The first USFL player to join the Showboats since their name change has come to fruition. Justin Stockton, a veteran of many football leagues makes his way to the Memphis for the first time in his football career, this time joining the Showboats. Stockton will now be taking part in his Sixth Professional League in his career.
Stockton played four years at Texas Tech, playing with NFL Quarterbacks Davis Webb, Pat Mahomes and Nic Shimonek. After Four years at Tech totaling over 2,700 all-purpose yards, and 24 touchdowns in school. Despite a successful collegiate career Stockton spent 2018 with the Lions and Seahawks before joining the AAF’s Hotshots for the 2019 spring season.
Stockton was the 11th leading rusher for the Hotshots in 2019 and would earn another opportunity with the Lions before getting cut in August 2019. Stockton in 2020 would get drafted by the New York Guardians in 2020 and served as a backup running back to Darius Victor appearing in three games totaling 41 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards for the New York franchise. Upon the XFL ceasing operations, Stockton has spent time with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes in addition to the IFL’s Arizona Rattlers, and Massachusetts Pirates.
Despite being in the XFL’s 2022 draft pool, Stockton was not selected. The Houston native still has a drive to play football as since his departure from Tech he continues to remain active in alternative league spaces. Stockton looks to join Memphis to split time with Running Backs, David Hamm and Juwann Washington. Stockton brings a championship pedigree to Memphis as the former Red Raider was a part of a Pirate team that won an IFL champship in 2021.
With the sudden move to Memphis, the USFL franchise need players of pedigree to bring stability in the 2023 season. Stockton’s career will be a solid addition to a young franchise that may be in transition especially with the rumors of Jordan Ta’amu looking to leave Tampa/Memphis to the XFL. For a team that looks to move forward with Brady White and Guy Myers the welcomed addition of Stockton provides leadership and stability for the Showboats going into the 2023 USFL season.
