A Review of Spring League QBs in the NFL

by Patrick Rifino

The USFL is coming back in less than sixty days, and with that being said some new QBs will once again have a chance to showcase their skills in front of live competition. These reps against higher caliber players will not help them possibly extend their professional careers, but could also help them solidify the existence of the USFL and allow it to place the league in high esteem with not only fans but also investors and networks. That all starts with solid quarterback play and in alternative football leagues have been hit or miss when it comes to the most important position on the field. That being said, seven quarterbacks were able to make and maintain roles on NFL teams.

Washington Football Team - Garrett Gilbert 

The most prolific passer in the AAF cut his teeth last year with the Dallas Cowboys playing valiantly in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. After getting cut by the Cowboys at the conclusion of the 2021 training camp, Gilbert was able to sign with the Patriots until the COVID bug hit the Washington Football Team. With Kyle Allen, and Taylor Heinicke both sidelined due to the virus, Gilbert was able to step in and start over Kyle Shurmur on less than a week’s notice. Despite losing against the Eagles, in his lone start of 2021 Gilbert continued to show he is a capable player in the NFL and should continue to garner work in 2022.

Baltimore Ravens - Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson has played for almost half of the NFL and may have another opportunity to play for a couple more. The 35-year-old journeyman quarterback is now stranger to alternative leagues after having stints with the UFL, AAF, and XFL. Due to injuries, COVID Johnson played in four games in 2021 and despite losing his only start, threw five touchdowns to two interceptions. Due to Johnson’s experience and recent success in 2021 he will most likely find himself employed for one more year in the NFL. Maybe we will see him in the XFL in 2023? Who knows.

Chicago Bears - Ryan Willis

Many might not know about Ryan Willis as he was a late season pick up by the Chicago bears in 2021. After going undrafted in 2020, a Spring League championship win garnered him some credibility as a professional quarterback. With Andy Dalton and Justin Fields sidelined, Willis was signed to the practice squad to back up Nick Foles in December. The Bears must have liked Willis enough to re-sign him as he will break into camp in 2022 with them vying for a roster spot.

Carolina Panthers - PJ Walker

The former XFL star has never lost a professional game in his career going 7-0 between his time in the XFL and NFL. Though his NFL experience doesn’t live up to his stats in the XFL Walker once again filled in and played well enough to lead the Panthers to a victory in 2021. With the Quarterback room in Carolina in complete disarray the Panthers resigned Walker to come back and compete with Sam Darnold to hopefully bring some stability to a franchise seeking their first playoff appearance since 2017.

LA Rams - John Wolford

The former Hotshot QB made waves in the AAF winning the player of the week twice before the league folded. Wolford did not play much in 2021 but the recent super bowl champ has solidified himself as a solid backup QB with his win in 2020 during his lone regular season start. With the Rams getting ready to run it back in 2022, Wolford seems to have created a niche for himself in the QB room that may need some administrative help with Offensive Coordinator going to Minnesota to coach the Vikings.

Tennessee Titans - Logan Woodside

Woodside made waves as the AAF’s San Antonio Commanders. The Titans have tried to replace him with Matt Barkley, Trevor Siemien and Cole McDonald since opting to let Marcus Maritoa leave for Oakland but Woodside has continued to outlast them both. With 2022 on the forefront and Woodside a free agent his NFL future may remain in question however, it looks like he definitely has an opportunity to continue to play in the NFL.

Washington Football Team - Taylor Heinicke 

After going toe to toe with Tom Brady during the 2020 playoffs, Heinicke was brought back and beat out Kyle Allen for the QB2 job behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. The former XFL Battlehawk would play admirably throughout 2021 but ultimately did not have enough magic to get the WFT to the playoffs for the second straight year. Heinicke is signed with Washington for 2022 and may be in the mix to open week one as QB1 possibly. Not bad for Jordan Ta’amu’s backup.  

BONUS- Philadelphia Eagles - Tyree Jackson

Though technically not a QB anymore Tyree Jackson was Cardale Jones’s back up for the DC Defenders in 2020. After failing to get picked up during the 2020 season, Jackson would get signed by the Eagles as tight end and would catch his first touchdown in Week 18 of 2021, before tearing his ACL later that game. 

