The Pittsburgh Maulers have sent their first player to the NFL in 2023. LB Kyahva Tezino has signed with the San Francisco 49ers, after working out with the team earlier today.
After today's workout, the #49ers are signing former USFL LB Kyahva Tezino, source said. Added depth.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2023
Tezino had worked out with a couple of NFL teams so far, including the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants. This is the 11th USFL to NFL signing of the offseason, with Kyahva signing to the San Francisco 49ers.
During the USFL’s 2023 season, Kyahva Tezino was sensational. His consistency earned him All-USFL honors, dominating his way to being one of the top linebackers in the league.
Kyahva Tezino is having himself a DAY. The #USFL DPOY candidate picks off Josh Love for the second time today, and Pittsburgh takes over again.
With his big performance today, @KYAHVA44 might just be locking up that DPOY award. He's been outstanding.pic.twitter.com/Zn4A2wxHyt
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) June 10, 2023
Tezino finished the USFL season with:
94 tackles (2nd)
9 TFL
2 INT
2 FF
3 FR
6 PD
Across the board, he stuffed the stat-lines. Tezino was a leader for Jarren Horton’s defense, which turned out to be the top unit in the USFL. The Pittsburgh Maulers were relevant because of their defense, with players such as Kyahva Tezino leading the charge to a Championship berth.
While Pittsburgh lost in the Championship game to Birmingham, Kyahva had another remarkable performance. He posted 13 tackles, which is a modern USFL record for the Championship.
LB Kyahva Tezino was a force in 2023:
94 total tackles (2nd)
9 TFL (T-2nd)
2 INT
2 FFLed the @USFLMaulers in the #USFL Championship with 13 tackles, which is a modern USFL record for a Championship game. @KYAHVA44 was a playmaker all year long. Put the NFL on notice. pic.twitter.com/hLkXHQ5RuS
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 4, 2023
Final Thoughts
For Kyahva Tezino, this is nothing new. He played for Pittsburgh in season one, racking up 86 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception in what was an excellent campaign.
Looking through my lens might think it’s perfect, God gave me a gift and it came with a purpose! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ai8WzjRI1s
— Kyahva Tezino (@KYAHVA44) July 20, 2023
After putting together impressive back-to-back seasons in the USFL, Tezino now gets to chase his NFL dream with the San Francisco 49ers. Had it not been for the platform – and the national exposure – that the USFL provided him with, who knows if this opportunity would have come along.
You can stay up to date on all these USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Kyahva Tezino signing with the San Francisco 49ers? Which USFL player will be next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
