Pride of Detroit
Check out which former-Lions will be part of the 2025 UFL Championship Game.
The UFL will play its second championship game on Saturday, June 14, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will feature the local Michigan Panthers team as they take on the DC Defenders. For many, the Panthers’ inclusion in the championship game may be enough for Detroit Lions fans to tune in. However, if you need a little more push to watch, there are a handful of former Lions players who will be featured.
What he did with the Lions:
Ta’amu had two very brief stints with the Lions. Back in 2020, he was added to the practice squad in December, just weeks after the Lions cleaned house with Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn.
He was signed again the following year under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes in the middle of training camp after an injury to Tim Boyle, but he was released just six days later when Boyle turned out to be okay. Ta’amu never even appeared in a preseason game for Detroit.
What he’s doing in the UFL:
Ta’amu has actually gone on to have a pretty solid career in the minor leagues. In 2022, he was the USFL leader in both passing yards and passing touchdowns while with the Tampa Bay Bandits. He was the XFL Offensive Player of the Year the following year with the DC Defenders. And this year—back with the Defenders—he led the UFL in passing touchdowns.
This year, his stats are pretty solid:
What he did with the Lions:
Williams was signed to the Lions’ practice squad with two games remaining in the 2022 season. He did not make a game appearance and ended up signing a futures deal with the Eagles.
What he’s doing in the UFL:
Williams made a few game appearances last year for the DC Defenders—posting a 74.1 PFF grade (yes, there are UFL PFF grades) on 143 snaps, all at right tackle. This year he has only played nine snaps at right tackle.
What he did with the Lions:
Of all three players, McCrane is the most recent to have played for the Lions. After spending two seasons with the DC Defenders, McCrane signed to Detroit’s practice squad in September of 2024 to back up starter Jake Bates. After two months, however, the Lions cut McCrane, opting instead to keep Greg Joseph as their practice squad kicker.
What he’s doing in the UFL:
McCrane is now in his third season with the Defenders, dating back to their XFL season in 2023. Over that time, McCrane is 42-of-56 on field goals. This season has been his worst to date, making just 14-of-20 field goals, but he was excellent in 2024. He made 16-of-20 that year, including 5-of-7 from 50+ yards...
