Every single week, we’re seeing the impact that UFL to NFL players have been having on the biggest stage football has to offer. This past weekend, it was no different – with a couple of debuts that impressed, from two defensive linemen who made their way to the NFL from the UFL.
#Broncos DE Dondrea Tillman (#92) had a TREMENDOUS debut on Sunday: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, & 2 TFL’s.@dondreatillman2 spent three years with the @USFLStallions, most recently leading the #UFL with a whopping 42 QB hurries.
Another spring athlete who earned his spot in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/Mze0azGJ6F
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 23, 2024
DE Dondrea Tillman, Broncos: Tillman finally got to make his NFL debut on Sunday, after spending three seasons with the Birmingham Stallions. Tillman did not disappoint, totaling three tackles, two sacks, and two TFL’s. He dominated in a big game for the Broncos, taking down the Buccaneers. Dondrea is someone who’s deserved an NFL opportunity for quite some time, and it’s incredible to see him making the most of his chance with the Broncos after staying patient for so long.
Dak. Turpin. My word.
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/63sVuqscKJ
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) September 22, 2024
WR KaVontae Turpin, Cowboys: The former USFL MVP made an impact this weekend – doing so mainly as a WR for Dallas. Turpin had three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown, bringing the Cowboys close late as they attempted a comeback against Baltimore. KaVontae has been getting more involved in the receiving game as of late, so we’ll have to see if that role for him continues to grow.
#Vikings DT Jalen Redmond officially recorded the first NFL sack of his career against the Texans.@jalen_redmond was a standout with the @XFLRenegades in the #UFL – & after an impressive preseason with Minnesota, is showcasing what he’s capable of at the highest level. pic.twitter.com/JHITPOzTcm
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) September 23, 2024
DT Jalen Redmond, Vikings: Jalen Redmond is another success story who made his debut this week with Minnesota. He was a standout with the Renegades prior to injury, and did enough to land an opportunity with the Vikings. Against Houston, Jalen posted a tackle and a sack, showcasing what he’s capable of in the NFL against a strong Texans team.
K Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys: Mr. “Aubreymatic” was at it again, hitting a 65 yard field goal against Baltimore. He only kicked three times, but made all three attempts. His 65 yarder set a franchise record for the Cowboys – and led to Tom Brady calling him the “Steph Curry” of kickers.
“He’s like the @StephenCurry30 of kickers. There’s no range that’s too far.@TomBrady is in awe of Brandon Aubrey after his 65 yard field goal. pic.twitter.com/5pY2GfbqrK
See also
— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024
DT Jeremiah Pharms, Patriots: The former Pittsburgh Mauler has continued to see consistent playing time with New England this year. Against the Jets on Thursday, Pharms notched two tackles.
DT LaBryan Ray, Panthers: LaBryan Ray, the former Philadelphia Star, had a big day for Carolina in their first win of the year. He totaled four tackles, a sack, and a TFL.
P Daniel Whelan, Packers: Whelan has provided the Packers with solid punting since his time as the All-XFL punter with the DC Defenders. In Green Bay’s win over the Titans, Whelan punted five times for 244 yards, with a long of 63 yards.
K Jake Bates, Lions: It was a pretty quiet day for Jake Bates, who made just two of his three XP attempts with the Lions in their win over Arizona. Bates did not attempt any field goals in this game.
DT Khalil Davis, Texans: Khalil Davis worked his way into a rotational role with Houston after spending a couple of years with the Birmingham Stallions. Davis posted a tackle this weekend in their loss to the Vikings.
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