From USFL to NFL: The 2023 Transition of Top USFL Talent
In a year marked by exceptional talent and thrilling gameplay, the United States Football League (USFL) has once again proven to be a fertile ground for the National Football League (NFL) to scout and sign promising players. The 2023 season saw a total of 28 USFL players making the leap to the NFL, showcasing their skills and determination to compete at the highest level.
Team Breakdowns:
The Birmingham Stallions led the pack with a whopping 14 players transitioning to the NFL. Not far behind were the Michigan Panthers, who saw seven of their players sign with NFL teams. The Houston Gamblers, Pittsburgh Maulers, Philadelphia Stars, Memphis Showboats, and New Jersey Generals also contributed to the impressive tally.
The Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers each welcomed three former USFL players, while teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Browns each signed two. In total, 18 NFL teams bolstered their rosters with USFL talent.
Spotlight on Notable Signings: A Deeper Dive
The transition from the USFL to the NFL is no small feat, and the players who make this leap are often among the most talented and dedicated in the sport. Let's delve deeper into the stories and stats of some of the most notable signings of 2023:
Alex McGough: This season in the USFL, he completed a league-high 67.4% of his passes for 2,104 yards, with 20 passing touchdowns (leading the league) and only five interceptions. His outstanding performances not only earned him the league MVP title but also led the Birmingham Stallions to their 2nd consecutive USFL championship. The Green Bay Packers, recognizing his potential, have signed him, anticipating that he will continue to grow and shine in the NFL.
Brandon Aubrey: The precision and consistency of Aubrey were on full display in the USFL. With a near-perfect record, making 14 of 15 field goals and all 35 PATs, he has proven himself to be a reliable asset under pressure. The Dallas Cowboys recognized his potential and made a strategic move by making the former soccer pro their sole kicker.
Davion Davis: Davis's agility and knack for finding openings have made him a key player for the Birmingham Stallions. With 575 receiving yards, he's demonstrated his ability to be a game-changer. The Arizona Cardinals have added a dynamic player to their roster.
Jace Sternberger: Sternberger's stats speak for themselves. With 517 yards receiving in the USFL season and ranking 4th in the league. His move to the Buffalo Bills is expected to add depth and versatility to their offensive lineup.
Deon Cain: Cain's performance in the USFL Championship game, where he caught four passes for 70 yards and three touchdowns, earned him the MVP title. His signing with the Philadelphia Eagles is anticipated to bring a fresh burst of energy and skill to the team's wide receiver corps.
CJ Marable: Marable's versatility is evident in his stats. Ranking second in the USFL in all-purpose yards in 2023 with 1,079, he's shown that he can be a multi-dimensional player, contributing both in rushing and receiving. The New England Patriots have secured a player who can be a valuable asset in various play scenarios.
Josh Pederson: Pederson's move to the Jacksonville Jaguars is not just a professional transition but also a personal one, as he joins a team coached by his father, Doug Pederson. With 24 catches for 325 yards in the USFL, he's demonstrated his potential as a tight end.
Trey Quinn: Quinn's college stats, where he led the country in catches, set the stage for his professional career. His recent performance with the Michigan Panthers, where he caught 37 passes for 438 yards and four touchdowns, has solidified his reputation. The Detroit Lions have added a player with a proven track record and immense potential.
Breeland Speaks: Speaks's defensive capabilities were on full display in the USFL, where he led the league in sacks. His aggressive playstyle and ability to read the game make him a valuable asset, and his signing is expected to bolster the defensive lineup of the San Fransisco 49ers.
Frank Ginda: Ginda's accolades, including being named the 2023 USFL Defensive Player of the Year, highlight his dominance on the field. Leading the USFL in tackles and winning the Defensive Player of the Week title four times, he's a player who consistently delivers. His move to the Atlanta Falcons could be the catalyst for a breakout season in the NFL.
Summary: USFL to NFL - The 2023 Transition Roster
Here's a concise list of all the notable signings, along with their respective positions and the NFL teams they've been signed to:
Birmingham Stallions:
Brandon Aubrey - Kicker (K) - Dallas Cowboys
Alex McGough - Quarterback (QB) - Green Bay Packers
Austin Watkins - Wide Receiver (WR) - Cleveland Browns
Davion Davis - Wide Receiver (WR) - Arizona Cardinals
Jace Sternberger - Tight End (TE) - Buffalo Bills
Deon Cain - Wide Receiver (WR) - Philadelphia Eagles
Lorenzo Burns - Defensive Back (DB) - Cleveland Browns
Cole Schneider - Center (C) - Green Bay Packers
LaMichael Pettway - Tight End (TE) - Indianapolis Colts
Khalil Davis - Defensive Tackle (DT) - Houston Texans
Colby Wadman - Punter (P) - Washington Commanders
Matt Kaskey - Tackle (T) - Los Angeles Chargers
Nate Brooks - Cornerback (CB) - San Francisco 49ers
CJ Marable - Running Back (RB) - New England Patriots
Houston Gamblers:
Josh Pederson - Tight End (TE) - Jacksonville Jaguars
Michigan Panthers:
Kaden Davis - Wide Receiver (WR) - Arizona Cardinals
Levi Bell - Defensive Lineman (DL) - Seattle Seahawks
Josh Butler - Cornerback (CB) - Dallas Cowboys
Trey Quinn - Wide Receiver (WR) - Detroit Lions
Stevie Scott - Running Back (RB) - Arizona Cardinals
Breeland Speaks - Defensive End (DE) - San Francisco 49ers
Frank Ginda - Linebacker (LB) - Atlanta Falcons
Pittsburgh Maulers:
Kyahva Tezino - Linebacker (LB) - San Francisco 49ers
Mark Gilbert - Cornerback (CB) - Miami Dolphins
Philadelphia Stars:
LaBryan Ray - Defensive Lineman (DL) - Carolina Panthers
Memphis Showboats:
Daniel Helm - Tight End (TE) - Detroit Lions
Jordan Ferguson - Defensive End (DE) - Seattle Seahawks
New Jersey Generals:
Micah Vanterpool - Offensive Lineman (OL) - New England Patriots
This is a great write up. Congratulations to all of the guys who were promoted!
On another note Alex McGough is JACKED!