Could Bryan Scott be a USFL Savior?

by Patrick Rifino

Every league needs a face. When the XFL started for the second time, Landry Jones was reunited with Bob Stoops and the league brought in former National Champion Cardale Jones to show the legitimacy of their product. So with the USFL re-boot less than 90 days away from kickoff, is it possible Bryan Scott could be a figurehead to lead the USFL?

Bryan Scott has a connection to the league already. With Bart Andrus being named the Head Coach of the Philadelphia Stars could he look to bring in his former Quarterback? Scott and Andrus have a great relationship it seems already. Scott has praised playing for Coach Andrus as the duo won a championship in 2020 with the Spring League Generals. Scott also has shown his own prowess by winning two Spring League MVPs in 2018 and 2020. 

With Brian Woods serving as the President of the USFL could he also view Bryan Scott as a top candidate to lead the league in 2022? Woods was the founder and CEO of The Spring League, and could also lean on his former MVP for stability and consistency and as many people have seen with these spring leagues familiar faces often come around during the start-up phase. 

Per his social media accounts, Scott remains active and seems like he wants to play professional football in 2022. Since graduating from Occidental College in 2016, Scott has been an extremely busy man. He’s been in camp with the Rams, Chiefs, Falcons, and as recent as 2021 had a workout with the Indianapolis Colts. He’s Obviously shown he still wants to continue his professional career, especially after his cup of tea in the NFL and Two quick stints in the CFL with the BC Lions, and Elks/Eskimos. 

Scott’s connection to the leadership of the USFL is definitely something to keep an eye out for. Between his history and success in the Brian Wood’s Spring League along with the familiarity of a Bart Andrus system, Bryan Scott could be an extremely important piece of the USFL puzzle. In a league that seems to be yielding a lot of players with spring league experience, wouldn’t it make sense to bring on the Two time MVP?

Scott has continued to impress amongst his peers as well. After outplaying SEC legends Zach Mettenberger and Johnny Manziel, both Quarterbacks praised the small school pro-hopeful, in which many took notice when he threw five touchdowns against Manziel. 

Scott’s talent is obviously there, and his ability to improvise and make “NFL ready” throws is what allows teams to continue to try him out and why he continues to get calls from other leagues. With Andrus at the helm for the Stars and Woods running the league, it only seems like a matter of time before we see Bryan Scott taking snaps at a professional level. 

Either way, The “Aaron Rodgers of the Division-III” has continued to impress no matter what level he’s been at. While the reboot of the USFL has many challenges that it will surely face in less than 90 days, with Bryan Scott leading one of their franchises one thing for sure is inadequate Quarterback play will not be one of them, 

10 USFL Greats Who Went to an NFL Pro Bowl

by Patrick Rifino

What’s old is new again with the announcement of the USFL’s rebirth, or relaunch depending on how you look at it. In 1983 the USFL began its inaugural season, 39 years later they are once again attempting a comeback this spring, in April 2022. Although the USFL will be playing in a HUB/Bubble for its first season in Birmingham, Alabama, the idea of the USFL returning has brought back a way of nostalgia for new and old fans of the USFL alike! The 8 currently announced USFL teams playing in the inaugural “bubble” season in Birmingham are the Michigan Panthers, New Jersey Generals, Philadelphia Stars and Pittsburg Maulers in the “North” division and the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Gamblers, New Orleans Breakers and Tampa Bay Bandits comprising the “South” division. The initial plan includes an eight-team 10-week season with two additional playoff rounds and then a final championship game (the title of which hasn’t been announced yet) from April 15 through July 3, 2022, with the broadcast proposal as follows: 25% on FOX, 25% on NBC, 25% FS1 and 25% on USA. In honor of this week’s announcement of the USFL draft pool coming shortly, here are Ten former USFL Players that went on to become NFL pro bowlers.

