Since the USFL finished their inaugural season, multiple players have impressed in the NFL. Taylor Bertolet, a kicker for the New Orleans Breakers in 2022, joined the Los Angeles Chargers this week. After being elevated to the 53 man roster on October 8th, Bertolet put on a show against the Cleveland Browns.
Shoutout to Chargers K Taylor Bertolet.
After being cut by 8 NFL teams, kicking in the AAF, USFL and CFL, Bertolet was signed by the Chargers this Thursday.
He made his NFL debut today, made all 6 of his kicks, including a go-ahead FG in the 4th.
A cool story in perseverance. pic.twitter.com/8yCly1Yfqz
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 9, 2022
The Chargers won 30-28, largely due to Bertolet’s success. He made all six of his kicks, and knocked through the go-ahead game winner in the fourth quarter.
Taylor Bertolet gives the Chargers the lead! #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/R5ICi1FCE3
— Pro Football Culture (@proftblculture) October 9, 2022
Because of his outstanding performance, Brandon Staley awarded Bertolet with a game ball. It’s encouraging to see a spring football veteran showcase his talents in the NFL; doing so in excellent fashion. Clearly, LA’s locker room loves what he brings to the team.
Game Ball Performance 💯
Former @usflbreakers K @TaylorBertolet was awarded a game ball after kicking a perfect game in his 2022 NFL debut with the @chargers. pic.twitter.com/DahVSdzNmS
— USFL (@USFL) October 10, 2022
Taylor Bertolet & Spring Ball
Bertolet has taken quite the road to get to where he is now. Back in 2019, Taylor played for the Salt Lake Stallions in the AAF. He was one of the league’s best kickers, making clutch kicks time and time again.
Clutch, baby. @TaylorBertolet does it again. pic.twitter.com/N3STm7YXv8
— Salt Lake Stallions (@aafstallions) March 24, 2019
Taylor bounced around through various training camps, but couldn’t stick with an NFL organization. Then, he got a call to play in the USFL. The Breakers cut Austin MacGinnis mid-season, which led to them signing Bertolet.
He made the most of the opportunity. Bertolet was sensational for New Orleans, kicking consistently well throughout the rest of the season.
.@TaylorBertolet's kick is GOOD and we are on the board 🌊
📺: @FS1 pic.twitter.com/oQNhKxk28u
— New Orleans Breakers (@USFLBreakers) June 20, 2022
Now, Bertolet is kicking professionally for the Los Angeles Chargers. Without the national exposure and platform that the USFL provided him with, who knows if this would have been made possible.
You can stay up to date on all USFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
Did you enjoy watching Taylor Bertolet in the USFL? Do you think the Chargers will keep him for the 2022 season? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!