This past May I dove into the success of the UFL/XFL/USFL specialist which has amassed over 50 Million Dollars collectively and could amass another 12 million dollars in 2025. While specialist have been extremely dominant the past several years, spring football’s defensive line classes have continued to grow and wreck havoc especially since 2022.
Right now the UFL has seen 10 Defensive Linemen earn NFL contracts accounting for over 20% of the contracts earned by UFL players this season (2025). In 2024, Jalen Redmond, Josiah Bronson, Dondrea Tillman, Jonathan Garvin, Wyatt Ray, and Jalen Dalton all earned NFL paychecks continuing the success of their predecessors. For years the Defensive Line classes have not only earned NFL paychecks but also earned playing time leaving their impact on the game.
In 2019, the AAF saw seven Defensive Linemen earn paychecks specifically Mike Purcell who went from rotational-fringe player to starter and earning over 13 million dollars after his time in the AAF. The AAF class also had Alex Barrett who up until May of 2025 was rostered with the San Francisco 49ers. Overall, the AAF saw over $17,500,000 of income earned.
In 2020, the XFL 2020 didn’t see the same amount of success of but did have Edmond Robinson earn over 1.2 million dollars and appear in 16 games between 2020 and 2021. Only Four players earned NFL paychecks in this class with several returning to spring football after their time in the NFL.
The 2022 USFL class continues to have a footprint in the NFL with Domenique Davis, and Jeremiah Pharms still on NFL rosters. The class also T.J. Carter earn playing time before returning back to the Michigan Panthers. The class could of earned more if 2022 DPOY Chris Odom didn’t land on Injured Reserve with a torn ACL. While Domenique Davis continues to be a fringe NFL player, Jeremiah Pharms has continued to earn more playing time as he continues to be a key cog in the Patriots Defense. The class has earned over 3.5 million dollars and counting.
With the return of the XFL and the USFL continuing into its second season the league had double the opportunities with both leagues sending over 100 players to the NFL. The USFL’s 2023 class saw Levi Bell, Khalil Davis, and Labryan Ray make NFL rosters. Davis and Ray spent a decent amount time on NFL rosters, with Ray playing a big role in the Panthers defense. While Bell’s football career may be complete, and Davis’ recent retirement Ray continues to have a strong hold on his roster spot in 2025. The class has earned about 5 million dollars with Ray continuing to add to this total.
The XFL 2023 has earned 3.8 million dollars, so far with Bruce Hector, Jack Heflin, CJ Brewer, and Lacale London still rostered on NFL teams. While the 2023 XFL hasn’t wowed compared to maybe others the class has created an opportunity for London, and Brewer specifically who have appeared in multiple games for their teams.
In my opinion, the 2024 class could grow into double digits and rival the 2019 AAF class in earnings. Currently the class has earned over 2 million dollars and should see the careers of Dondrea Tillman and Jalen Redmond blossom. Both Tillman and Redmond have carved roles as starters with the Broncos, and Vikings. The class also has Jonathan Garvin rostered with the 49ers currently who could add to those totals.
With 33 million dollars earned since 2019, and multiple players from the 2025 class in position to push for a roster spot, the Defensive Line position should continue to earn more. With players like Garrett Nelson, and Perrion Winfrey making waves in camp it’s evident that the league has found multiple success stories in this position group.
