Remember Kenny Willekes? One Former Viking Is Tearing Up the UFL
Do you remember Kenny Willekes? The former Minnesota Vikings draft pick and pass rusher who showed so much potential during his time with the team? Well, he may no longer be playing in the NFL, but he is certainly making a name for himself in the United Football League (UFL).
Willekes was drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a standout player at Michigan State University, where he was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection and the 2019 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. With his impressive college resume, many expected him to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
However, things didn’t go as planned for Willekes in Minnesota. He suffered a season-ending leg injury during training camp and was ultimately released by the team in September 2020. It was a tough blow for the young player, but he didn’t let it stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Willekes joined the UFL, a professional football league in the United States that provides opportunities for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot in the NFL. And boy, has he been tearing it up.
In his first season with the UFL’s Omaha Mammoths, Willekes quickly became one of the top pass rushers in the league. He finished the season with 10 sacks, 45 tackles, and two forced fumbles, earning him a spot on the All-UFL First Team. But he didn’t stop there.
In the 2021 season, Willekes has been even more dominant. He currently leads the league in sacks with 12 and has recorded 50 tackles and three forced fumbles. His performance has not gone unnoticed, as he was recently named the UFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Willekes’ success in the UFL is a testament to his determination and hard work. Despite being released by the Vikings, he never gave up on his dream of playing professional football. He continued to train and improve his skills, and it has paid off in a big way.
But it’s not just his on-field performance that has caught the attention of the UFL and NFL scouts. Willekes has also become a leader in the Mammoths’ locker room, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches. He has shown a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, which has helped motivate his team to success.
Willekes’ journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring football players. It’s a reminder that setbacks and challenges are a part of the game, but it’s how you respond to them that truly matters. Willekes could have let his injury and release from the Vikings derail his career, but instead, he used it as motivation to work even harder.
And now, he is on the cusp of achieving his ultimate goal of playing in the NFL. With his impressive performance in the UFL, it’s only a matter of time before he gets another shot at the big leagues. And when he does, he will undoubtedly make the most of it.
So, the next time you watch a UFL game and see Kenny Willekes dominating on the field, remember that he is not just a former Viking, but a shining example of perseverance and determination. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see him back in the NFL, making an impact on Sundays once again.
