With a season-high six NFL teams on bye for Week 8, it was relatively quiet for those former UFL players and others who were inactive this week. Nonetheless, several individuals who did have games continued to make a big impact. Here’s how your favorite spring football stars performed this week.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
Former UFL stars played a role in Week 8, and one of the players who made the biggest impact this week was Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond. The former Arlington Renegades standout, currently in his second season with the Vikings, has become one of the team’s strongest defensive talents. Kicking off the Week 8 games, the 3-4 Vikings had a tough outing against the 5-3 Los Angeles Chargers. But Redmond made one of the game’s biggest plays in the Vikings’ 37-10 loss with a huge tipped pass that resulted in an interception that led to the team’s lone touchdown. In addition, he recorded two tackles (one solo) and three pressures in the game.
Next up for the Vikings is a trip to Detroit on Sunday, November 2nd, to take on the 5-2 Detroit Lions.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos offensive linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
Three former spring footballers were featured in what would prove to be one of the week’s biggest upsets when the 5-2 Denver Broncos played host to the 3-3-1 Dallas Cowboys. Both teams were coming off big wins from the previous week, but Dak Prescott and the Cowboys were favored to win. Instead, Bo Nix and the Broncos had an absolute field day, walking away with a convincing 44-24 victory over a stunned Dallas team.
Former Birmingham Stallions OLB Dondrea Tillman turned in another strong performance. His fourth-quarter interception was one of the game’s highlights. The pick was Tillman’s first NFL interception, and he added three tackles (one solo) and a pass defense. As Tillman’s snap count has increased in recent weeks, so has the level of his performance.
Next week, the Broncos will travel to take on the 3-4 Houston Texans.
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Although two-time Pro-Bowl kicker Brandon Aubrey continues his reign as the NFL’s best kicker, he had a relatively quiet outing on Sunday with one 24-yard field goal and three extra points. Aubrey remains at 100% this season with 16 of 16 field goals and 27 extra points.
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Aubrey’s Spring football team mate, two-time Pro Bowl return specialist KaVontae Turpin, also had a disappointing afternoon. In addition to three kick returns for 86 yards, Turpin had only one reception on five targets for negative two yards.
In Week nine, the Cowboys will take on the 2-5 Arizona Cardinals.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker ( St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt has been one of the bright spots this season for the struggling 2-6 Cleveland Browns. However, on Sunday, Szmyt missed a 47-yard field goal in the New England Patriots’ 32-13 rout of Cleveland.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
Former Brahmas long snapper Rex Sunahara is in his second year with Cleveland. Last year, he had two special teams tackles. This season, he has already doubled that number in eight games.
Next week is Cleveland’s bye week, and the team will have an opportunity to regroup ahead of the Week 10 matchup with the New York Jets.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
On Sunday afternoon, former San Antonio Brahmas kicker Parker Romo had a long afternoon when the 2-6 Miami Dolphins upset the 3-3 Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34-10. Without injured starting quarterback Michael Penix, Atlanta’s offense couldn’t get much going. He converted one 45-yard field goal and one extra point in the Falcons’ loss to the Dolphins. Romo has been perfect in both field goals and extra points in all but one game for the Falcons this season.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
The 5-1-1 Green Bay Packers are once again the NFC North division leaders following their impressive come-from-behind 35-25 victory over the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. Former D.C. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan had only three punts for 152 yards. His longest was 56 yards, and he averaged 50.7 yards.
The win was all the sweeter for the Packers as they were facing their former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.
Next week, Green Bay will take on the 6-2 NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles.
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback ( St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former UFL League MVP and Birmingham Stallions quarterback Adrian Martinez was once again the backup to Mac Jones, but didn’t play a single snap in the 5-3 San Francisco 49ers’ 26-15 loss to the 3-4 Houston Texans.
Brandon Smith, New York Jets wide receiver (D.C. Defenders)
Brandon Smith, the former D.C. Defenders wide receiver, was recently activated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith did not record any stats in the Jets’ huge come-from-behind 39-38 victory over the Bengals.
Inactive players:
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
Lucas Havrisik-Green Bay Packers kicker (San Antonio Brahmas)
NFL practice squad players:
Jashaun Corbin-New England Patriots running back (D.C. Defenders)
Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are from NFL Week 9.
