UFL to NFL Weekly Activity Tracker-Week 3

All it takes is an opportunity for a UFL player to find success in the NFL. Once again, spring football athletes are rising to the challenge of playing in the NFL. Find out which UFL standout made such a dramatic NFL debut that he’s been nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week.

Dondrea Tillman-Denver Broncos Offensive Lineman

The newest UFL player to enter the NFL this week is former Birmingham Stallions OL Dondrea Tillman. Making his NFL debut for the Denver Broncos, Tillman contributed three tackles and two sacks for a loss of 18 yards. Announcing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Broncos’ 26-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tillman had an outstanding game. Not only did he impress Coach Sean Payton, but Tillman was also nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week along with his quarterback, Bo Nix.

Jake Bates-Detroit Lions Kicker

Although the Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has had an impressive start to his NFL career kicking five out of five field goals and five out of six extra points, this week proved to be relatively quiet for the former Michigan Panthers kicker. Bates added two out of three extra points in the Lions’ 20-13 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. However, Bates was wide to the right on an extra-point attempt Sunday in his first-ever NFL miss.

Jalen Redmond-Minnesota Vikings Defensive End

Former Arlington Renegades defensive end Jalen Redmond was active in the Minnesota Vikings game against the Houston Texans. Redmond was instrumental in the Vikings’ big win, helping the defense limit second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud to only 7 points. Redmond contributed one solo tackle and a sack in the 34-7 victory.

Chris Blair -Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver 

One of the newest UFL players, former D.C. Defenders wide receiver Chris Blair is currently on the practice squad for the Atlanta Falcons.

Second Year Players

Two former USFL talents in their second NFL year had outstanding games this past weekend. Following up on his exciting 60-yard punt return touchdown for the Dallas Cowboys one week ago, former USLF wide receiver KaVonte Turpin scored his first receiving touchdown of the season. Turpin had a total of three receptions for 51 yards for the Cowboys in the 28-25 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.

Despite the losing effort, one of Turpin’s Cowboys teammates had a huge game. Former USFL Birmingham Stallions kicker, Brandon Aubrey, currently in his second year as the Dallas Cowboys kicker, set the NFL ablaze this week. The 6’3″ 218-pound kicker from Notre Dame has been perfect all season kicking 10 out of 10 field goals and half of those field goals exceeded 50 yards. Aubrey is now tied for the lead among NFL kickers.

But what had everyone taking notice this weekend was Aubrey’s booming 65-yard field goal that is now the second-longest kick in NFL history. His kick falls 1-yard shy of the Ravens veteran kicker, Justin Tucker’s record-breaking 66-yarder.

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Aubrey added a 51-yard kick to extend his record to 15 consecutive field goals over 50 yards. After two failed two-point conversion attempts by the offense, Aubrey was finally allowed to add a PAT.

As the NFL season progresses, player injuries are occurring at an alarming rate. More practice squad players will undoubtedly be activated. Whether it’s for a single game or more is dependent upon the player’s injury designation. Keep checking back here for the weekly updates.

Sue Levine

Sue Levine spent the past five years creating and producing a successful weekly health and wellness podcast starring a wonderful iconic woman as the program host. As part of Sue's responsibilities, she scripted every episode and discovered a genuine love of writing. When the podcast ended late last year, she shifted the focus of her writing to covering pro sports. A passionate fan of NFL and UFL football as well as fantasy, she is delighted to be able to share her articles with other football fans.

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