Last week, NFL fans saw how UFL and former spring football talents can play a huge role in winning NFL games. Find out who the standout talents were in Week 3.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker ( St. Louis Battlehawks)
This week’s NFL games demonstrated how quickly a goat can become a team hero. For most of the game, the undefeated Green Bay Packers held a 10-0 lead over Cleveland. On Sunday, former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt was the difference maker (and top point scorer) in the Browns’ come-from-behind win over the 2-0 Green Bay Packers.
With 3:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Browns finally got on the scoreboard when Szmyt kicked a 35-yard field goal. A Jordan Love interception led to a Quinshon Judkins touchdown, and Szmyt kicked the extra point to tie the score at 10-10. Then, as the final seconds ticked off the clock, Szmyt booted a perfect 55-yard field goal to win the first game of the season for Cleveland, 13-10. The win raises the Browns’ record to 1-2 on the season.
Despite a rough Week 1 outing, Szmyt earned the confidence of the Browns coaching staff. Last week, he validated their confidence with a 38-yard field goal and two extra points.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
In his second year with Cleveland, former San Antonio Brahmas long snapper Rex Sunahara also deserves credit for the Browns’ win as the long snapper and ball holder for Szmyt.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
Former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan is entering his third year with the Green Bay Packers. Whelan had five punts on Sunday for 265 yards, with his longest a 63-yarder. His average for the game was 53 yards.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
It only took one week and five out of five impressive field goals for XFL San Antonio Brahmas kicker John Parker Romo to earn the starting job for the Atlanta Falcons. Earlier this week, the Falcons released veteran kicker Younghoe Koo in favor of Romo.
Unfortunately, Romo didn’t get on the scoreboard this week. He missed both of his field goal attempts; one from 49 yards and a second from 55 yards. The Carolina Panthers’ defense scored 17 points in a 30-0 shutout of the Atlanta Falcons.
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
Despite the shutout score, former XFL St. Louis Battlehawks DT LaCale London stepped up for the Falcons’ defense with three solo tackles. London’s strong showing should hold up well for a 1-2 Falcons team that is looking to get back on track next week against the Washington Commanders.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
In an unbelievable show of defensive dominance, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers forced three turnovers and scored two touchdowns in the Minnesota Vikings’ complete 48-10 stranglehold over the Cincinnati Bengals. Former Arlington Renegades DT Jalen Redmond contributed one of Cincinnati’s five turnovers by forcing a fumble off running back Samaje Perrine that was recovered by Jonathon Allen. Redmond also added two tackles to raise his season total to five tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos offensive linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham StallionsOLB Dondrea Tillman recorded two solo tackles and combined for another pair in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. In his second year with the Broncos, Tillman already has eight tackles with three solo. Next Monday night, the 1-2 Broncos hope to get back on track when they host the Cincinnati Bengals.
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
For the second week in a row, former Birmingham Stallions QB Adrian Martinez was elevated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster due to quarterback Brock Purdy’s injury. As the backup to Mac Jones, the UFL league MVP was there primarily for insurance and didn’t play a snap. The 49ers squeaked by the Arizona Cardinals 16-15 with a 35-yard game-winning field goal.
If Purdy remains sidelined again next week and Martinez is once again elevated, he could be one step closer to making the 53-man roster. NFL rules state that once a player is activated from the practice squad three times during a season, he must be added to the 53-man roster if he’s elevated for a fourth game.
Malik Turner, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver (Michigan Panthers )
Talented 2025 Michigan Panthers receiver Malik Turner is a familiar face on the San Francisco 49ers. Before joining the Panthers for his standout season, Turner had two previous stints with the 49ers. Despite appearing only on the 49ers’ practice squad, Turner was outstanding in the UFL this year. He set a UFL record with 168 receiving yards and three touchdowns for Michigan in the championship game in their hard-fought loss to the D.C. Defenders. Although active for the game, Turner did not record any stats on Sunday.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Despite being one of the NFL heroes a week ago, this week, even two-time Pro Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey couldn’t rescue the Dallas Cowboys from a 31-14 loss at the hands of the surging Chicago Bears. Aubrey converted two of two field goals, including a 53-yarder. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.
Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams played a career game for the Bears, who entered the game 0-2. He completed 67.9% of his throws for 298 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Meanwhile, Dallas’ offense struggled early on and then collapsed altogether once star receiver Cee Dee Lamb left the game with an injury.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and return specialist KaVontae Turpin was pressed into service in a variety of ways on Sunday. Turpin had two receptions on three targets for 64 yards, along with four yards rushing and 77 yards on kick and punt returns in Sunday’s loss to the Bears. Entering his fourth year with Dallas, Turpin has already established himself as a Pro Bowl talent and is the league’s highest-paid special teams player.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (UFL Michigan Panthers )
The NFL schedule saved the week’s best game for last. Monday Night Football’s rematch between the 1-1 Detroit Lions and 1-1 Baltimore Ravens was predicted to be a high-scoring event, with Las Vegas betting odds setting the over/under at 51.5 points. When both teams scored on their very first possession, it soon became apparent this game was going to be a barnburner. By the end of the night, a total of 68 points had been scored between the two teams, and the Lions claimed a well-deserved 38-30 victory.
Former Michigan Panthers placekicker Jake Bates played a big role in the Lions’ victory, kicking a 45-yard field goal and five extra points. Bates missed an earlier 67-yard attempt. However, he saved a potential Ravens kickoff return touchdown when he heroically tackled Rasheen Ali and brought him down as the Lions’ last line of defense.
Jacob Saylors, running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
St. Louis Battlehawks running back Jacob Saylors was a force on special teams on Monday night, handling three kickoff returns against the Ravens for a total of 80 yards. This season, Saylors has seven kickoff returns for 172 yards and averaging 24.6 yards.
He’s earned the respect of Lions’ Coach Dan Campbell. Speaking to the media last week, Campbell was asked about Saylors, “Yeah, Saylors, he’s been great for us. He came in here mid-training camp. We had some injuries at the running back position. This guy pops out of the ground, and it’s like, ‘Wait a minute, who’s he?’ Kind of starts making some plays and flashing. And I know he played in the other Leagues and whatnot, bounced around also. Anyway, he’s been great for us. He’s done a great job. He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s got some strength, and he’s played well in coverage. He made the tackle, or really two tackles, on kickoff a week ago for us. He had some good coverage in punt; he kind of missed a tackle, but he was pressing the ball down the field. So, he’s been great. We’re excited about him. I’m really excited about watching him develop.”
Next Sunday might come down to a battle between two former UFL kickers when the Lions host the Cleveland Browns. Check back here to find out whether Szmyt or Bates proves to be the difference maker in Week 4.
