The Memphis Showboats just made a spectacular move ahead of the USFL 2023 season. Ryan Willis has signed with the franchise, and will head into training camp with the team.
BREAKING: Ryan Willis is signing with the @USFLShowboats, after being released by the XFL's Battlehawks on Monday.
Willis formerly played for the Linemen in the TSL, and won the Championship in 2021. Now, he joins Todd Haley in Memphis for the 2023 #USFL season. pic.twitter.com/HNPOGmnhNx
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) February 8, 2023
This is an excellent pickup for the Showboats. Willis is a proven spring league quarterback, having experience in The Spring League.
Ryan led the Linemen to a 5-1 record in 2021, ultimately winning the Mega Bowl over the Jousters, 26-23. After his stint in the TSL, Willis signed to the Chicago Bears’ practice squad. He spent some time there, before ultimately being released during the past NFL season.
2021 TSL Mega Bowl Champions & MVP.
Unbelievable feeling.
Thank you to my teammates and @TheSpringLeague for the chance to compete.
Excited to see what happens next… pic.twitter.com/dNqX8f5ujJ
— Ryan Willis (@RyanWillis14) June 19, 2021
In November of 2022, Willis was assigned to the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL. Originally it seemed like he would have the opportunity to start. However, he was released by St. Louis after being beat out by AJ McCarron and Nick Tiano in training camp.
Clearly, Willis is very talented. Todd Haley’s offense is looking to rebound in 2023, and we’ll have to see if Willis is a part of that.
Memphis Showboats Quarterbacks
Training Camp will be quite the scene for the Memphis Showboats. The team recently signed QB Cole Kelley. Kelley was a solid quarterback at Arkansas, and Southeastern Louisiana.
BREAKING: QB Cole Kelley has signed with the @USFLShowboats. @ColeKelley10 was outstanding at both Arkansas and Southeastern Louisiana.
Now, he has an opportunity to pursue a professional career in the #USFL. Memphis got themselves a star.pic.twitter.com/PSlsvQ4ztP
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) January 25, 2023
It will be interesting to see how everything shakes out in March. Brady White is the only QB to transfer from the Tampa Bay Bandits to the Memphis Showboats. White is very familiar to fans in Memphis, having played for the University of Memphis.
Brady White taking over as the potential starting QB for @USFLShowboats would be a match made in heaven.@BradyWhite223 was a star in Memphis already. Certainly could be a figure similar to Bo in Birmingham. Another fantastic development for the #USFL. pic.twitter.com/c9alXVawbU
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) November 18, 2022
Final Thoughts
Ryan Willis now gets another opportunity – this time with the USFL. The Memphis Showboats will have their work cut out for them in training camp, as it will be quite the battle.
Memphis will kick off their season on April 15th, hosting the Philadelphia Stars. Fans, get ready for a show. It’s Showboat time.
What do you think of Ryan Willis signing in Memphis? What other quarterbacks should the USFL pursue? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
