UFL Players Make Impact in NFL's Week 16
Published on December 27, 2010 under United Football League (UFL 1) News Release
A trio of 2010 Florida Tuskers played key roles for their National Football League teams during Week 16 NFL play on Sunday.
Running back DOMINIC RHODES racked up 221 all-purpose yards in the Indianapolis Colts' 31-26 win at the Oakland Raiders. Rhodes led the Colts with 98 rushing yards on 17 carries, and returned five kickoff returns for 123 yards. In the second half alone, Rhodes, in his third tour of duty with the Colts, gained 83 yards on the ground on 13 carries.
"When I get my opportunities, I try to do the best with them," Rhodes said after Sunday's victory. "That's something I've done my whole career. I got the opportunity to play today a lot, and I took advantage of it."
Rhodes rewrote the UFL record book during the 2010 season, setting new single-season marks for total touchdowns (10), rushing yards (547) and all-purpose yards (918). He was third in the UFL in yards from scrimmage (652) and second in kickoff return average (21.7). He scored at least one touchdown in each of the first seven games of the season. Rhodes also had three 100-yard rushing games for the Tuskers this fall - 103 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries in Week 4 at Hartford, a team-record 111 yards and a touchdown on just 11 carries in Week 8 at home vs. Omaha and 102 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in Week 9 at home vs. Hartford.
In the 2010 UFL Championship Game, Rhodes ran 20 times for 67 yards and caught four passes for 29 yards.
Rhodes helped the Tuskers to three straight victories at the end of the season in order to qualify for the UFL Championship Game, and now, Rhodes has helped the Colts to three straight victories as they are on the verge of another AFC South championship.
"The UFL was an awesome experience for me," Rhodes said. "It was what I needed. It was definitely a blessing. I needed to go there and get that on my back too so I can carry that when I come here (to Indianapolis). I guarantee you guys in the UFL are hungry and I've always been that way and it just gave me more hunger."
Cornerback KEIWAN RATLIFF tied for the game lead on the Cincinnati Bengals' defense with eight total tackles in their 34-20 home win over the San Diego Chargers. Ratliff was the Tuskers' nickel back throughout the 2010 season, and set a new league record with two interception return touchdowns in one season. Ratliff had two picks for 87 yards and two scores during the regular season, and had an interception in the UFL Championship Game.
Defensive end ERIC MOORE started at right end for the New England Patriots, and had five total tackles and a fumble recovery in a 34-3 win at the Buffalo Bills. Moore joined the Tuskers on October 4 after spending 2010 training camp with the National Football League's Carolina Panthers, and was on Florida's roster for the final five regular-season games and the United Football League Championship Game. During the regular season, he had two sacks, 12 total tackles, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a half-tackle for loss. In the UFL Championship Game, Moore had total tackles and a tackle for loss.
A 2009 Las Vegas Locomotive, kicker GRAHAM GANO, hit the game-winning 31-yard field goal in overtime for the Washington Redskins in a 20-17 victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Gano was 2-for-2 on field goals (48 and 31 yards) and 2-for-2 on extra points in the victory. In 2009, Gano tied for the UFL lead with 51 points, and led the league in field goals with 11 and field goal percentage at 84.6. He was 11-for-13 on field goals and 18-for-18 on extra points.
Other notable performances Sunday by United Football League players included: Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Micheal Spurlock (Florida '09) returned three kickoffs for 99 yards with a long of 79 yards, caught a pass for 20 yards and returned a punt with six yards and three fair catches in a 38-15 home win over the Seattle Seahawks. Denver Broncos kicker Steven Hauschka (Las Vegas '10) was 1-for-1 on field goals (27 yards) and 3-for-3 on extra points in a 24-23 home win over the Houston Texans. Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Shaun Smith (Las Vegas '09) started at left end and had a solo tackle in a 34-14 home win over the Tennessee Titans.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (Florida '09) will play tonight on Monday Night Football, and 2010 Hartford Colonials teammates Lorenzo Booker (Minnesota Vikings running back) and Gerard Lawson (Philadelphia Eagles cornerback) will play Tuesday night in a game rescheduled from Sunday night due to impending inclement weather in Philadelphia.
About The United Football League: The UFL provides high-quality professional football during a traditional fall season while embracing innovation and fan interaction. The UFL serves its local communities with pride and dedication, and aims to provide every fan with an exciting and memorable game experience. The inaugural 2009 champion Las Vegas Locos won a second championship in 2010, lifting the the William Hambrecht Trophy with a 23-20 win over the Florida Tuskers. The 2011 season will feature the Locos, Tuskers, Hartford Colonials, Omaha Nighthawks, Sacramento Mountain Lions and expansion team Virginia Destroyers. All games were shown live on Versus, HDNet and the New England Sports Network. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue and is funded by a consortium of private investors. For season tickets, more information and to interact with passionate football fans, please visit www.UFL-Football.com.
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