Putting together back-to-back wins for the second time this season, the Dallas Cowboys feasted on Thanksgiving with a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants. It was also the Cowboys’ first win at home this season. Making the occasion even more festive for UFL fans, three former spring football stars had a part in the victory.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver and Return Specialist
Following his stunning 99-yard kickoff return last week, former New Jersey General star receiver KaVontae Turpin continues to shine as both a return specialist and wide receiver. He led the Cowboys in receiving with four catches for 53 yards. With Turpin’s impressive speed, he turned a short pass from quarterback Drew Lock into a 30-yard gain.
Recognized as a talented utility player, Turpin also had a two-yard rush. In his career with Dallas, Turpin is the second player in franchise history to record a rushing, receiving, punt return, and kickoff return touchdown.
Josh Butler-Dallas Cowboys Defensive Back
Triumph turned to despair on Thursday when former Michigan Panthers defensive back Josh Butler suffered a season-ending injury partway through the Cowboys 27-20 win over the Giants. Before exiting the game, Butler continued his strong start for Dallas with 2 solo tackles, an assist, and one pass defense.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker
Brandon Aubrey the former Birmingham Stallions kicker, had another perfect afternoon and contributed to the Cowboys’ victory over the Giants. Aubrey was perfect with 2 out of 2 field goals and three extra points. Aubrey’s longest field goal was 33 yards on Thursday. His record is now 27 out of 32 for the season.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
It was a busy Thanksgiving afternoon for the Lions and Jake Bates. The former Michigan Panthers kicker was called on four times to deliver field goals in the Lions’ close 23-20 victory over the Chicago Bears. He nailed a 48-yarder, a 30-yard field goal, and a 36-yard field. He added two of two extra points.
Unfortunately, Bates’ perfect record was broken when he had a rare miss on a 46-yard field goal. His season record is now 19 out of 20 field goals for 95% with 44 of 45 extra points. The Lions are tied at 11-1 with the Kansas City Chiefs for the best record in the NFL and have won ten straight games.
John Parker Romo -Minnesota Vikings Kicker
Former San Antonio Brahmas kicker John Parker Romo had another busy afternoon for the Minnesota Vikings. Romo connected on three of four field goals, including a 55-yarder. He also provided two of two extra points. Playing in his fourth game as an NFL kicker, Romo now has a record of 11 of 12 field goals.
Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End
Another former UFL player Jalen Redmond, the former D.C. Defenders DE continues to be a valuable addition to the Viking defense. Redmond had his best game with the Vikings and was rewarded with a game ball from Coach Kevin O’Connell. Redmond posted a career high four tackles with two tackles for losses on Sunday in the Viking’s impressive 23-22 come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals. Even more impressive, his TFLs stopped running back James Conner in a critical fourth-quarter drive.
Kevin Austin Jr.- New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver
Kevin Austin Jr., the former Birmingham Stallions wide receiver posted three receptions for 31 yards in the Saints’ 21-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Austin also ran the ball once for nine yards. The loss proved even more costly for New Orleans when their veteran utility player Taysom Hill was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Jeremiah Pharms-New England Patriots Defensive Tackle
It was a quiet afternoon for Jeremiah Pharms, the former Pittsburgh Maulers DT, who contributed a solo tackle and an assist in the Patriots’ 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Pharms has a season total of nine solo tackles plus a sack.
Another former UFL player, Keshawn Banks, an offensive lineman for the Michigan Panthers was active for the game against the Colts. Banks was on the 53-man roster but did not record any stats.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
Former San Antonio Brahmas Offensive linebacker Dondrea Tillman contributed to the Denver Broncos’ 41-32 win over the Cleveland Browns. Tillman had a solo tackle and an assist in the game.
Rex Sunahara-Cleveland Browns Long Snapper
Former San Antonio Brahmas long snapper Rex Sunahara was the long snapper for the Cleveland Browns during their loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday night.
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.
