You had to know a quarterback would be included here. Professional football is driven by the position. In fact, one of the downfalls of many of the spring leagues that have popped up in recent years has been a lack of quality quarterbacks, which in turn affects the entire offensive product.
However, the UFL has at least a couple of quarterbacks who could have interest for NFL teams. A.J. McCarron was a long-time NFL backup, but the 33-year-old appears content to exchange an NFL bench for the opportunity to be the starter for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Per Christian Shimabuku of KHON-TV, Jordan Ta'amu shares that same gratitude as McCarron that he's able to play professional football—even if it's not at the NFL level.
"I'm so excited just to have another opportunity to play football again," Ta'amu told KHON2 sports director Rob DeMello. "I mean, it's just such a blessing to continue to play the sport I love and I'm so excited for the season. Every year the chance I get to, you know, be in a locker room again, it kind of revs up my engine, I enjoy it every time I get to go through this whole experience again. I'm glad this is going to be my second year in D.C., so I'm excited about the fan base that we really have there. They made every game electric last year and I'm just excited to do that all again this year."
Jordan Ta'amu doesn't have McCarron's NFL experience—he's kicked around a handful of training camps and practice squads, but Ta'amu has been unable to stick to date. However, he was one of the XFL's biggest stars last year. Last season for the Defenders, he threw for 1,878 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions, adding 301 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in 10 games.
Arm talent has never been the issue with Ta'amu. Neither has size or athleticism. It's been a matter of seeing the field. Working progressions. Finding the open man without forcing a bad throw.
At just 26, Ta'amu still has time to improve in those areas. And if his 2024 looks like last year's (or better), he won't be hurting for camp invites as we move into the summer.
