Guess who’s back, back again…again. Linebacker Frank Ginda has re-signed to the Michigan Panthers, for the second time over the past few months.
The reigning DPOY is back where he belongs.
Welcome back to Michigan, @frankginda05!#UFL #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/B6sE49XhRB
— Panthers Shadow (@UFLShadow) February 15, 2024
Frank Ginda is fresh off an NFL stint with the Atlanta Falcons, as he was signed to the practice squad midway through the NFL season. Ginda had originally signed with the team during the preseason, but was cut in late August.
In the final game of the preseason, Ginda led the Falcons with ten tackles, despite playing in just two quarters of action.
LB Frank Ginda led the Atlanta Falcons entire team tonight with 10 total tackles.
The former #USFL Defensive Player of the Year with the @USFLPanthers, @frankginda05 has made the most of his NFL opportunity with the Falcons. You absolutely love to see it. pic.twitter.com/FRgeH8Ygsd
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 25, 2023
Unfortunately, the Falcons went in a different direction, releasing Frank before the regular season began. They eventually brought him back – and he held out for a futures deal up until yesterday.
Frank Ginda’s return to the Michigan Panthers is excellent news for the Michigan Panthers franchise. He’s been a key piece for the team, as Ginda has been one of the top players in the USFL the last two seasons.
Lets go, @frankginda05 with the pick! 😤
🎥: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/PBiyu70d4T
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 13, 2023
During the 2022 season, Frank notched 90 tackles and a sack, serving as a consistent piece to a team that struggled with a 2-8 record.
In 2023, Frank Ginda built upon his impressive campaign, ultimately earning USFL defensive player of the year honors. He posted 104 tackles, four TFL, three interceptions, and a sack en route to a postseason berth with Michigan.
Fake punt fails for the #Maulers. Great awareness there from Frank Ginda sniffing out the trickery and making a big defensive play for the #Panthers.#MICHvsPIT | #USFL2023pic.twitter.com/c29lf9FACJ
— USFL Center (@USFLCenter) June 25, 2023
Now, he is locked back into the Michigan Panthers roster for the 2024 UFL season. This time, he likely won’t be going anywhere. The leader of the defense is back, ready to bring more quality play to the field this year.
Despite yesterday's loss, LB Frank Ginda led the team with 11 tackles, 2 TFL, & a tide-turning INT. With how consistent @frankginda05 has been this #USFL season, I'd be shocked if he doesn't get an NFL look.
HC Mike Nolan calls him an "intelligent football player" (📽️: @USFL): pic.twitter.com/DDI409Rsac
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 5, 2023
Final Thoughts
General Manager Steve Kazor and HC Mike Nolan clearly were leaving a spot on the roster for Ginda to re-sign. At the Panthers’ town hall this past weekend, Nolan indicated that they were getting closer to making things official.
On Saturday, Mike Nolan did say that reigning USFL DPOY, Frank Ginda, does plan to re-sign with the Panthers for 2024 if he isn't offered a futures deal with an NFL team.#UFL #LetsHunt
— Panthers Shadow (@UFLShadow) February 12, 2024
Now with 73 of their 75 roster spots filled, the Panthers will be able to make a couple more moves before training camp begins.
What are your thoughts on the Michigan Panthers re-signing Frank Ginda? Which UFL prospects should they pursue next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