**Disclaimer players would have to spend their first professional in the USFL before the NFL**

Jim Kelly

Originally recruited to play Linebacker at Penn State, Jim Kelly would go to the University of Miami and eventually get drafted by the Bills in the 1st round. Due to his disdain for cold weather and some luck and convincing by Bruce Allen, Kelly would join the Houston Gamblers and become a USFL MVP. Upon the folding of the league in 1986, Kelly would join the Bills and go to five pro bowls and four super bowl appearances before being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2002.

Steve Young

Before taking his talents to San Francisco, Steve Young spent a couple years in L.A. Playing for the express in 84 and 85. Young didn’t wow many people like Jim Kelly did but was impressive due to his athletic ability which included lining up at running back several times due to injuries. Young would eventually join the Buccaneers and after several less than stellar seasons in Tampa Bay followed by a couple years backing up Joe Montana, Steve Young would find success in his own right. Young would win two NFL MVPs, three Super Bowls (2 as a backup), and would be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005.

Reggie White

Aftering leaving the university of Tennessee Reggie White jumped at an opportunity to play in his home state. The Memphis Showboats would have Reggie for thirty six games in which he’d rack up 23.5 sacks. Upon the folding of the league White would have his USFL contract picked up by the Eagles before signing with the Packers in 1993. After spending one more year with the Panthers in 2000 White would retire with a Super Bowl Ring, thirteen Pro Bowls and two DPOY awards. Sadly, Reggie White passed away in 2004 and was posthumously inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.

Mike Roizer

Mike Roizer was one of three Heisman winners to make their professional debuts in the USFL. Roizer would join the Pittsburgh Maulers and Jacksonville Bulls for two seasons before joining the Houston Oilers in the fall of 1985. Roizer would then add two Pro Bowls to his career before retiring in 1991.

Hershel Walker

Before he was running for senate, Herschel Walker was running up and down USFL defenses. Walker would join the New Jersey Generals in 1983, and even won the USFL MVP in 1985. Walker’s addition to the USFL helped legitimize the league as the former Heismen winner was a bonafide star who many consider one of the greatest collegiate players of all time. Walker would earn two Pro Bowl selections and even participated in the winter olympics in 1992. Walker would retire in 1997 with the Cowboys amassing over 18,000 all purpose yards and 84 career touchdowns.

Doug Flutie

The 5’9 Heisman Winner was viewed as an extremely attractive candidate to the USFL during its final year. With the need for a boost due to its goal of competing with the NFL Flutie provided much hype with his pedigree. However, Flutie was not able to play effectively and eventually joined the NFL in 1986, only to put together a CFL Hall of Fame career. Flutie would continue to find success in the NFL earning a Pro Bowl selection and Comeback Player of the Year in 1998.

Sean Landeta

Viewed as one of the greatest punters of all time, the UDFA out of Towson University began his career with the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars. Upon the league folding in 1985, Landeta would join the Giants and be selected to two Pro Bowls, and three All-Pro teams. Landeta would also be a part of two NY Giants Super Bowl teams, in addition to his two USFL championships. Upon his retirement in 2006 Landeta was the last active player in the NFL to play in the USFL.

Gary Zimmerman

The 2008 Hall of Fame inductee may be famous for being a part of the 1997 Denver Broncos super bowl team, but Gary Zimmerman began his career with the LA Express playing with Steve Young. Zimmerman would go on to be selected to two All-USFL teams, before joining the Vikings in 1986. Throughout his twelve year career, Zimmerman would earn seven Pro Bowl selections, and five All-Pro teams.

Kent Hull

Joining the Bills with former USFL alumnus Jim Kelly, Kent Hull left the New Jersey Generals in 1985 to play guard for Marv Levy for 11 seasons. Hull would be a part of the Bills team’s that would go on to win four AFC Championships straight. Before retiring in 1996, Hull would earn three Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro teams (two 1st team, two 2nd team). Hull would pass away in 2011 due to complications from Liver Disease. 

Kicking off in April, the USFL 2.0 looks to carry the momentum and goodwill of their past fans, while also build a new and loyal fanbase in younger fans who are interested in spring and alternate football outside of the NFL. Will the new USFL owned by FOX Sports under the direction of Brian Woods, former CEO of The Spring League, only time will tell. It’s an exciting time and 2022/2023 is shaping up to be the most exciting time YET for spring football fans!