Culpepper Was a Big-Time Grab for the UFL

QB Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota Vikings

ATLANTA, GA-- In the early 2000s, Daunte Culpepper was one the biggest stars in the National Football League (NFL), in fact, in 2002 he was honored with being on the cover of the biggest sports game in America in John Madden football, cementing his status as a star that had indeed arrived. A first-round selection of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL's 1999 draft Culpepper had made a name for himself early in his NFL career. So, his presence on the Sacramento Mountain Lions roster six years later was a shock to many. Culpepper joining the Mountain Lions would make him the largest profile player to ever participate in the UFL. The participation of huge stars such as Culpepper demonstrates the immense entertainment potential of America's premier spring football league in the UFL. 

The bright lights and high-pressure of playing professional football are not for every football player. Yet, in those moments the game's brightest stars are expected to shine. Culpepper did just that for his Mountain Lions team leading the franchise to its best record of 4-4. Although, a .500 winning percent is not impressive for a lot of teams it is for a franchise that was still trying to find itself in the Mountain Lions. Culpepper was able the bring the team a sense of stability and leadership which it was never able to recapture in the seasons that followed. 

As an NFL player Culpeper was a three-time pro bowler that accounted for over 24,000 passing yards and 183 touchdowns during his NFL career. The long touchdown passes of Culpepper to players such as Chris Carter and Randy Moss were a staple to the early 2000s Minnesota Vikings offense. Providing the Vikings with big-time talent and later providing the Mountain Lions and the UFL with a big-time name to reference when speaking on past highlights of the league.  

The UFL will soon be the biggest platform for football during the spring and if the league's history is an indication big-time players will be on full display. 

For the latest news and information, please continue to visit uflfootball.com.