Every week, we’re seeing the impact that UFL to NFL athletes are having on the biggest stage. Whether it’s players who participated in the USFL or XFL years ago – or those who were a part of the UFL in 2024 – many are leaving their mark.
DT Khalil Davis, Texans: Davis was a part of the Birmingham Stallions Championship team in 2023, signing with the Texans following the USFL season. Khalil has seen quite a bit of action in Houston since, and had an excellent day for the organization this Sunday. Davis posted two tackles, two TFL’s, and a sack in Houston’s win.
DT Khalil Davis continues to make make an impact for this #Texans team
Set tone early defensively, helped kill Bills drive on 2nd def series
– stuffed the run 1 yd TFL
– sacks Josh Allen on 2nd & 9Bills ultimately settled for a 38 yd FG. pic.twitter.com/tlyMoojFXu
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) October 7, 2024
WR KaVontae Turpin, Cowboys: The former USFL MVP in 2022 continues to shine in Dallas whenever his name is called upon. Turpin had four catches for 50 yards in the Cowboys win over Pittsburgh, also returning a kick for 38 yards.
RB Aaron Shampklin, Steelers: Shampklin spent some time with the Houston Gamblers in 2023, and has since been on and off some NFL teams. He was picked up by Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago – and made a difference on special teams with four returns for 101 yards. Additionally, he had four carries for 14 yards.
Aaron Shampklin went from substitute teacher to Steelers running back 👀@L__Snipe pic.twitter.com/IQRZ85kHxr
— theScore (@theScore) October 6, 2024
K Brandon Aubrey, Cowboys: Brandon Aubrey was effective once again for Dallas, making two of his three field goal attempts, with a long of 55 yards. Aubrey’s had a couple of misses as of late, but the conditions this Sunday night weren’t ideal in Pittsburgh by any means.
Some other noteworthy performers include Green Bay Packers punter, Daniel Whelan. The former All-XFL punter for the DC Defenders had five punts for 186 yards, having started with the Packers for two seasons now. Additionally, former Gamblers’ safety Micah Abernathy, and former Stars DT LaBryan Ray posted a tackle of their own for the Falcons and Panthers respectively.
You can stay up to date on all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on these UFL to NFL athletes making an impact for their teams? Which UFL players need an NFL opportunity? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
