Not surprisingly, another Michigan Panthers athlete is headed to the NFL. QB EJ Perry has officially signed with the Houston Texans, joining the team midway through preseason.
Sources: #Texans signing @USFLPanthers quarterback E.J. Perry, who was previously with them this offseason, has also played for #Jaguars. @BrownUniversity @ShrineBowl @KPRC2 https://t.co/2MUhwgHpSw
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 13, 2023
Perry was sensational in the USFL this season. He only played two games, but accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. In week seven, the Michigan Panthers cut QB Eric Barriere. They quickly brought in EJ Perry, but most assumed that he’d be the third stringer through the rest of the season.
This was not the case. Ahead of a do or die matchup against Philadelphia in week ten, HC Mike Nolan decided to hand the reins to Perry.
EJ PERRY. TOUCHDOWN. MICHIGAN LEADS. FORD FIELD IS ELECTRIC. pic.twitter.com/EInFZvi2BE
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 19, 2023
EJ was fantastic, leading a double digit comeback in the second half to push Michigan to the playoffs. His efforts through the air and on the ground were impressive, considering how new he was to Eric Marty’s system.
EJ PERRY. An absolute bomb to Marcus Simms, and the @USFLPanthers take the lead! What a scene in Canton. #USFLpic.twitter.com/lnj8oBXiaJ
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 25, 2023
In the postseason, EJ Perry gave it his all. He threw for 370 yards – a USFL playoffs record – and nearly willed Michigan to victory by himself. A bitter overtime loss ultimately sent the team home, but it wasn’t before EJ had shown the entire nation what he was made of.
Despite the loss last night, EJ Perry gave it everything he had:
23/38 (60.5%)
370 passing yards
9.7 YPA
3 total TDHeck of a performance from Perry, in just his second start for the @USFLPanthers. One of the greatest spring football stat lines we've seen from a QB. #USFL pic.twitter.com/lcfqNuewMj
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 25, 2023
EJ Perry is no stranger to the NFL. He had a stint last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and performed well during preseason.
After such a strong USFL outing, Perry now gets to chase his NFL dreams with the Houston Texans.
Final Thoughts
The Michigan Panthers have sent eight players to the NFL, including:
RB Stevie Scott (Arizona)
WR Kaden Davis (Arizona)
WR Trey Quinn (Detroit)
DE Breeland Speaks (San Francisco)
DE Levi Bell (Seattle)
LB Frank Ginda (Atlanta)
DB Josh Butler (Dallas)
Had it not been for the platform – and the national exposure – that the USFL provided him with, who knows if this opportunity would have come along.
You can stay up to date on all these USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on EJ Perry signing with the Texans? Which USFL player will be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
