‘I’m Really Blessed’: Jalen Wydermyer Finds New Beginning with UFL’s Michigan Panthers

For Jalen Wydermyer, the journey to professional football hasn’t been the straight-line path many predicted when he first burst onto the college football scene as a standout tight end at Texas A&M. Once viewed as one of the top tight end prospects in the country, Wydermyer’s transition to the professional ranks didn’t unfold the way he—or the football world—expected. Yet today, he finds himself not just on a team, but thriving with a new sense of purpose and gratitude as a member of the UFL’s Michigan Panthers.

“I’m really blessed,” Wydermyer says, smiling as he reflects on his journey. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of. The Michigan Panthers gave me a second chance—not just to play football, but to prove to myself and others that I still belong.”

From College Star to Professional Uncertainty

Wydermyer’s football story began with sky-high expectations. The Dickinson, Texas, native was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, known for his soft hands, size (6-foot-4, 255 pounds), and mismatch potential. When he signed with Texas A&M in 2019, Aggie fans hoped he would become the next great tight end—and he quickly lived up to the hype.

As a true freshman, Wydermyer posted 32 receptions for 447 yards and six touchdowns, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. Over the next two seasons, he remained one of the most productive tight ends in the SEC. He finished his college career with 118 receptions, 1,468 yards, and 16 touchdowns—numbers that put him among the top tight ends in Texas A&M history.

But the 2022 NFL Draft didn’t go as planned. Despite being projected as a mid-round pick by some analysts, Wydermyer went undrafted. There were questions about his speed, blocking consistency, and separation at the next level. He signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, then had brief stints with the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts, but failed to stick on an NFL roster.

“It was tough,” Wydermyer admits. “Going undrafted hurt. I felt like I had done enough, but the league didn’t see it that way at the time. I had to look in the mirror, ask myself what I wanted, and figure out how to keep chasing my dream.”

A Fresh Opportunity in the UFL

That fresh opportunity came with the United Football League (UFL) and the Michigan Panthers. Formed as a merger between the USFL and XFL, the UFL represents a new chapter for spring football—and for players like Wydermyer, it offers a legitimate second chance.

Panthers head coach Mike Nolan, a former NFL head coach with the San Francisco 49ers, saw potential in Wydermyer and offered him a spot in training camp. It didn’t take long for Wydermyer to make an impression.

“He came in hungry,” Nolan said. “You could tell he had something to prove, but he was humble about it. He wanted to work. He wanted to earn his role. That’s exactly the kind of player we want here.”

Wydermyer embraced the opportunity with both hands—literally. As one of the Panthers’ top receiving threats at tight end, he has become a reliable target over the middle, a red-zone weapon, and a team leader. In a league filled with players hungry for a shot at the NFL or a renewed football career, Wydermyer stands out not just for his talent but for his approach.

“I’ve learned not to take any rep for granted,” he says. “I treat every day like it’s an audition, because it is. Whether it’s for the UFL or a future opportunity in the NFL, I’m going to give everything I’ve got.”

Making an Impact on the Field

Through the first half of the UFL season, Wydermyer has consistently delivered. He’s recorded multiple games with 4+ receptions, has already found the end zone, and is often on the receiving end of key third-down plays. His size and body control make him a mismatch for linebackers, while his improved route-running has allowed him to be more versatile than he was during his early college days.

Perhaps most importantly, he’s shown marked improvement in blocking—a skill that often separates NFL-level tight ends from the rest. Under the guidance of the Panthers’ coaching staff, Wydermyer has embraced the dirty work, earning praise for his willingness to block in-line and contribute to the run game.

“I knew that to be taken seriously again, I had to round out my game,” Wydermyer explains. “I couldn’t just be a pass-catcher. The UFL has helped me do that—coaches here are invested in making us better, and I’ve grown a lot as a complete tight end.”

Off the Field: Growth and Gratitude

Beyond the numbers and on-field impact, Wydermyer’s transformation has been equally striking off the field. Once a high-profile prospect under the microscope, he’s now embraced a quieter, more mature leadership role with the Panthers. Younger players often approach him for advice, and he’s quick to credit his faith, family, and support system for helping him navigate the ups and downs of his career.

“Perspective is everything,” he says. “There was a time I thought if you weren’t in the NFL, you had failed. But that’s not true. Football is still football. I get to wake up every day and play the game I love. That’s a blessing.”

Wydermyer has also taken to mentoring high school athletes back in his hometown of Dickinson, Texas. Through Zoom calls and occasional visits, he shares his story—both the highs and the setbacks—to help the next generation understand what it truly takes to succeed.

“I tell them the truth,” he says. “I let them know it’s not all highlight reels and draft parties. There’s real work, disappointment, and perseverance involved. But if you keep showing up, good things can happen.”

What’s Next?

While Wydermyer is focused on helping the Panthers make a championship push in the UFL’s inaugural season, he’s not shy about his long-term goals. A return to the NFL remains on his radar, and with continued strong play, that door may open again sooner than later.

NFL scouts are watching the UFL more closely than ever, and several former USFL and XFL players have made the leap to NFL rosters in recent years. Wydermyer hopes to be next in line—and he’s determined to be ready if the call comes.

“I’d love another shot,” he says. “I feel like I’ve matured, I’ve improved, and I’ve earned it. But whether that happens or not, I’m grateful. The Panthers believed in me when others didn’t, and I’m going to give them everything I have.”

A Symbol of Resilience

In many ways, Jalen Wydermyer’s story is emblematic of the UFL itself—a league built on second chances, overlooked talent, and the relentless pursuit of football dreams. It’s a place where reputations can be rebuilt, confidence can be restored, and players can redefine their careers on their own terms.

For Wydermyer, the Michigan Panthers have become more than just a team—they’ve become a lifeline. A place to rediscover his love for the game, refine his skills, and show the world that he still has more to give.

“I’m not the same player I was coming out of college,” he says. “I’m better. Smarter. Tougher. And more grateful than ever.”

From college stardom to professional setbacks and now to a rebirth in the UFL, Jalen Wydermyer’s journey is far from over. But wherever it leads next, one thing is clear: he’s back, he’s thriving—and above all, he’s blessed.