Ranking The 11 USFL Players who debuted in the NFL Season
by Pat Rifino
The USFL saw 57 players earn NFL contracts in the 2022 season. Of those 57 at some point 28 of those players earned an NFL paycheck whether it be on the active roster, injured reserve, or practice squad. Despite the success of transitioning players to the NFL, only eleven appeared in NFL games headlined by pro bowler KaVontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys
1. KaVontae Turpin Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Dallas Cowboys
Turpin burst into the NFL after spending 2021 and 2022 playing non-stop football. The long journey of Turpin started in the TSL, ELF, FCF, and USFL before finally earning a 3-Year contract with the Cowboys in early July. En route to his Pro Bowl season Turpin totaled 834 All-Purpose Yards becoming a game-changer for the previously anemic Dallas Cowboys Special Teams Unit.
2. Domenique Davis Defensive Tackle Cincinnati Bengals
I honestly thought Davis would garner more playing time in 2022, however despite appearing in two games he had an immediate impact. Davis totaled Four Tackles in 2022 and was signed to a Futures Deal by the Bengals on January 31st.
3. Tae Hayes Cornerback Carolina Panthers/New England Patriots
Hayes left the Birmingham Stallions and joined the Carolina Panthers upon completion of the 2022 USFL season. After joining the Panther’s practice squad he’d go back and forth between the practice squad and active roster appearing 5 games for the Panthers. After getting signed to the Patriot’s active roster in December he’d appear in the Pat’s final 2 games, totaling six tackles for the 2022 season.
4. Maurice Alexander Wide Receiver/Kick Returner Detroit Lions
Alexander was signed to the Lions practice squad after being cut by the team after training camp. Like many USFL players, he’d go back and forth between the Lions practice squad and active roster appearing in four games during the month of October. He’d total 146 return yards and recorded one reception for seven yards during the 2022 season. He was signed to a futures deal by the Lions in January of 2023.
5. Taylor Bertolet Kicker Carolina Panthers/San Diego Chargers
Bertolet was bouncing around between leagues, and NFL teams before doing a cameo for the Carolina Panthers in September of 2022. He’d then sign with the Chargers appearing in two games making his NFL debut after 8 seasons of trying to make it to the NFL. He’d go 6/6 on extra points and 3/3 on Field Goals before an injury landed him on the practice squad injured reserve.
6. Mitch Fraboni Long Snapper Denver Broncos
Fraboni was a mid-season addition by the Broncos due to an injury to Jacob Bobenmeyer. He’d appear in four games totaling 5 tackles throughout his stint with the Broncos before an injury landed him on IR in November.
7. TJ Carter Defensive Lineman Los Angeles Rams
Carter was signed by the Saints after the 2022 USFL season, only to be cut midway through training camp. He’d get picked up by the Rams and was signed to the practice squad after final cuts. Carter would be elevated twice in December, appearing in two games and recording 1 tackle. Carter was signed to a futures contract in January of 2023.
8. Tucker Addington Long Snapper Dallas Cowboys/New England Patriots
Addington was signed in mid-October by the Cowboys to compete with UFL alum Matt Overton due to an injury to Jake McQuaide. After resigning with the Houston Gamblers, and an injury to Joe Cardona, Addington was signed to the Patriots Practice Squad, and then Signed to the Active Roster for the Patriot’s final three games of the season.
9. Micah Abernathy Defensive Back Green Bay Packers/Atlanta Falcons
Abernathy actually made the Packer’s initial 53-man roster, before being released and signed to the Packer’s practice squad. He’d appear in two games for the Packers recording a tackle in Week 13. He’d get signed to the Falcons Active Roster for the final weeks of the 2022 NFL season, only to remain inactive and not appear in any games for the Falcons in 2022.
10. DeMarquis Gates Linebacker Chicago Bears
Gates was a stalwart on the Birmingham Stallions Championship team, who was signed by the Chicago Bears for the 2022 NFL training camp. An Alt-Football fixture, Gates has bounced between the AAF, XFL 2.0, CFL, and USFL before getting his shot at the NFL. Gates appeared in three NFL games for the Bears recording one tackle and ending the season on the Bear’s Active Roster.
11. Ramiz Ahmed Kicker Green Bay Packers
Due to Mason Crosby nursing injuries, Ahmed was signed to the Packers practice squad spending the whole 2022 season with the team. He’d be elevated twice through the season appearing in one game in November and recording a tackle on six kickoffs. Ahmed would be elevated a second time, only to injure himself in warm-ups.
