Week 10 in the NFL saw one more USFL alumnus of the league make his debut for an NFL franchise. With Mason Crosby nursing a sore back, the Green Bay Packers elevated Ramiz Ahmed to handle Kickoff duties for the historic franchise as the Packers upset the Cowboys 31-28.
Ahmed became the 7th USFL player to play in a regular season in the 2022 NFL season. While handling Kickoff duties, Ahmed was on the field six times and recorded three touchbacks for the Packers. He also managed to record a tackle on the opening kickoff on former USFL MVP KaVontae Turpin. Ahmed the former Mauler is the second kicker from the USFL to play in a game joining Taylor Bertolet who is currently on the Chargers practice squad injured reserve.
KaVontae Turpin
Turpin continue to be an asset for the Cowboys this week as the former MVP, totaled 67 all-purpose yards through special teams and on offense. Turpin managed to record his first reception of his NFL for 11 yards and continues to earn playing time as a receiver for the Cowboys. So far Turpin has recorded 493 All-Purpose Yards and has a chance to break the 1000-yard threshold in his rookie season. For fans of Alt-Football and the USFL Turpin definitely is the poster child for the league and a recruiting tool moving into season two.
Tae Hayes
The elder statesmen of the group, Hayes found himself back in the defensive rotation as the 25-year-old former Stallion saw himself with an increased roll in during Thursday Night Football. Hayes played in 17 defensive snaps his most since being signed to the active roster and recorded two tackles. With injuries adding up on the Panthers look for Hayes’ roll to continue to increase throughout the rest of the 2022 NFL season.
Mitch Fraboni
Fraboni once again found himself in the middle of things as the Long Snapper totaled two tackles during Denver’s 17-10 loss to the Titans. Fraboni, an Alt-League nomad, has recorded five tackles so far in four games this season which is first among Long Snappers in the NFL. With the Broncos Jacob Bobenmeyer still injured Fraboni is making a name for himself about solidifying his place in the NFL.
Other News:
Victor Bolden finally gets his shot tons of workouts with NFL teams. Bolden who was with the Cardinals and waived in an injury settlement after training camp. Bolden was the MVP of the USFL championship game who has NFL experience recording one reception for 10 yards and totaling 535 return yards. As injuries add up in the NFL look for Bolden to possibly garner some reps due to his versatility in the return game.
Currently there are 21 former USFL players on NFL rosters. For a new league that saw 54 players earning NFL opportunities the USFL sits at around a 40% success rate of playing maintaining careers in the NFL. For a league competing with the XFL, hopefully the USFL is able to utilize the success of players like Turpin, Fraboni, and Hayes as marketing tools in an effort to keep recruiting high end talent. Regardless, with the XFL now drafting players the Football Wars has begun, and the USFL is in full combat.
