Once again, former spring football special teams players proved among the best in the league in this week’s NFL games. Two former spring football kickers, John Parker Romo and Brandon Aubrey, led the way with exceptional NFL outings on Sunday.
John Parker Romo-Atlanta Falcons Kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
XFL San Antonio Brahmas alum John Parker Romo was elevated from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad to fill in for veteran kicker Younghoo Koo. With only a day to practice with the team, he barely had time to acquaint himself with his new teammates. Nonetheless, Romo’s debut with his new team couldn’t have gone better. He was five for five on field goals and named the “Player of the Game.”
Converting kicks from 38 yards, 29 yards, two from 33 yards, and a 54-yard boot plus an extra point, Romo’s superb kicking was responsible for the Falcons’ 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Romo initially came to the attention of NFL fans a year ago when he filled in for Minnesota kicker Will Reichard. During Reichard’s four-week absence, the former Brahmas‘ placekicker made quite an impression, connecting on 11 of 12 field goals, including a 55-yarder and seven of eight extra points. However, upon Reichard’s return in week 14, Romo was released. He was quickly signed to the New England Patriots practice squad and had an opportunity to compete for the starting job this season, but was edged out by Andy Borregales. His release from New England led to Romo’s signing in Atlanta. After Sunday’s winning performance, it’s safe to say that Romo has found a new home.
Brandon Aubrey-Dallas Cowboys Kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Two-time All-Pro Brandon Aubrey continues to cement his reputation as the NFL’s best kicker. On Sunday, the former USFL Birmingham Stallions kicker was four for four on field goals and added a stunning 64-yard blast that was only a yard shy of his personal best, a 65-yarder. Even more impressive, Aubrey delivered the 64-yard kick to tie the game when regulation ended, sending the teams to overtime. Then, he came to the rescue once again, nailing a 46-yard field goal as the final seconds ticked down in overtime to secure the win for the Cowboys 41-37 over the New York Giants.
Andre Szymt -Cleveland Browns Kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Despite a rough Week 1 outing, former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szymt has the confidence of the Browns coaching staff. Improving upon his Week 1 performance when he missed a game-winning field goal and an extra point, Szymt contributed a 38-yard field goal and two extra points. Szymt did everything the Browns asked of him this week. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s 41-17 shellacking at the hands of one of the league’s top teams, the Baltimore Ravens.
Jake Bates -Detroit Lions Kicker (Michigan Panthers)
The Detroit Lions kept their placekicker, Jake Bates, very busy on Sunday afternoon. The former UFL Michigan Panthers standout delivered one of two field goal attempts on Sunday, converting a 34-yarder but experiencing a rare miss from 55 yards. As it turned out, Bates’ missed field goal didn’t matter. The Lions’ offensive scoring machine kept rolling, and Bates added seven extra points in their 52-14 rout of their division rival, the Chicago Bears.
KaVontae Turpin-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals)
Former New Jersey Generals wide receiver and kick returner KaVontae Turpin has already proven his value to the Dallas Cowboys with his prowess on kick returns. In March, the Cowboys made Turpin the league’s highest-paid special teams player. In two games this season, Turpin has eight returns for 181 yards. This season, the two-time Pro Bowler looks to play a bigger role with Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. On Sunday, he recorded 4 receptions for 47 yards with a touchdown.
It’s only Week 2 in the NFL, but with the injury bug already knocking out several elite starters, more UFL players could get an opportunity to prove themselves.
1 Comment
by Ken Granito
As Patrick Rifino, Greg Parks and now you Sue Levine keep us in the know of our favorite UFL players and how they are doing in the NFL, I figured I would provide some of the same info from some of our players that are in the Canadian Football League. Last week there was a plethora of former legacy UFL players that suited up and statted last week. And yes according to spell correct I just made up that word.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Keric Wheatfall a former Stars camp player had 2 receptions for 50 yards and a TD as well as a tackle and Sergio Castillo made 2 of 2 field goals with a long of 45 and 7 points.
Cornerback Mark Milton formerly of the Stallions had 2 tackles playing with the Redblacks.
The BC Lions recently signed Bradlee Anae. This is his 3rd team this season playing with the Stallions of the UFL, the 49ers of the NFL in the preseason and now the BC Lions of the CFL. He had 2 tackles & a sack for the Lions
For Stallion Binijim Victor had 2 receptions for 24 yards for the Edmonton Elks and former Star Joel Dublanko had 5 tackles and a sack.
Former Renegades corner Delonte Hood had 5 tackles for the Argonauts. Former Gambler linebacker Isaac Darkangelo had 3 tackles and former Defenders DB Willie Drew had 4 tackles.
For the Roughriders former Maulers draft pick had 4 tackles and the Montreal Alouettes held a UFL legacy party. Former Michigan Panther Stevie Scott carried the ball 19 times for 125 yards and a 6.6 yard per carry. Charleston Rambo caught 2 balls for 44 yards. Former USFL 1st ever draft pick Shea Patterson carried the ball 3 times for 4 yards including 2 TDs. Former Stallion Lorenzo Burns had 6 tackles. Last, but not least McLeod Bethel Thompson completed 20 of 26 passes for 378 yards and 2 TDs without an interception and just to show he is not too old he ran once for 12yards. He is the same MBT who lead the USFL in passing yards with the Breakers and one of the handful of quarterbacks I mention that should be looked at to QB the Battlehawks this upcoming season. Remember he backs up in Montreal. A day after his agent said MBT was happy to back up, Bethel Thompson was quoted as saying he really wants to start, but understands the team concept. That is paraphrasing, but MBT should really be given a long look in St. Louis.