This past summer, we saw over 70 UFL players sign NFL contracts. Kicker Jake Bates and DT Jalen Redmond were two of the top athletes in the UFL this past year respectively, and both have made their way onto NFL 53 man rosters.
Two UFL players made their NFL teams initial 53-man roster today, Arlington Renegades DL Jalen Redmond & Michigan Panthers K Jake Bates.
📷: @TheUFL #UFL #NFL #Skol #OnePride pic.twitter.com/Bqgr2RM3Ja
— United Football Media (@The_UFM) August 28, 2024
Jake Bates: Detroit Lions
Jake Bates needs no introduction. He took the UFL by storm this year with the Michigan Panthers, knocking through a 64 yard game winning field goal in week one against St. Louis. He proceeded to be one of the most efficient kickers in the league, earning All-UFL honors in 2024.
A 64 YARD FIELD GOAL FOR THE WIN!!!! 🐾
(via @XFL2023)pic.twitter.com/Oeaz4KUqot
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) March 30, 2024
Bates signed with the Detroit Lions after his UFL campaign, sticking in Michigan. After what has been a productive preseason – which included a game winner in week two against Kansas City – Jake appears to be sticking around.
WE’VE SEEN THIS BEFORE!!!!!
JAKE BATES GAME WINNER 🙌 @jakebates30 @Lions pic.twitter.com/J5Rmub6N88
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) August 17, 2024
Jake Bates is one of the exact reasons why spring football exists. He came into the UFL with very little professional experience, but took full advantage of the opportunity – turning it into an NFL contract. We watched a star being born before our very eyes in the UFL, and not surprisingly, now has made his way to the top of the top.
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Jalen Redmond: Minnesota Vikings
One of the most underrated defenders in the UFL this year was DT Jalen Redmond, who had a tremendous year in Arlington before injury. In just four games, Jalen had 18 tackles, five TFL’s, and 4.5 sacks. He was tearing up the trenches weekly, but disappointingly only got to participate in four matchups.
That said, he did enough to earn an opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings. Redmond played quite well this preseason with Minnesota, impressing in their opener against Las Vegas – and maintaining that momentum throughout the proceeding weeks.
Former @XFLRenegades DT Jalen Redmond made an impressive #Vikings debut, posting 3 tackles – including a couple of clutch TFL’s. @jalen_redmond was a star for Arlington when healthy, dominating the #UFL (18 TKL/5 TFL/4.5 sacks in 4 games).
Spring football works, folks. pic.twitter.com/31cgnFfSLi
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 12, 2024
Jalen posted an impressive 79.3 Defensive Grade this preseason via PFF, posting six tackles and three quarterback hurries. At 25 years old, Redmond has plenty of years ahead of him in the professional scene. Without the platform that the UFL provided him with, who knows if this would have been possible.
You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Jake Bates and Jalen Redmond landing on NFL teams? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
