Former spring football players continue to smash NFL records this season, and one former star made the NFL record books, cementing his reputation as his team’s number-one scoring weapon.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker
To the delight of Cowboy fans and his fantasy football managers, Dallas field goal kicker Brandon Aubrey converted four field goals on Sunday night, three of which were from 50-plus yards. The former Birmingham Stallions kicker was perfect with four field goals including a 58-yarder. He also added two of two extra points. Aubrey has converted 36 of 42 field goals this season with a stunning 65-yard boot as the second-longest in NFL history.
With 14 kicks exceeding 50 yards this season, Aubrey becomes the only player in the NFL to have back-to-back seasons with ten or more 50-yard kicks in the same season.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver and Return Specialist
KaVontae Turpin, the former New Jersey Generals star gave another impressive performance on Sunday night as quarterback Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys continued their late-season surge. Sadly, their 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came on the heels of Dallas being eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. Nonetheless, the Cowboys made a powerful statement with one of their most complete performances of the year.
Turpin continues to show his versatility as a terrific utility player. With Cee Dee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert assuming most of the receiving duties, Turpin had only one reception for seven yards. But he was called into action as a running back and contributed three carries including a 12-yard run that set up a Tolbert touchdown early in the game.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
On Sunday, the former Michigan Panthers’ sensational young kicker, Jake Bates had another rare miss. Although Bates contributed two other key field goals from 30 yards and 34 yards, he missed one from 65 yards. However, Bates nailed all four extra points in the Detroit Lions’ crucial 34-17 win over their division rival, the Chicago Bears.
Bates has made 23 of 26 field goals, including five kicks over 50 yards and 52 of 53 extra points. His season record is 88.46%, one of the best in the NFL. Despite an onslaught of brutal injuries this season, the Lions are heading to the playoffs with a record of 13-2.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
The Denver Broncos lost a tough game to the Los Angeles Chargers Thursday night 34-27. However, former San Antonio Brahmas offensive linebacker Dondrea Tillman had another strong performance. Tillman sacked quarterback Justin Herbert and recorded two tackles, including one solo.
Jeremiah Pharms-New England Patriots Defensive Tackle
On Sunday, the New England Patriots lost a close game to one of the best teams in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills. Despite a great game from Jeremiah Pharms, the former Pittsburgh Maulers DT, the Patriots lost 24-21. Pharms had one of his best games, sacking quarterback Josh Allen and contributing four total tackles, including one for a loss. Three of his tackles were solo and he assisted on a fourth.
John Parker Romo – New England Patriots Kicker
Former Minnesota Vikings and San Antonio Brahmas kicker, John Parker Romo remained on the practice squad again this week.
Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End
Coming off his best game of the season in week 14 where he recorded four tackles, Jalen Redmond suffered a concussion last week against the Bears. As a result, the former D.C. Defenders star was still in concussion protocol and inactive on Sunday. But the Vikings extended their winning streak with a victory over the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 27-24. The 13-2 Vikings remain a half-game behind the Detroit Lions.
Rex Sunahara-Cleveland Browns Long Snapper
It was another long afternoon for long-snapper Rex Sunahara, the former San Antonio Brahma. The Cleveland Browns lost to their division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals 24-6. Cleveland has already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Chris Blair-Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Chris Blair, a former receiver for the D.C. Defenders, appeared in his first NF game on Sunday, catching his first and only targeted pass for a 17-yard pickup. Blair has been on the practice squad for the Falcons this season but was elevated for Sunday’s match. The Falcons and their rookie quarterback Michael Penix, scored a huge win on Sunday with a 34-7 victory over the New York Giants.
If they’re victorious in their next two games against the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers, the 8-7 Falcons can win the NFC South.
Ben DiNucci -New Orleans Saints Quarterback
Ben DiNucci, the former Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback only recently signed with the New Orleans Saints. However, DiNucci remained on the practice squad this week, as interim coach Darren Rizzi started rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.
It was a very long Monday night for the New Orleans Saints who dropped to a 5-10 record in their 34-0 shutout loss to the Green Bay Packers. Rattler completed only 50% of his 30 passes for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. In fairness to Rattler, he was without five key offensive players including star running back Alvin Kamera and three top receivers. Rattler was the Saints leading scorer on the ground with 28 yards on five carries.
The team could benefit from a strong veteran quarterback. Hopefully, DiNucci will get the start when the Saints host the 3-12 Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) on Sunday.
Kevin Austin, Jr. -New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver
Former Birmingham Stallions wide receiver, Kevin Austin, had one reception for 17 yards in the Saints shutout loss. He is also credited with the loss of a fumble.
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