On Thursday night, the NFL’s preseason officially kicked off. The Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals faced off at the Pro Football Hall of Fame In Canton, Ohio – in what ended up being a shootout between two teams with plenty to prove.
Amidst the action was another underlying storyline: former UFL athletes getting a shot in the NFL. There were five players active in this game, who played in the United Football League during the 2026 season.
The Carolina Panthers roster four UFL alumni, three of which saw action in this NFL preseason opener. Notably, UFL Defensive Player of the Year, Cam Gill, was in rhythm. He’s fresh off a stellar campaign with the Louisville Kings, posting five tackles in the night – tied for second place on the entire team.
Former Houston Gamblers DT Kyon Barrs was active as well, notching one tackle on the night. Late in the game, we also saw Stallions WR Elijah Cooks take the field. He was targeted in the end zone by Haynes King, but the ball was just out of his reach, resulting in an incompletion. Elijah had zero receptions on three targets. Aviators WR Roc Taylor did not record any stats.
Arizona only had one UFL player: Gamblers CB Quinton Newsome. He took to the gridiron in the second half, and did not disappoint. On one of his first snaps from scrimmage, Newsome forced a textbook fumble, resulting in a turnover for the Cardinals.
Newsome finished the night with two tackles and a forced fumble. Across the board, the United Football League was represented at the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Game – something we absolutely love to see.
You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
Did you enjoy watching the UFL players compete in this matchup? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
