Former spring football players are proving they’re among the best in the NFL this season. Find out which former spring football player leads the NFL in his category and is destined for a repeat trip to the Pro Bowl.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver and Return Specialist
Former New Jersey Generals star wide receiver and return man KaVontae Turpin tried to ignite a struggling Dallas offense as quarterback Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys fell to the Philadelphia Eagles 41-7. Turpin posted one reception for 16 yards and two rushing attempts for 18 yards.
Despite the Eagles’ rout over the Cowboys, Turpin continues to break records as the NFL’s best return man. In 2022, Turpin’s first season in the NFL, he earned Pro Bowl honors as a return specialist, averaging 24.2 yards on 21 kick returns.
Turpin leads the NFL in kick returns by an even wider margin this season. He’s returned 16 of 26 kickoffs for 874 yards, including a 99-yard touchdown. He added another 186 yards with one 60-yard touchdown on 17 punt return attempts.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker
Former Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey had a disappointing afternoon Sunday. Losing by a score of 41-7, the Dallas offense was virtually snuffed out by the playoff-bound Philadelphia Eagles. Late in the game, Aubrey had an opportunity for a 61-yard field goal but missed when it bounced off the right upright. He did contribute one extra point following Rush’s lone touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert.
Aubrey has converted 36 of 43 field goals this season with a stunning 65-yard boot as the second-longest in NFL history. Next week, he’ll have an opportunity to break another record. Aubrey needs one more field goal to break the record (his own from last season) for the Cowboys’ single-season record for the most field goals in franchise history.
Dondrea Tillman -Denver Broncos Offensive Linebacker
The Denver Broncos lost a tough overtime game to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night 30-24. Former San Antonio Brahmas offensive linebacker Dondrea Tillman had another solid performance. Tillman sacked quarterback Joe Burrow and recorded two solo tackles plus an assist on a third.
Kevin Austin, Jr. -New Orleans Saints Wide Receiver
The New Orleans Saints record fell to 5-10 following a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in their final home game of the Season. Former Birmingham Stallions wide receiver Kevin Austin had one reception for 23 yards in the 25-10 loss.
Ben DiNucci -New Orleans Saints Quarterback
Ben DiNucci, the former Seattle Sea Dragons quarterback remained on the practice squad this week, as interim coach Darren Rizzi started rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Rex Sunahara-Cleveland Browns Long Snapper
It was another disappointing loss for Rex Sunahara, the former San Antonio Brahma long-snapper. The Cleveland Browns lost to the Miami Dolphins 20-3. Cleveland was eliminated from playoff contention in week 16.
Andre Szymt- Cleveland Browns Kicker
The newest former member of the UFL to join the NFL is former St. Louis Battlehawks field goal kicker Andre Szymt. Posting the best stat line of any kicker in the UFL, Szymt converted 19 of 21 field goals last season with his longest kick a 61-yarder. Signed as a backup to veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins, Szymt remained on the Browns practice squad.
Jeremiah Pharms-New England Patriots Defensive Tackle
It was a long afternoon for former Pittsburgh Mauler tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. The New England Patriots were overwhelmed by the Los Angeles Chargers Saturday by a score of 40-7. Pharms contributed six tackles including one solo tackle in the loss.
John Parker Romo – New England Patriots Kicker
Former Minnesota Vikings and San Antonio Brahmas kicker, John Parker Romo remained on the Patriots practice squad again this week.
Chris Blair-Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver
Former DC Defenders wide receiver, Chris Blair did not record any catches in the Falcons’ 30-24 loss to the Washington Commanders on Sunday night. But Blair should get another opportunity to play in week 18. The 8-8 Falcons will win the NFC South with a win over the Carolina Panthers and a loss by division rival, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker
Jake Bates’ extraordinary NFL rookie season continues as the division-leading Detroit Lions are headed to the playoffs. On Monday night, the former Michigan Panthers’ sensational young kicker nailed a clutch 57-yard field goal and a 42-yard field goal as the Lions topped the San Francisco 49ers in a decisive 40-34 victory. Converting 25 of 28 field goals, including six kicks over 50 yards, his season record is 89.29%, one of the best in the NFL.
Bates also added two of four extra points. His first extra point early in the game was blocked and Bates missed on another attempt. Converting 60 of 63 extra points, the kick was only the second extra-point attempt that Bates failed to convert all season.
Despite an onslaught of brutal injuries this season, the Lions continue to rack up impressive wins. On Sunday night, the 14-2 Lions will battle the 14-2 Minnesota Vikings for the NFC’s number-one seed.
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