Notable NFL and College Football Alums Playing in the USFL in 2023
The United States Football League (USFL) is a professional spring football league that was relaunched in 2022. The league features eight teams, each with a roster of 52 players.
Many notable NFL and college football alums are playing in the USFL in 2023. Here are some of the most notable players to watch:
- J'Mar Smith, QB, Birmingham Stallions: Smith was the Most Valuable Player of the USFL's inaugural season in 2022. He led the Stallions to a perfect 8-0 regular season record and the championship game. Smith is a former LSU quarterback who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
- Case Cookus, QB, Philadelphia Stars: Cookus was a standout quarterback at Northern Arizona University. He was named the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. Cookus signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
- Darius Victor, RB, New Jersey Generals: Victor was the Offensive Player of the Year in the USFL's inaugural season. He rushed for 577 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games. Victor is a former Rutgers running back who was drafted by the New York Jets in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
- Alex Collins, RB, Memphis Showboats: Collins is a former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens running back. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in two NFL seasons. Collins is looking to revive his career in the USFL.
- Reuben Foster, LB, Pittsburgh Maulers: Foster was a first-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft. He is a talented linebacker who has been plagued by injuries and off-field issues. Foster is looking to get his career back on track in the USFL.
- Tavon Austin, WR, Houston Gamblers: Austin is a former first-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. He is a versatile wide receiver who can play all over the field. Austin is looking to prove that he still has something left in the tank in the USFL.
- Jordan Ta'amu, QB, New Orleans Breakers: Ta'amu is a former Ole Miss quarterback who was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders. Ta'amu is looking to find a permanent home in the NFL, and the USFL could be a good opportunity for him.
These are just a few of the notable NFL and college football alums playing in the USFL in 2023. The league is sure to be a competitive one, and these players will be looking to make a name for themselves.
Will any USFL players make the NFL in 2023?
It's too early to say for sure, but there are a few USFL players who have a legitimate chance to make the NFL in 2023. J'Mar Smith, Case Cookus, and Darius Victor are all talented players who have already had success in the NFL. Reuben Foster and Tavon Austin are former first-round picks who still have the potential to be productive players in the NFL.
The USFL is a good opportunity for these players to showcase their talents and get back on the NFL radar. If they can perform well in the USFL, they could be in line for an NFL opportunity in 2023.