The UFL is becoming a great pathway to the NFL for several talented individuals. Former spring footballers are breaking records and achieving amazing feats among the NFL’s best.
The Best Spring Football Star In The NFL
For an aspiring football player to make it in the NFL, it takes more than simply athletic ability. That’s especially true when a player isn’t selected in the draft. There is a perception that if a player didn’t get drafted, he’s not good enough. To overcome that initial negative impression, an athlete must excel to prove himself at every opportunity. It takes resilience, talent, and determination to succeed at this level and beat the odds. But these individuals are proving they have what it takes to be the best in the NFL.
Making An Impact On Defense
UFL defensive stars are becoming impact playmakers in the NFL. Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, formerly with the D.C. Defenders, was one of only two UFL players to make the 53-man roster straight out of training camp. Beating out NFL veteran competitors, Redmond has continued to shine throughout the season. He had his best game last week and was rewarded with a game ball from Coach Kevin O’Connell. Redmond posted a career-high four tackles with two for a loss on Sunday in the Viking’s impressive 23-22 come-from-behind win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Former Michigan Panthers star and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Josh Butler was only recently activated to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. However, Butler made quite the impression in those five games, posting 21 tackles including 17 solo, one sack, and five pass defenses.
Butler was one of the stars in the Cowboys’ 34-26 victory last month over the Washington Commanders with a team-high 12 tackles, one sack, and three pass defenses. Sadly, Butler’s outstanding performance came to a crushing end last week when he tore his ACL. But there is no doubt Butler proved he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
Kickers Breaking Records
Week after week, the individuals making the biggest impact are on special teams, and one individual in particular is rapidly becoming a superstar. The NFL has been a showcase for former UFL kickers who have brought power and long-distance capability to the league. Three former spring football kickers are currently among the best in the NFL. Two of those kickers lead the league in scoring while the third is off to a great start after appearing in only four games.
In his second year with the Cowboys, former Birmingham Stallions kicker Brandon Aubrey is among the few bright spots in a disappointing season for the Cowboys. His 65-yard field goal in week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens ranks as the second-longest field goal in NFL history. The only kick to surpass that distance was by Ravens’ veteran Justin Tucker at 66 yards. Aubrey made history last month as the only kicker in the NFL to make at least 10 field goals from a distance of 50 or more yards in consecutive seasons. Aubrey has made 27 out of 32 field goals this season.
Jake Bates, the Michigan Panthers and Detroit Lions rookie kicking sensation has nailed kick after kick in high-pressure situations. He has a 95% record after converting 19 out of 20 field goals and 44 of 45 extra points. Bates’ longest kick of the season was a stunning 58-yarder and he has four other field goals over 50 yards.
Midway through the season, the Vikings lost their starting kicker, Will Reichard to a quadriceps injury. The Vikings brought former San Antonio Brahmas kicker John Parker Romo to replace him while on injured reserve. Romo has performed admirably, nailing 11 out of 12 field goals, including a 55-yarder, and adding seven of eight extra points. Although Reichard will likely retake the starting assignment this week, Romo has proven he has what it takes to succeed as a kicker in the NFL.
The Number 1 Spring Football Star In the NFL
When it comes to smashing records and accomplishing feats no other NFL star has achieved, only one athlete fits that description. Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin continues to delight fans and confound defenders with his lightning speed and athletic ability. Throughout the season, the former New Jersey Generals MVP has been breaking records in his second year in the NFL with his athletic prowess and eye-popping speed on kick returns.
In week 2, Turpin scored on a 60-yard punt return touchdown. It was Turpin’s first career touchdown return for the Cowboys. In week 11, in one of the most explosive NFL plays of the year, Turpin caught a 64-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cooper Rush against the Houston Texans. Running at a speed of over 22 mph, Turpin torched the Texans’ defense.
Continuing To Break Records
But Turpin’s best play this year was still to come. In week 12, he initially muffed a kickoff reception. But after recovering the ball, Turpin executed a stunning spin move and broke free of the Washington Commanders’ defense for a 99-yard touchdown return. It was the NFL’s longest return this year and an amazing feat of athleticism and heads-up play. In twelve games, Turpin has returned 21 kickoffs for 762 yards with an average of 36.3 and one touchdown. He scored one touchdown as a punt returner on 12 punts for 141 yards.
A graduate of TCU, Turpin holds the record in college for the most special teams touchdowns with six. The only blemish on Turpin’s outstanding record were two charges of domestic violence stemming from a tumultuous 2018-2019 relationship in college. The second incident led to Turpin’s early dismissal from the football program. But as part of a plea agreement, he served two years probation and completed a 27-week Partner Abuse Intervention Program.
The early intervention made an impact. Since then Turpin’s focus has been on honing his talent and becoming the outstanding professional football player he is today. He has been exceptional in every aspect of his game. He is only the second Dallas player to record a rushing touchdown, receiving touchdown, kickoff return touchdown and punt return touchdown in the same season. There is no doubt that Turpin is one of the best athletes in the NFL.
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
