As the curtains close on the 2024 NFL season, anticipation mounts for the inaugural kickoff of the UFL on March 30th. With eight teams poised to take the field, connections to the Detroit Lions are sure to be woven throughout the rosters.
Scanning through the lineups reveals a significant presence of players and coaches with ties to Detroit. From seasoned veterans who have donned the Lions’ colors for multiple seasons to promising talents who once graced training camps, the roster boasts a familiar hue. Witnessing these familiar faces embarking on new football odysseys is a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.
Here’s a rundown of the UFL players with connections to the Detroit Lions.
WR Teo Redding-Houston Roughnecks
Jun 5, 2018; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Teo Redding (10) turns after making a catch during practice at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
DT Toby Johnson-Houston Roughnecks
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
DT Olive Sagapolu-Houston Roughnecks
Defensive linemen Danny Shelton, left, and Olive Sagapolu go through drills during Detroit Lions training camp Sunday, August 23, 2020 in Allen Park.
Lions
QB Adrian Martinez-Birmingham Stallions
Aug 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) throws the ball in the third quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
RB Bo Scarbrough-Birmingham Stallions
Nov 28, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Bo Scarbrough (43) runs the ball against Chicago Bears cornerback Prince Amukamara (20) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
WR Victor Bolden Jr.-Birmingham Stallions
Detroit Lions wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr. runs a drill at NFL football training camp, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, in Allen Park, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
WR Chris Lacy-Birmingham Stallions
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 15: Chris Lacy #15 of the Detroit Lions makes a catch in the third quarter of the game for the first down against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
CB Mark Gilbert-Birmingham Stallions
Jan 9, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Mark Gilbert (40) walks off the field just after the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
WR Jonathan Adams-Memphis Showboats
Detroit Lions receivers Jonathan Adams (82) and Javon McKinley (83) during organized team activities at Lions headquarters in Allen Park, Thursday, May 27, 2021.
TE Sage Surratt-Memphis Showboats
Lions receiver Sage Surratt catches a pass during training camp at the Allen Park facility on Wednesday, July 28, 2021.
Lions
DT John Atkins-Memphis Showboats
Lions defensive tackle John Atkins rushes Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the second half of the Lions’ 35-27 loss on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, at Ford Field.
Lions Vs Dallas
DE Jeremiah Valoaga-Memphis Showboats
Aug 31, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga (78) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
RB Wes Hills-Michigan Panthers
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 15: Wes Hills #43 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on December 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
TE Derrick Deese Jr.-Michigan Panthers
Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. makes a catch during minicamp at in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
TE Alize Mack-San Antonio Brahmas
Detroit Lions tight end Alize Mack (84) in action against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
LB Tavante Beckett-San Antonio Brahmas
Detroit Lions linebacker Tavante Beckett (59) during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.
S Teez Tabor-San Antonio Brahmas
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) plays against the New York Giants during the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
RB coach Kyle Caskey-St. Louis Battlehawks
Sep 8, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detroit Lions running backs coach Kyle Caskey against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
LB coach Chris Claiborne-St. Louis Battlehawks (Former Linebacker)
ATLANTA – DECEMBER 22: Linebacker Chris Claiborne #50 of the Detroit Lions stares out at the field during the NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 22, 2002 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Offensive Coordinator Chuck Long-Arlington Renegades (Former QB)
Nov 23, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Detroit Lions quarterback Chuck Long (16) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
LB Coach Bill Sheridan-Arlington Renegades
ALLEN PARK, MI – MAY 17: Detroit Lions linebacker coach Bill Sheridan gives instructions to Kyle Van Noy #95 and Brett Pasche #48 during Rookie Minicamp on May 17, 2014 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DB Coach Brock Marion-Michigan Panthers (Former Safety)
DETROIT – NOVEMBER 25: Wide receiver Brandon Stokley #83 of the Indianapolis Colts runs from safety Brock Marion #31 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan. The Colts won the game, 41-9. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
LB Coach Paul Pasqualoni-Memphis Showboats
Sep 30, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia on the sidelines with defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni (center) and linebackers coach Al Golden during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports