The Panthers are off to an amazing start in the 2023 season. After having their way with the Gamblers in week 1, Michigan traveled to Canton, Ohio to take on the Philadelphia Stars who beat them twice in 2022. Despite wet conditions Michigan defeated the Stars 24-10, with their Defense being led by the always dependable Frank Ginda who spearheaded his way to Defensive Player of the Week honors. Ginda becomes the 3rd Panther to win the award this season.
Ginda’s production should come to no surprise for those following the league. In 2022, Ginda finished second in the USFL with 90 Tackles, 10 TFL’s, 2 Sacks, and 1 Force Fumbled. During their week 2 win against the Stars, Ginda totaled 10 Tackles, 1 Interception, and 1 Pass Deflection. Ginda through two weeks is now 3rd in the league in tackles with 17, behind Chris Orr and Kyahva Tezino.
The 6th Year Pro has continued to make a name for himself, as one of USFL’s more dynamic tackling machines. Ginda while at San Jose State earned 1st Team All-Mountain West honors, while also leading the NCAA in tackles in 2017. Since becoming a UDFA in 2018, Ginda has also spent time with the Cardinals, Dolphins, San Diego Fleet (AAF), Saints, New York Guardians (XFL 2.0), before being drafted by the Michigan Panthers in the 30th round of the 2022 USFL draft.
With back-to-back player of the week awards earned by Panthers Defensive players, the Michigan Defense looks vastly improved since the 2022 season. Michigan’s Defense ranks in the top 3 in several categories this season under the leadership of newly hired Defensive Coordinator Steve Brown, and his staff. With the Panthers on the field being led by Ginda and company, Michigan’s defense has shown the USFL to not sleep on the Panthers in 2023.
