DeMarquis Gates, a superstar linebacker for the Birmingham Stallions, has made the leap to the NFL. Gates was superb in the USFL this season, arguably being the league’s best linebacker. Now, he signs a contract with the Chicago Bears, after participating in a tryout with them earlier this week.
BREAKING: The #Bears have signed Demarquis Gates, per sources.
Gates was widely viewed as the top LB in the @USFL this spring.
— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) August 5, 2022
DeMarquis was sensational in the USFL. He was nothing but a leader for Birmingham’s defense all season long – a unit that was one of the tightest in the entire league.
INTERCEPTED 😱🗣@Y_DGates has that KILLER instinct tonight 🥵
📺: @FOXSports
📱: https://t.co/0eRlFGpSU6 pic.twitter.com/0rUJhRpNmn— CHAMPIONSTALLIONS (@USFLStallions) May 1, 2022
Gates finished the season with 62 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and an interception. His presence was a force to be reckoned with all year long, making opposing offenses miserable every week. The two time defensive player of the week also led the USFL with eleven tackles for loss.
RECOVERED 🔒
Our defense >>>>> 💪
📺: @NBCSports @PeacockTV pic.twitter.com/eMChPu0UDx
— CHAMPIONSTALLIONS (@USFLStallions) May 22, 2022
In the playoffs, he was outstanding. His pick six in the semi-finals versus New Orleans was a key factor in their win, ultimately propelling them to the Championship game.
DEMARQUIS. GATES. Spring football legend. Dude is ALWAYS making big plays!!pic.twitter.com/5StN0Lwgfi
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) June 26, 2022
Spring League Legend
DeMarquis has had quite the spring football career so far. He was a standout linebacker in the Alliance of American Football, playing out of his mind for the Memphis Express.
DeMarquis Gates forces the Gilbert fumble!
Corey Crawford with the scoop and score and Memphis takes the lead, 23-22! #ORLvsMEM
— PFF_XFL (@PFFXFL) March 30, 2019
Then, he joined the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL – who proceeded to go undefeated in five weeks. In fact, Gates made two interceptions in back-to-back games that clinched them wins in weeks three and four.
Amazing hands from Demarquis Gates. #Roughnecks #XFL pic.twitter.com/WTVIzz27JC
— Talkin That Bull (@talkinthatbull) March 1, 2020
While he has been picked up by a couple of NFL teams, Gates never quite found a way to make the 53 man roster. However, due to his exceptional performances with the USFL, he gets another opportunity – this time with the Chicago Bears.
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Did you enjoy watching DeMarquis Gates in the USFL this year? Do you think he will make an impact for the Chicago Bears? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!