From the NFL to the UFL: 11 Veterans Grinding for Another Shot, Including Greedy Williams and Matt Corral

Football careers don’t always follow a straight line. For some, the journey from high school standout to college star to NFL draft pick is smooth and linear. For others, it’s a winding road filled with detours, setbacks, and unexpected stops. The United Football League (UFL), formed from the merger of the XFL and USFL, has become the latest proving ground for those still chasing the dream or trying to revive it. Among the players who’ve found a second wind in the UFL are 11 NFL veterans who, despite past stardom or high draft status, are now fighting for their football futures. The list includes names like Greedy Williams and Matt Corral—players with real NFL pedigree looking for another shot.

The UFL has quickly become more than just a spring football experiment. It’s a proving ground, a last chance, and a development platform rolled into one. Coaches with NFL experience, competitive environments, and the visibility of televised games have turned it into a legitimate showcase. For veterans on the fringe or players who’ve been through injuries, coaching changes, or depth chart drops, it’s a place to prove they still belong at the highest level.

Greedy Williams is perhaps one of the most notable names currently playing in the UFL. A former second-round pick out of LSU, Williams came into the league with high expectations. He had length, instincts, and ball skills that made him one of the more intriguing cornerback prospects in his class. But a mix of injuries and inconsistency kept him from gaining a stronghold in the NFL. Now suiting up for the Birmingham Stallions, Williams has embraced his new role as a leader and playmaker in the UFL. He’s been targeted often—part of the territory in a league that likes to throw—but he’s held his own, showing flashes of the player that once wowed scouts in Baton Rouge.

Then there’s Matt Corral, the former Ole Miss standout and third-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. Corral was expected to be a potential long-term solution at quarterback for Carolina, but a preseason Lisfranc injury and the carousel of quarterback changes derailed his opportunity. Since then, he’s bounced around NFL practice squads but never got meaningful reps to show what he could do in a game setting. That’s changed in the UFL, where he’s taken control of the Michigan Panthers offense. He’s already impressed with his mobility, arm strength, and command, reminding everyone why he was once viewed as a top-tier dual-threat talent.

Corral’s story is particularly compelling. In the NFL, reps are scarce—especially for young quarterbacks. In the UFL, he’s getting real game action, making real reads, and handling real pressure. That experience is invaluable and could position him for another NFL opportunity come training camp season.

But Corral and Williams aren’t the only ones making headlines. Other veterans grinding through the UFL include defensive lineman Reggie McKenzie Jr., once a highly touted UDFA with the Chiefs; wide receiver Jonathan Adams Jr., a former Arkansas State standout with previous NFL camps under his belt; and linebacker Noah Dawkins, who spent time with the Jets and Buccaneers.

Adams, playing for the San Antonio Brahmas, has made highlight reels with his leaping grabs and red zone production. His size-speed combo makes him a mismatch, and he’s become one of the UFL’s most productive receivers in the early going. For teams in need of depth or a physical presence on the outside, Adams could absolutely catch attention during roster evaluations.

Another name that’s emerged is former Raiders and Browns defensive back Isaiah Johnson. At 6-foot-2 with legitimate long speed, Johnson was a fourth-round pick who never quite stuck. But in the UFL, he’s flashing the athletic traits that made him a Day 3 steal in many draft rooms. He’s one of several defensive backs using the league to refine coverage technique and show versatility across multiple schemes.

The UFL is more than just a showcase for young players. Veterans like Corral and Williams bring leadership to locker rooms filled with guys trying to break in for the first time. They know the demands of the NFL, what it takes to survive roster cuts, and how to prepare like a pro. That experience becomes invaluable not just for their own development, but for the younger players around them who haven’t yet had that taste of the big leagues.

Take offensive tackle Paul Adams, for example—a journeyman lineman who’s spent time on practice squads and is now anchoring the offensive line for the Memphis Showboats. His experience going up against top-tier NFL pass rushers has made him a stabilizing force on a unit that’s improved every week.

On the defensive side, linebacker Jamir Jones—who had stints with the Steelers and Rams—is quietly having a strong season in the UFL. His sideline-to-sideline range and ability to drop into coverage have stood out, particularly in a league that values athleticism and versatility at linebacker.

The presence of these players highlights the evolution of alternative leagues like the UFL. It’s no longer a league just for those who couldn’t make it. It’s become a place for those who did—and want to do it again.

The players know that the NFL is always watching. Every snap is a potential second chance. Every play is game tape for scouts, GMs, and decision-makers looking to round out their rosters ahead of training camp. And while not everyone will get the call, many will earn invites. Some will land on practice squads, others will crack 53-man rosters, and a select few might even become impact players.

There’s also a deeper, more human story at play. These athletes aren’t just chasing fame or paychecks. They’re chasing the love of the game, the fulfillment of potential, and in many cases, redemption. The UFL offers them not just a jersey, but a platform to write a new chapter in their football journey.

For fans, it’s an opportunity to watch gritty, high-level football played by guys with real NFL experience and hunger. And for NFL teams, it’s a reminder that diamonds in the rough don’t just come from college—they can be found among those who’ve already tasted the top and are fighting to get back.

As the UFL season continues, players like Matt Corral and Greedy Williams will keep grinding, play-by-play, snap-by-snap. Whether it’s for another shot in the NFL or simply to continue doing what they love, their presence adds credibility, fire, and inspiration to a league that’s become more relevant than ever.