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.
See also
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…