It’s a popular preconception that spring football stars can’t meet the standard of the NFL. While UFL team rosters may consist of undrafted players and NFL cast-offs, it’s a mistake to assume these individuals are lacking talent.
Over the past few years, not only have these players proven themselves worthy, but they’re setting a new standard of excellence on the NFL field.
For anyone who still doubts the caliber of talent among UFL teams, some of the biggest impact players in the NFL are former spring footballers. In recent years, Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowler Brandon Aubrey has been the number one kicker in the NFL. He currently holds the record for the second-longest field goal in NFL history. His teammate KaVontae Turpin is the number-one return specialist in the NFL. Similarly, former Michigan Panthers star and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates has distinguished himself as one of the NFL’s finest.
This season, several more talented UFL players have joined the ranks, becoming some of the NFL’s best and brightest stars. Instead of being perceived as less than their NFL teammates, suddenly, these former UFL stars are the ones being singled out for praise with spectacular play-making turns.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington /Dallas Renegades)
On Thursday Night Football, Prime Video’s NFL analyst Kirk Herbstreit referred to Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond as “the team’s best interior defensive lineman throughout the first seven weeks.”
In the Vikings’ 37-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Redmond’s huge tipped pass resulted in an interception that led to the team’s lone touchdown. In addition, the former Arlington Renegades standout posted two tackles (one solo) and three pressures in the game.
A year ago, Redmond was one of only two UFL players to make an NFL roster. But after seeing only limited action in 2024, he burst onto the scene in a big way this year. In his second season, Redmond is a premier defensive force for the Vikings.
In 218 snaps, Redmond leads the team with three sacks, which places him among the NFL’s elite top 10. Two of those sacks were on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ veteran Aaron Rodgers.
Through seven games, Redmond has 13 tackles, 12 pressures, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He has proved to be one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season thus far for Minnesota.
Lucas Havrisik, Green Bay Packers (Arlington /Dallas Renegades )
Just a few short weeks ago, former Arlington Renegades kicker Lucas Havrisik had given up on his dream of a career in pro football and was seeking work as a substitute teacher.
After bouncing around numerous NFL practice squads in the past several years, Havrisik finally took the field for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. However, with 15 out of 20 field goals and 19 out of 20 extra points, his stats in L.A. weren’t great. Released during the following off-season, Havrisik went on to sign with the Arlington Renegades. Last season, he converted 22 of 25 kicks and led the league in field goals made. But despite his impressive performance, he couldn’t generate NFL interest during the offseason.
Resolved to finding a job outside football, Havrisik began looking for substitute teaching opportunities. But then the call came from the Green Bay Packers. He was asked to replace injured veteran kicker Brandon McManus.
In two games, Havrisik notched a perfect four-of-four field goals and established a new franchise record with his 61-yard stunner. In addition, he posted a 100% record with three PATs.
Meanwhile, 34-year-old McManus returned to the lineup for Sunday’s 35-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Right before halftime, McManus missed his first field goal of the night. However, he later converted two of three other field goals and all three extra points. His season record is nine of thirteen field goals with a 56-yarder as his longest and 13 of 14 extra points.
Regardless of Havrisik’s future status with Green Bay, he has clearly demonstrated to other NFL teams that he has earned a place in this league.
The UFL, A Field Goal Kickers Paradise
In addition to Havrisik, Aubrey, and Bates, two other place kickers have also proven their worth in the NFL this season.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt is lighting up the scoreboard for the Cleveland Browns this season. Last weekend, he converted a 30-yard field goal and four PATs. On Sunday, he missed a 47-yard field goal in the New England Patriots’ 32-13 rout of Cleveland. Szmyt’s season record includes 10 of 13 field goals with a 55-yarder as his longest, and 12 of 13 extra points. For the struggling 2-5 Browns team, he’s been one of their bright spots this season.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
Similarly, San Antonio Brahmas kicker Parker Romo has established himself as a talented, reliable scorer with the Atlanta Falcons this season. In early September, Romo had a brilliant debut in Atlanta when he went five for five, including a 54-yarder, in a 22-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings. Following his performance, the Falcons parted ways with longtime veteran Younghoe Koo. Since that game, Romo has converted 9 of 12 field goals with a 54-yard boot as his longest kick, along with nine of nine point after attempts.
The Detroit Lions, An Ideal Landing Spot For UFL Talent
There may not be a better spot in the NFL for UFL and spring football stars than the NFC North division leaders, the Detroit Lions. In addition to being one of the top teams in the NFL and a popular Super Bowl contender, the Lions roster currently features three very talented former UFL players. In addition to second-year kicker Bates, this season, the Lions added former two-time All-UFL Team running back Jacob Saylors and his St. Louis Battlehawks teammate, cornerback Nick Whiteside.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Whiteside made a huge impact in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He brilliantly defended an end zone pass, broke up two other passes, and contributed two solo tackles. Whiteside’s impressive debut could not have come at a better time for the Lions, who were coming off a tough defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lions coach Dan Campbell was delighted with what he saw from Whiteside’s performance, “There was just more of a comfort level with a guy who’s been here and really went through a whole training camp with us. We just felt like that was the right move. It was good, man. You saw it, he stepped up and made plays for us.”
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Sometimes all it takes is the right opportunity at the right time. As one of the more prolific and talented running backs in the UFL, Saylors has had NFL tryouts before, most recently with the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns. In both cases, he was waived after a few weeks. The year before, he also had brief stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Atlanta Falcons. But the competition for an NFL roster spot as a running back is brutal. In every instance, Saylors never made it off the practice squad or was released after a few weeks.
But there are other ways to earn a roster spot. Proving yourself on special teams is one of the best ways. Campbell and Lions Special Teams coordinator Dave Fipp have a keen eye for talent and know how to develop players. Saylors has proven to be an asset and carved out a nice niche as a kick returner. He averages 26 yards per carry this season on 14 returns for 364 yards.
Campbell is a fan of the UFL becoming an NFL farm system. Having experienced the value of signing UFL players to Detroit’s roster, he enthused, “I think it would be great. NFL Europe was awesome back in the day because that was a chance to really develop guys.” Campbell continued, “We’ve gotten a couple players out of there, and I know other teams have. You get to see them, they’re playing in the spring, so they’re in shape, so they’re just coming off running around, being football-ready. That’s enticing to us, too. If you need a guy, at least you know — you’ve got evidence right there — versus someone who’s been home for three months, they say they’ve been working out, but you don’t know. It’s not football working out like these guys are.”
UFL co-owner Mike Repole is also someone who recognizes the value of NFL player development through the UFL. Players benefit from the increased playing time and dedicated coaching while honing their skills. The additional coaching and development they receive in the UFL can make a crucial difference. Sometimes, a minor adjustment involving foot placement or body positioning can make an enormous difference in a player’s results.
It stands to follow that if more players see the UFL as a legitimate pathway to the NFL, the spring league will continue to draw a steady stream of high-caliber talent. The level of competition among UFL games continues to increase, and it becomes a win/win scenario for all involved. Especially if former UFL players continue to become elite standouts and raise the bar for excellence in the NFL.
