USFL Star Micah Abernathy With the Green Bay Packers in NFL Preseason
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Multiple USFL Stars Shine Bright In NFL Preseason Week Two

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To no one’s surprise, the USFL alumni in the NFL are performing at a high level in the preseason. With 51 USFL to NFL signings since early July, many have taken full advantage of the opportunities presented to them.

Of course, KaVontae Turpin took the country by storm the other night, returning a kick and a punt for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Maurice Alexander impressed with the Detroit Lions, taking a kick back 61 yards.

However, there were plenty of USFL athletes who have exceeded expectations since arriving with their NFL organizations.

Micah Abernathy | S, Houston Gamblers

Micah Abernathy, a safety for the Houston Gamblers in 2022, has been sensational so far. He signed with the Green Bay Packers, and put on a show against New Orleans.

One of his major highlights came in the second quarter, making an incredibly athletic interception that got everyone on the sideline hyped.

On top of that, he’s been one of Green Bay’s best defenders in the preseason. According to PFF, Abernathy has the highest grade of any defensive back on the team.

With these impressive outings from Abernathy, his future is looking brighter than ever in the cold tundra up north.

Ramiz Ahmed | K, Pittsburgh Maulers

Another USFL-to-Green-Bay athlete is Ramiz Ahmed, who was a standout kicker for the Pittsburgh Maulers. He knocked through a USFL record 61 yard field goal, and now has an opportunity to make an impact in Green Bay considering the kicking issues they’re currently facing.

Ahmed did what he needed to do against the Saints, scoring eight points with two field goals and two XP’s. His longest field goal of the night was 45 yards.

Ike Brown | CB, New Orleans Breakers

Without a doubt, Ike Brown was one of the USFL’s best DB’s – and it’s not even close. He didn’t allow a single touchdown all season, and only surrendered one catch. In the one game where QB Vad Lee tested Brown’s coverage, he picked him off twice.

After signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, Brown’s play has been nothing short of elite. He played well in the Hall Of Fame game against Jacksonville, and built upon that performance against Miami in week two.

Through two weeks, Brown is leading the Raiders with a PFF grade of 90.2. Obviously, the USFL star belongs on the NFL’s stage, and should make waves in the regular season if he sticks with the team.

Tae Hayes | CB, Birmingham Stallions

Tae Hayes, a Championship winning cornerback with the Stallions, signed with the Carolina Panthers. He’s been doing well in training camp, and made a major impact in week two with a pick six.

 

Hayes was fantastic with Birmingham, and is now putting himself in a position to succeed in the NFL. If his solid NFL preseason performances keep up, he will have an excellent shot at making the regular season roster.

Victor Bolden Jr. | WR, Birmingham Stallions

Victor Bolden needs no introduction. He was the Stallions best, and most consistent, athlete in 2022. His efforts in the USFL Championship earned him MVP of the game.

Bolden signed with the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason, and has been electrifying in training camp. His explosive speed, paired with high IQ and top tier hands, make him into a valuable weapon for any offense.

Against Baltimore in week two, Bolden led the Cardinals receiving core with five catches for 66 yards. Bolden is once again proving that these USFL players can play; and outperform, others at the highest level.

Final Thoughts

It’s incredible to see so many USFL players making a major impact on NFL teams in the preseason. Garrett McGhin, an All-USFL lineman for the New Jersey Generals, has been outstanding for the New York Giants so far.

DeMarquis Gates, who signed with the Chicago Bears, was excellent against Seattle. The ferocious linebacker finished the game with five total tackles, including two TFL. TE Sal Cannella made an important catch for Green Bay, breaking tackles as he found the first down marker.

Overall, the last couple of months have been spectacular for the USFL. With over 50 players earning opportunities with NFL teams, it proves that the professional football league is accomplishing their goal: giving these athletes a national platform to showcase their skill sets.

Obviously, the NFL was tuning into the USFL all year long. With their unique FOX Sports-NBC Sports partnership, it allows players to display their abilities to the entire nation. As preseason continues, expect many more success stories to come out of these camps.

You can stay up to date on all USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.

Which USFL players have you enjoyed watching in the NFL Preseason in 2022? Are there any standouts that you think should make the regular season roster? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!