As the NFL enters the second half of the season, find out which talented former UFL stars continue to stand out, making their impact in Week 10.
Dondrea Tillman, Denver Broncos offensive linebacker (Birmingham Stallions)
The week began with another thrilling performance by former spring football talent Dondrea Tillman. The former Birmingham Stallions‘ OLB made a big impact as the Denver Broncos defeated the 2-7 Las Vegas Raiders in a hard-fought 10-7 defensive battle. Tillman had a huge interception along with three tackles (one solo) and a pass defense. He has a total of 23 tackles (7 solo), 1.5 sacks, and three pass defenses this season. In addition, Tillman now leads the Broncos defense in interceptions.
Next week, the 8-2 Broncos, who share the NFL’s best record with the New England Patriots amd Indianapolis Colts, host the 5-4 Kansas City Chiefs.
Parker Romo, Atlanta Falcons kicker (XFL San Antonio Brahmas)
The Atlanta Falcons traveled to Germany to take on the Indianapolis Colts. In an exciting overtime shootout, the 8-2 Colts pulled out the victory. For the 3-6 Falcons, it was another devastating outing after the 24-23 loss to the New England Patriots a week ago. Unfortunately, that one-point difference came at the cost of a missed extra point by former San Antonio Brahmas kicker Parker Romo. As a result, Romo, who had been solid for Atlanta through the first half of the season, was waived on Tuesday in favor of NFL veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez.
On Sunday, both teams were tied up at 25-25 entering overtime. Daniel Jones and presumptive league MVP Jonathan Taylor led the Colts to a 31-25 victory. Taylor had three touchdowns and rushed for 244 yards. As for Romo, after his promising NFL debut a year ago in Minnesota and a promising preseason in New England, he could potentially see another NFL opportunity come his way.
LaCale London, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle (XFL St. Louis Battlehawks)
A week ago, former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London played a dominant game with five tackles (four solo), 2.0 sacks on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, and a forced fumble. However, London’s outstanding effort came with a cost when he was ruled out for Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury.
Hopefully, he will recover in time for next week’s game against NFC South Division rival, the 5-4 Carolina Panthers.
Harrison Mevis, Los Angeles Rams kicker (Birmingham Stallions)
Opportunities for UFL kickers and special teams players to find a place in the NFL continue, as former Birmingham Stallions “Thiccer kicker,” Harrison Mevis, signed with the LA. Rams this week. Fresh off the practice squad, Mevis made his NFL debut on Sunday, replacing Rams kicker Joshua Karty. In a wild division match-up between the San Francisco 49ers, Mevis kicked six of six extra points in a huge 42-20 victory.
For now, Mevis reverts to the practice squad. However, Ram’s kicker Joshua Karty has struggled this season, converting only 10 out of 15 field goals. Hopefully, Mevis’ performance was enough to convince the Rams to give him a second start.
Next week, the Rams will take on another division rival, the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks, at 4:05 pm EST.
Jalen Redmond, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle (Arlington Renegades)
One former UFL player who has been outstanding in the trenches through the first half of the season is Minnesota Vikings DT Jalen Redmond. In a lopsided 27-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the former Renegades DT had a season-high eight tackles with five solo, bringing his season total to 31 tackles (17 solo), 4.0 sacks, two pas defenses, and a forced fumble.
Next week, the Vikings will host the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, November 9th.
Andre Szmyt, Cleveland Browns kicker (St. Louis Battlehawks)
The 2-6 Cleveland Browns and 1-7 New York Jets matched up on Sunday. Coming off their bye weeks, both teams have struggled and are looking to rebound in the second half of the season. In a tightly contested battle, both teams headed to the locker room, tied at the half, 14-14.
Former St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt has been near perfect on extra points with 11 of 12 EPs. On Sunday, he nailed a 45-yard field goal, a 29-yard field goal, and 2/2 extra points. However, it wasn’t enough for the Browns to overcome the Jets’ 27-20 victory.
