ARLINGTON, TX – October 26, 2026 – Former UFL kickers Andre Szmyt and Jake Bates delivered game-winning kicks in Week 7 of the NFL season. For Szmyt, it marked his second consecutive week with a walk-off field goal and his third game-winner of the season. Meanwhile, Bates lifted the Detroit Lions to a crucial divisional victory, while former UFL defenders made their presence felt across the league.
The Cleveland Browns have won five games this season, and Szmyt has delivered game-winning kicks in three of those victories. After drilling a 37-yard walk-off field goal to beat the Baltimore Ravens last week, the former UFL kicker came through again Sunday, connecting from 32 yards to send the Browns past the Tennessee Titans.
ANDRE SZMYT DOES IT AGAIN 😤 For the second straight week, Szmyt drills the game-winning field goal for the Browns! #UFLtoNFL https://t.co/Rv0zSt6h74
— United Football League (@TheUFL) October 25, 2026
Szmyt's game-winner came after he missed an earlier field goal that would have given Cleveland the lead. The second-year kicker responded when it mattered most, adding another clutch moment to an impressive season.
A few hours later, another former UFL kicker found himself at the center of a walk-off celebration. Former Birmingham Stallion Jake Bates drilled the game-winning field goal as time expired, lifting the Detroit Lions past the Green Bay Packers in a pivotal NFC North showdown.
JAKE BATES FOR THE WIN! #UFLtoNFL https://t.co/fuX1ZSi3sy
— United Football League (@TheUFL) October 25, 2026
Bates remains perfect on the season, converting all 10 of his field-goal attempts.
Arguably the week's most impressive performance from a former UFL player came in Atlanta, where former St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle LaCale London turned in the best game of his NFL career. In the Falcons' upset victory over the previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers, London made his presence felt throughout Atlanta's defensive front.
London earned an 89.6 overall defensive grade and a 90.3 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), both career highs. His overall grade ranked second among Falcons defenders, trailing only team captain Jessie Bates III. London helped Atlanta contain one of the NFL's most dangerous rushing attacks, playing a key role in a statement victory for the Falcons.
Another former Stallion made an impact on Sunday. Denver Broncos linebacker Dondrea Tillman earned a 75.9 defensive grade from PFF, finishing with three tackles, including a tackle for loss in the red zone. Now in his third NFL season, Tillman continues to establish himself as a valuable piece of Denver's defense.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings remain the NFL's only undefeated team, with former Arlington Renegades defensive tackle Jalen Redmond helping lead the way. Redmond delivered a standout performance in Minnesota's narrow victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
DOWN GOES DANIEL JONES‼️ @EWIL23 @jalen_redmond 📺: @NFLonCBS https://t.co/xPHiwWr3uV
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 25, 2026
Redmond earned a 77.4 defensive grade from PFF and recorded five tackles, including half a sack, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hit against Daniel Jones. He's off to a strong start this season, posting a 79.2 defensive grade after an impressive campaign last year.
The UFL-to-NFL pipeline delivered a statement performance on Sunday. Kickers came through in the clutch, and former UFL defenders made their presence felt on some of the league's biggest stages.
The action continues Monday night with an NFC East divisional showdown. With KaVontae Turpin ruled out, former UFL standouts Brandon Aubrey and Ameer Speed are set to take the field for the Dallas Cowboys. Speed has emerged as a pleasant surprise for Dallas and will have an opportunity to make his mark on the national stage during Monday Night Football.