It’s been a wild week for UFL to NFL signings across the board. On Wednesday, two more Houston Gamblers made their way up the ladder. DT Israel Antwine and DE Jah Joyner were acquired by the Broncos and 49ers respectively, following workouts.
DT Israel Antwine | Denver
It’s a pretty awesome story for Israel Antwine, getting another opportunity in the NFL. He was an UDFA signing by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2022, landing on their practice squad for a short time.
Antwine then took his talents to indoor football, where he starred with the Pirates. This put him back on the map of professional teams, and he found himself recruited by Houston Roughnecks Head Coach C.J. Johnson to the UFL.
Antwine has since spent the last two seasons in spring football as a quality rotational piece for Houston. He hasn’t been the primary starter, but has posted some impressive numbers across that span. This past season, Israel boasted a strong 73.2 Defensive Grade via PFF, amassing 20 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures, and six defensive stops.
Denver has found gold up front in spring football before. They’ve rostered Stallions DE Dondrea Tillman the last two years. While Antwine doesn’t have a long runway to prove himself, being on an NFL team alone is an outstanding achievement – and more proof that spring football works.
DE Jah Joyner | San Francisco
According to Aaron Wilson, the San Francisco 49ers are signing Houston Gamblers DE Jah Joyner. Joyner has seen a few workouts over the past couple months, and now lands with an organization that is known to target UFL defensive ends (i.e. Jonathan Garvin, Jaylon Allen).
Jah had a rather unique stint in the UFL this year. While originally a member of the Dallas Renegades, he was cut – and then immediately picked up off of waivers by the Houston Gamblers.
Joyner started in eight of 10 games played, with an incredible 85.1 Defensive Grade to his name, via PFF. Joyner totaled 35 tackles, 18 quarterback pressures, a sack, and 17 defensive stops.
Jah was an UDFA signing by the Raiders in 2025. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher had an impressive collegiate career, with 14.5 sacks across his final two seasons alone.
These signings are just another testament to what the UFL platform stands for: giving athletes another chance to chase their dreams. You can stay up to date with all UFL to NFL movement with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Jah Joyner and Israel Antwine signing NFL deals? Which Gamblers player should be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
