goal and three extra points. Converting 42 of 43 extra points, Bates has only missed one all season.
If you’re keeping score as to which of the UFL teams have the most active players in the NFL this season, it would be the Michigan Panthers followed closely by the San Antonio Brahmas. Keep checking here for weekly updates to find out which of the talented UFL players get an opportunity to make a difference in the NFL.
