For Lions fans looking for a UFL team to root for, it makes sense to cheer for the Michigan Panthers. Not only is it the other professional team in the state, but the team also plays in the Lions’ own Ford Field.
The Panthers also have four former Detroit Lions on their roster heading into their first game of the season.
Wes Hills – Running Back, Michigan Panthers
Dec 15, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Wes Hills (36) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Hills signed to Detroit’s practice squad in October of 2019 and was called up to the roster two months later. While he only appeared in one game as a Lion (his only career NFL game to date), he surely made the most of his opportunity.
Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hills was given 10 carries and he managed to find the endzone twice. He finished the game with 23 total yards.
Hills is expected to be Michigan’s starting running back for 2024.
Trey Quinn – Wide Receiver, Michigan Panthers
Detroit Lions wide receiver Trey Quinn (29) makes a catch against New York Giants cornerback Darren Evans (35) during the second half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
Trey Quinn, named Mr. Irrelevant in 2018, signed with Detroit in the weeks leading up to the 2023 preseason. In the fight for a depth role, he contributed one reception for 8 yards before getting injured. He was waived with an injury designation after one preseason appearance.
He must have done enough in practice to impress the Lions front office, because he was brought back to the practice squad later in the season when he was cleared to return from his injury.
Quinn should see the field quite a bit as a rotational receiver with the Panthers.
Derrick Deese – Tight End, Michigan Panthers
Lions tight end Derrick Deese Jr. makes a catch during minicamp at in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
Derrick Deese originally signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He competed for a backup tight end role but ultimately lost the job and was waived following the preseason. He had just one reception for nine yards on four targets.
Despite being a free agent for the entirety of the 2022 season, Detroit brought Deese back in at the start of 2023. Unfortunately, he faced injury issues and was waived before the preseason.
Deese is now a reserve tight end for the Panthers.
Ryan Pope – Offensive Line, Michigan Panthers
Lions tackles Taylor Decker and Ryan Pope go through drills during practice during training camp on Friday, July 26, 2019, in Allen Park.
Lions
Standing at a towering. 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, there was a lot to like about Ryan Pope when the Lions brought him in as an undrafted rookie in 2019. The Lions gave Pope a large amount of guaranteed money to come to Detroit and compete for a reserve role.
Pope ultimately failed to impress enough to even earn a practice squad spot, but he has been able to stick around several spring leagues over the years. Pope is now a depth tackle for Michigan.