The UFL is developing a reputation for introducing talented athletes who make an immediate impact with a single play. Last season, Jake Bates, the former Michigan Panthers and current Detroit Lions kicker, put the football world on notice in his debut. Called upon to kick a clutch 64-yard game-winning field goal, Bates’ kick went straight through the uprights.
But when a penalty nullified the field goal, Bates was forced to kick again. This time the kick was ruled good. It was the second-longest kick in professional football history and gave the Panthers the win. Making the moment even more remarkable, Bates was a rookie who hadn’t kicked a field goal since high school.
UFL Player of the Week -Kai Nacua
Last Sunday afternoon, the Panthers began their second UFL season with another spectacular play. Safety Kai Nacua intercepted a desperation comeback throw from Memphis Showboats quarterback Troy Williams in the game’s final moments. He ran it back 80 yards for a touchdown to give the Panthers a 26-12 victory. Adding six tackles to his thrilling pick-6, Nacua earns this week’s UFL Player Of The Week honors.
Nacua is a returning UFL star. Last season, he made the All-UFL team as the UFL’s interception leader. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Nacua was named the 2016 College Sports Madness Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He made the Reese’s Senior Bowl in 2017.
A veteran of multiple NFL practice teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers, Nacua was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2017. On May 9, 2023, he was signed by the Michigan Panthers.
The 6’0” 205 lb. safety isn’t the only standout Nacua for the Panthers. His younger brother, Samson Nacua, is a wide receiver for the team. The brothers made history as the first sibling duo to score touchdowns in the same game when Samson Nacua caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bryce Perkins earlier on Sunday.
The Panthers host the champion Birmingham Stallions on Friday, April 4th at Ford Field. The Stallions will look to rebound after an 18-11 upset loss to the D.C. Defenders. Billed as the FOX UFL Friday night game, the action begins at 8:00 pm EDT. Tickets are still available.
