Six months ago, DJ Miller’s NFL dream hit a wall when theKansas City Chiefs cut him during final roster moves. Despite a promising preseason showing, the former Kent State safety didn’t make the cut. For many players, that’s where the story ends. But not for Miller. What felt like a closed door turned into an open gate-and now, he’s storming through it.
On April 4, 2025, in front of a fired-up crowd at Ford Field, Miller put on a defensive masterclass that made UFL history. In the Michigan Panthers‘ clash with the Birmingham Stallions, Miller intercepted two passes from former NFL QB Matt Corral-one in the second quarter and another in the fourth-becoming the first player in league history to snag multiple picks in a single game. And while the Panthers lost 21-12, there was no mistaking who owned the night.
He didn’t just show up he took over
The chants of “Miller! Miller!” echoed across the stadium, not just because of his picks, but because of how completely he took over the field. Lining up as a cornerback, not safety, Miller looked like a seasoned pro-breaking up plays, making key tackles, and playing with the energy of someone with something to prove. And prove it he did.
This wasn’t garbage time, either. This was prime-time football in a modern NFL-caliber stadium. The performance sent a message-not just to the UFL, but back to the NFL. And maybe, just maybe, to Andy Reid himself.
The ex-Chiefs takeover is real
Miller isn’t the only former Kansas City player thriving in Michigan. Defensive end Breeland Speaks, a 2018 second-round pick for the Chiefs, turned his UFL season into a Defensive Player of the Year campaign. Safety Tyree Gillespie, also a former Chief, rounds out a fierce, smart, and hungry defensive core for the Panthers.
Together, these overlooked talents are rewriting their careers-and forcing NFL teams to pay attention. As the Panthers prepare for their next matchup, the buzz is undeniable. DJ Miller didn’t just find a second chance-he’s redefining what comes after rejection. And the NFL might want to start watching more Friday night football.
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