It’s been a diverse and arduous for Breeland Speaks. Once 2nd round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs, Speaks underwhelmed and dealt with injuries, and suspensions before being regulated to the practice squads of the Raiders, Cowboys and Bills. It wasn’t until December 22nd of 2022, when Speaks’ football career was given another opportunity, and made the most of it.

Speaks in his USFL debut put on a clinic for not only the Panthers but the league overall. The Ole Miss product put together a dynamic performance totaling 3 sacks, 7 tackles, and 1 Force Fumble for the Panthers, helping Michigan pave the way to a 1-0 start for the 2023 season.

The Panthers Defense totaled 4 sacks, and 3 TFL’s in the unit’s 2023 opener. Led by new Defensive Coordinator Steve Brown, in addition to multiple new faces like Speaks, the 2023 Panthers defense is primed to because one of the league’s most elite front sevens, and will be put to the test in week 2 against the soaring Philadelphia Stars.