Offensive tackle Christian DiLauro - Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The 2024 UFL season is underway and there are a couple of former Illinois players participating. The UFL kicked off just this past weekend. It is the new spring league in its first season, following the merger of the USFL and the XFL. Here is a look at the former Illinois players participating in the 2024 UFL season.
Former Illinois Players in the UFL
Heading into the season, there are two former Illinois players in the new 2024 UFL. Of the two, one was recently taken off of the roster, but they will still be discussed here. The other is still an active member of their team. Here is a look at these former Illinois players, and their journey to the UFL.
Christian DiLauro – T
Offensive tackle, Christian DiLauro played with the Illinois Fighting Illini from 2013 until 2017. While he did not see any game action in 2013 as a red-shirted freshman, in 2014 he ended up playing in 12 games. By 2016, as a junior, he saw 31 straight starts, according to Illinois Athletics. In 2017 he did not start in the first game of the season, which means the streak broke. That same year he played guard for the first time against Purdue. While DiLauro is a tackle, he shows a willingness to move when the team needs him to. 2017 was his final season with the Illinois Fighting Illini.
In 2018, DiLauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He joined numerous teams over the years, but primarily as an offseason addition, or as a practice squad member. In 2022, the Denver Broncos elevated him to the active roster in December. Aside from the Broncos, DiLauro spent time with the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, and the Minnesota Vikings.
In September of 2023, DiLauro signed with the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL. The Stallions are currently 1-0 after their win against the Arlington Renegades in week one.
Jamal Milan – DT
Jamal Milan, a defensive tackle, entered the season on the Michigan Panthers roster but is no longer listed there. Given that he entered the season on the roster, he deserves a mention, especially if he signs with another team in the future. Milan played with Illinois from 2015 until 2019. These two former Illinois players did overlap at one point. In 2015, Milan played in the season opener but missed the remainder of the season with an injury. In 2016, Milan returned from his injury playing in ten games. His senior year, 2019, he earned a spot as a starter, and was an All-Big Ten honorable mention by the media, according to Illinois Athletics. In five seasons, Milan had 99 total tackles, 47 solo, 13.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also forced two fumbles and recovered three. Despite injuries, he was still a solid player for Illinois.
Following his time with Illinois, Milan joined the Michigan Panthers in the 2023 USFL. As known, this year the merger occured, creating the UFL. Where Milan ends up is to be determined, but he is not on the Panthers roster as of now.
To Watch the Former Players
While what’s next for Milan is up in the air, to watch these former Illinois players, the Michigan Panthers will face the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday, April 7th. Both of the teams are currently 1-0 representing the USFL division.
