Former Steelers Explode in UFL Debut

The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines everywhere in the opening week of the UFL season.
Mar 31, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA;  San Antonio Brahmas running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (41)
Mar 31, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Brahmas running back Anthony McFarland Jr. (41) / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers were well represented during opening week of the UFL season, with three former players scoring touchdowns and one making his mark on the defensive side of the ball.

Former Steelers running back Anthony McFarland took no time to make his impact on a new league. In his first spring football appearance, the former fourth-round pick scored a 28-yard touchdown. The 26-year-old is looking to showcase his skills after falling out of the Steelers' plans this past season. The former kick returner was once viewed as an all-around offensive weapon for Pittsburgh, but is now trying to impress enough to land back onto an NFL roster this summer.

Former wideout Deon Cane also scored, catching a touchdown pass from Matt Coral down the sideline just before halftime. Cane lit up the statsheet during the championship game last season and returns with hopes of putting another imprint on the UFL league.

To finish off the list of scoring attributes was a surprise name. Former punter Brad Wing also found the endzone, throwing a touchdown pass on a trick play.

Wing had his second stint with the Steelers this past season when filling in for Pressley Harvin III. The Steelers signed Cameron Johnston to a three-year deal, but it shouldn't be ruled out that they bring Wing in for the summer, simply utilizing him as an extra leg while allowing him to produce some more tape.

And finally, on defense, former Steelers cornerback Mark Gilbert grabbed his first interception of the season.

The UFL season is looking to be an exciting one after the USFL and XFL merged to create a better platform for spring football. Steelers fans have plenty of former players to watch, and it appears Pittsburgh will be making its mark on the league in 2024.

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah is the Publisher for All Steelers, Inside the Panthers (InsideThePanthers.com) and Inside the Penguins (InsidethePenguins.com), and is the host of All Steelers Talk (YouTube.com/AllSteelersTalk). A Scranton native, Noah made his way to the Pittsburgh sports scene in 2017. Now, he's pretty much full-yinzer.