Rex Sunahara, Cleveland Browns long snapper (San Antonio Brahmas)
Rex Sunahara, the former Brahmas LS, continues to prove his reliability and steadiness in his second season with Cleveland, despite a frustrating season for the Browns.
Next week, the Browns hope to secure an upset when they host their division rival, the 4-5 Baltimore Ravens.
Adrian Martinez, San Francisco 49ers quarterback (Birmingham Stallions)
On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers played host to their NFC West Division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. At the conclusion of last week’s victory over the New York Giants, 49ers quarterback Mac Jones generously stepped aside to allow his backup, Adrian Martinez, to log his first NFL snap.. This week, however, the 49ers lost to L.A. by a score of 42-26. It was San Francisco’s fourth loss and dropped the team to third place in the NFC West Division standings behind the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks and Rams.
Next week, the 49ers will face another NFC West division rival, the 3-6 Arizona Cardinals.
Jacob Saylors, Detroit Lions running back (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks and All-UFL team running back Jacob Saylors was ruled out of Sunday’s contest with a back injury.
Nick Whiteside, Detroit Lions cornerback (St. Louis Battlehawks)
Former St. Louis Battlehawks cornerback Nick Whiteside was outstanding two weeks ago when he made his debut as a reserve backup. However, over the last two games, he has seen a significantly reduced snap count due to the return of key Lions personnel. Whiteside briefly substituted for veteran Amik Robertson on a few plays Sunday, but did not record any stats.
Jake Bates, Detroit Lions kicker (UFL Michigan Panthers)
Former Michigan Panthers star kicker Jake Bates has struggled in recent weeks after missing a 54-yard field goal, and another crucial kick was blocked by the Minnesota Vikings. However, on Sunday, the Lions rebounded with an outstanding effort to beat the Washington Commanders by a score of 44-22.
Early in the game, Bates made a nice touchdown-saving tackle on a kickoff return. He nailed all three of his field goals: a 22-yard field goal, a 28-yarder, and a 48-yard boot. Unfortunately for Bates, one of his four extra points was blocked by the defense. The missed extra point was the only one he missed all season in 34 attempts. Coach Dan Campbell said he felt the special teams unit played much better this week.
Next Sunday night, the 6-3 NFC North-leading Lions will travel to Philadelphia to take on the 7-2 Eagles. The game will be televised at 8:20 pm EST.
Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers punter (D.C. Defenders)
On Monday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers traveled to Philadelphia to take on the reigning Super Bowl Champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. Former D.C.. Defenders punter Daniel Whelan had a busy evening punting five times for 239 yards. His longest punt of the night was a 59-yarder. The game proved to be a fierce defensive battle between the teams, with the halftime score tied at zero. The Packers wound up losing the game 10-7 to the Eagles. Philadelphia now shares an NFC-best record of 7-2 with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.
Lucas Havrisik-Green Bay Packers kicker (San Antonio Brahmas)
With Green Bay’s veteran kicker Brandon McManus back in the lineup, former San Antonio Brahmas kicker Lucas Havrisik was inactive for the third week in a row.
Next week, the 5-3-1 Packers will travel to New York to take on the struggling 2-8 Giants.
Bye Week Players:
KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver (USFL New Jersey Generals) Bye Week Players:
Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys kicker (USFL Birmingham Stallions)
Practice Squad Players:
Peter Bowden, Los Angeles Chargers LS (Michigan Panthers)
Former Michigan Panthers long snapper Peter Bowden was signed to the LA Chargers practice squad this month.
Jonathan Garvin, Chicago Bears DE (Birmingham Stallions)
Former Birmingham Stallions DE Jonathan Garvin was signed to the LA Chargers practice squad last month.
Brandon Smith, New York Jets wide receiver (D.C. Defenders)
Kohl Levao, New York Jets guard, (San Antonio Brahmas)
Liam Fornadel, New York Jets guard, (D.C. Defenders)
Check back here next week to find out who the standout spring players are in NFL Week 11.
