UFL Takes Positive Out of NFL Interest

Former Las Vegas Locomotives kicker Graham Gano nailed two field goals of more than 40 yards in the Washington Redskins' 34-13 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

That would seem insignificant considering that the contest featured two teams playing out the string in their respective conferences. And Gano's boots weren't game-changing in any way.

For those who follow the UFL, however, there was more interest. Gano's role in Washington's victory -- albeit a small one -- was a proud moment for the four-team UFL, which played its inaugural season in virtual anonymity.

The league's players, though, were not anonymous to NFL teams, many of which have turned to UFL players to strengthen their active rosters and practice squads for the season's stretch run.

Sixteen UFL players were signed in some capacity by NFL teams after the UFL campaign ended on Nov. 27, when the Locomotives secured a 20-17 overtime victory over the Florida Tuskers in the championship game -- a thrilling contest punctuated by Gano's game-winning field goal.

The UFL drew sparse crowds and little national interest, but according to general manager Rick Mueller, the league accomplished at least one of its goals by offering fringe NFL players a place to showcase their skills.

"We're excited," said Mueller, the GM for all four UFL teams, who said that 16 additional players have been invited to NFL workouts. "But this is something that we anticipated coming in, that this would be about the number of players that would draw interest, and we're happy about it."
Mueller, a former NFL personnel man, told FanHouse during the season that he heard from NFL teams to discuss UFL players on a weekly basis. He anticipated the UFL being fertile signing ground for teams looking to improve the back-end of their rosters or compensate for injuries.

"NFL teams are looking for game-ready and in-shape players," Mueller said, referring to the advantage UFL players have over those who have spent the season on practice squads or rehabbing injuries.

While it is no surprise that the NFL has had interest in UFL talent, the players that have been signed -- and those who have gone unsigned -- have raised some eyebrows, even ones belonging to Mueller. Six players have been signed from the winless New York Sentinels, while league MVP Brooks Bollinger and DeDe Dorsey, MVP of the UFL championship game, remain free agents.

Mueller did admit that the signings are mostly facilitated by the needs of a team. NFL clubs do not usually have much turnover at skill positions unless there is a major injury, leaving the Tuskers' duo of QB Bollinger and WR Taye Biddle, along with Locos RB Dorsey, on the waiver wire.

"I'm surprised about DeDe and Taye Biddle," Mueller said. "Some of the league's best players are still available, but everybody needs an offensive lineman down the stretch. There are a lot of things that play into it."

According to Mueller, the UFL is happy that any of its players have made it to the NFL. The general manager said, "It helps us as a whole." He also praised Bollinger, a former NFL starter with the New York Jets, saying that he showed he could lead a team.

"I think Brooks would be an outstanding quarterback for any NFL team," Mueller said. "The same can be said for J.P. [Losman]. He still has the big arm that he has always had."

Losman, the quarterback for the champion Locos, chose to the play in the UFL instead of taking a reserve role in the NFL. It may be a move that will set a precedent for future UFL players -- opting for game experience instead of holding an NFL clipboard.

"Players can come into the league and actually play a full season," said Mueller, who also noted that the league still plans to add two more teams and debut a 10-game schedule in 2010. "There is a chance to be a starter and lead a team, and guys like Brooks and J.P. took full advantage."

Mueller said that the UFL's coaches -- Dennis Green, Jim Fassel, Jim Haslett and Ted Cottrell -- could make an impact in the NFL as well. He admitted that those coaches would love to use the UFL as springboard to the NFL if possible.

It's unclear if that's what will happen, but just like for the players, the UFL offers its coaches that exposure.

"Obviously, we would like to keep our coaches," the GM said. "If it happens where they go to an NFL team, then so be it. But we would love to have them back. I'm sure they would be happy to coach in our league, but no doubt would want an opportunity in the NFL as well."

The role of the UFL is an important one, though it's unclear that will translate into fan interest and increased attendance. The UFL, however, plans to continue to broadcast its game on national TV (VERSUS and HDNet) and play in large venues.

The reason? They feel secure about the league's future.

"We have had the opportunity to get a full year under our belt and, hopefully, the word gets out there," Mueller said. "Before the year, there were worries about what would happen and if we could pull it off. Once the football started, though, there was no question that we could move forward with this league.

"We knew we would take our knocks early, but I've gotten no sense from [UFL founder] Bill Hambrecht that there wouldn't be another year. He believes that this is a pro league that can sustain itself."