There is no question that the UFL can provide a gateway into the NFL. All it takes is an opportunity. Over the past few months, several former spring football players signed to active rosters have been making a huge impact. Throughout the season, fans have witnessed explosive, game-altering plays from athletes who entered the NFL based solely on the strength of their spring football careers. These players aren’t just scoring points for their team, they’re smashing long-held NFL records.
UFL and Spring Football Stars Smashing NFL Records
Fans of the 3-7 Dallas Cowboys haven’t had much to cheer about this year. The team is in freefall with their franchise quarterback Dak Prescott out for the season following a severe hamstring injury. The Cowboys’ locker room struggles to remain positive while the team’s elderly owner seems oblivious to the cause of the collapse. However, despite all the chaos, a couple of former spring football players continue to shine each week and distinguish themselves as two of the best players in the NFL.
Two Standout Stars For The Dallas Cowboys
Named as the Special Teams Player of the Month twice last year, former Birmingham Stallions and Dallas field goal kicker Brandon Aubrey is continuing his reign this season as one of the top kickers in the NFL. Recognized in September as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, he has an 88.46 field goal percentage converting 25 out of 30 field goals this year. Aubrey set a franchise record with his longest kick of 65 yards in week three against the Ravens. In addition to his 65-yarder, he has a 60-yard kick, two 57-yard field goals, and one 55-yard boot. Aubrey has nailed at least one field goal over 50 yards in eight of the team’s ten games this season. Despite the Cowboy’s lack of touchdowns this season, Aubrey’s production has been perfect with 15 out of 15 extra points.
Another spring football star injecting the Cowboys’ lackluster offense with speed and power is former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin. Turpin has been a breath of fresh air for Dallas’ stagnant offense this season. Last week in the Cowboys’ 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans, Turpin caught the only touchdown, electrifying fans with a thrilling 64-yard score. With 86 yards on three receptions, Turpin registered a blindingly fast speed at over 22 mph in scoring the touchdown. The former USFL league MVP in 2022, has been equally impressive as a return specialist for the Cowboys, scoring a 60-yard touchdown against the Cleveland Browns earlier this season.
An Impressive Rookie Debut In Denver
Former Birmingham Stallions offensive lineman Dondrea Tillman made a strong NFL debut for the Denver Broncos in September when he 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 nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week along with Broncos quarterback, Bo Nix.
A Sensational Start In Michigan
In his first game wearing a Michigan Panthers uniform, Jake Bates, the former Houston brick salesman, nailed a 64-yard field goal that smashed the record books as the second-longest in professional football history. Suddenly, Bates, the former college soccer player who hadn’t kicked a field goal since high school, was a legend in the making. That kick brought him to the attention of football fans everywhere. The game-winning field goal was even more amazing because Bates was forced to kick a second time after his first 64-yarder was ruled inadmissible due to a penalty.
Throughout the UFL season, Bates’ reputation grew as he converted multiple 60-yard field goals. After the UFL season, Bates became the most highly sought-after target for the NFL, generating interest from several teams, but he ultimately signed with the Detroit Lions. Since joining the Detroit Lions, Bates has continued to smash records. Named the NFC Special Teams Player Of the Week twice this season, Bates is well known for his ability to convert in clutch situations.
In week 10, during a game against the Houston Texans, Bates had two long-distance field goals. He nailed a 52-yard kick at the buzzer as Detroit defeated Houston 26-23. But his previous kick was even more impressive because it gave the Lions the opportunity for a come-from-behind victory. Stepping up to deliver the kick, Bates smashed the Lions franchise record with a 58-yarder and is the third-longest kick in NFL history. Bates’s NFL record is 15 out of 15 field goals, including three from 50-plus yards, and 39 of 40 extra points.
Every week former UFL players are making an impact in the NFL. These four individuals are the latest UFL stars to find success. NFL practice squads have other talented players eagerly awaiting an opportunity to prove themselves to their team Who will be next to get that chance to make a major impact?
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