Over the next two weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs will hold six more practices (three OTAs and three mandatory minicamp sessions) before they are out for the summer. The Chiefs will then reconvene at the end of July for the start of training camp.
Though NFL teams are still prepping for the 2025 season, other professional football leagues are winding down. This includes the United Football League (UFL), which holds their championship game this Sunday. The Michigan Panthers (6-4) and D.C. Defenders (6-4) will be battling to see who comes out as the champion in 2025.
Multiple former Chiefs who made the practice squad and 53-man roster will be taking part in the game for both the Defenders and Panthers.
Multiple Former Chiefs in UFL Championship Game
There are five total former Chiefs taking part in this game, two for the Panthers and three for the Defenders. The Defenders' group includes wide receiver Cornell Powell, cornerback DeAndre Baker and safety Trey Dean. On the other hand, the Panthers feature defensive end Breeland Speaks and cornerback DJ Miller.
Of these names, Speaks is the most notable. The 29-year-old was general manager Brett Veach's first ever draft selection in 2018. Unfortunately, the former second-round pick didn't pan out for Kansas City.
As a rookie, Speaks recorded 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 16 games (four starts) at defensive tackle. After that, he bounced around multiple teams' practice squads before signing with the Michigan Panthers in 2022. Following that stint with the Panthers, he made a few more stops on NFL practice squads.
Meanwhile, in two years with the Chiefs, Baker played in 10 games and recorded 21 tackles, one sack and two pass deflections. Powell won a ring as a member of the team, though he only made three regular-season appearances (all in 2022) during his stint in Kansas City and was released last Novemeber.
It will be interesting to see which of these former Chiefs end up winning the UFL's top prize.