The UFL is closing in on its second season of completion, and the league has witnessed one of the top defenders in the league, who used to be on the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota has seen the benefits of the UFL and how it has helped its team. Last year, the Vikings had Birmingham Stallions quarterback. Matt Corral and D.C. Defenders wide receiver Lucky Jackson in training camp with the team.
The biggest name from the UFL to make the Vikings' final 53-man roster was defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who saw playing time on the field after being in the UFL last year with the Arlington Renegades. Redmond played in 13 games last year, racking up 18 tackles, six tackles for loss, two pass deflections, one quarterback hit, and one sack.
Currently, there's a former Vikings defensive lineman in the UFL who is making a convincing argument for Minnesota potentially bringing him back.
Former Minnesota Viking draft pick Kenny Willekes making a case to return to NFL with play in the UFL
Michigan Panthers defensive lineman Kenny Willekes is currently on his way to finishing up his second year in spring football.
Last year with the Panthers, Willekes racked up four sacks and helped the team make the USFL Conference Championship game before losing to the eventual league champion Birmingham Stallions.
Willekes returned to the UFL for a second season this year and is already putting up the same production. Through nine games, he has made 31 tackles, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. He's tied for ninth in the UFL in sacks with 3.5.
Minnesota brought on Willekes after selecting him in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played on the team through the 2022 season. Willekes only played in six games during the 2021 season, finishing with 18 tackles, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and one pass deflection.
The 27-year-old defensive lineman is now entering a pivotal stage in his career, as he attempts to return to the NFL after being out of the league since 2023. He's showcasing his skills in the UFL and has proven that he can still play at a high level.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit last year was in the middle of the pack in total defense, allowing 335.4 yards per game. They have changed the defensive line, with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave signing with the team in the offseason.
What a story it would be to see Willekes return to the NFL with the Vikings and join Redmond's side to show football fans how important the UFL is to players' development. Even if the Vikings pass on Willekes, fans would still like to see Willekes get a second shot at playing in the league.
