Former Minnesota OL Chuck Filiaga - Filiaga Chuck/Minnesota Athletics
The 2024 UFL season is underway and just one former Minnesota player is participating this year. 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 Minnesota player participating in the 2024 UFL season.
One Former Minnesota Player in the UFL
In the first year of the UFL, there is currently just one former Minnesota player who is participating. Here is a look at who it is, their time at Minnesota, and how they ended up playing in the UFL. Also, take a look at why this league could benefit the player.
Chuck Filiaga – OL
Offensive lineman, Chuck Filiaga is the lone former Minnesota player in the UFL this year. It is important to note that Filiaga spent his first five seasons with the Michigan Wolverines. He then transferred to Minnesota to play with the Gophers for his final collegiate season as a graduate student. Because he ended his collegiate career playing with Minnesota, he is being labeled here as a former Gopher, though he can be “claimed” by Michigan. His X bio does acknowledge both of these teams. Either way, he is now a member of the UFL, playing with the San Antonio Brahmas.
Filiaga was at Michigan from 2017 until 2021. He appeared in 39 games playing guard. He was on both the right and left side of the line. While at Minnesota, he started in all 13 games. According to the University of Minnesota Athletics, he earned All-Big Ten Third Team in 2022 by the coaches, and that same year earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the media. Filiaga is a player that teams can trust on both sides of the line, a strong asset for a player. The offensive lineman played in every game with the Gophers while he was there. Though he can switch from right to left, with the Gophers, Filiaga was a starter as a right guard. The Gophers offense rushed for 2,698 yards in 2022. Following the 2022 season, he headed to the NFL.
Filiaga was never drafted into the NFL, but signed by the New Orleans Saints that summer. Unfortunately, before the season began he was waived. Filiaga is now an offensive lineman for the San Antonio Brahmas. In week one, the Brahmas offense earned 270 yards, according to the UFL. They rushed the ball for 77 yards and passed for 193 yards. They scored 27 points in their win. Football is a team game, and without an offensive line, it is difficult to win. They are currently 1-0, in first place of the XFL Conference in the UFL. They are the only team in the conference to have a win so far.
Filiaga is one of those players who can truly benefit from the UFL. The league does not only give players a chance to continue playing the game they love, they have a chance to show NFL teams that they can still play. Filiaga only spent one offseason with an NFL team and is only 26 years old. Perhaps if he does well, another team will give him a chance next year. Either way, he has an opportunity to keep playing football in the 2024 UFL.
When to Watch Filiaga
To watch this former Minnesota player: The San Antonio Brahmas will next face the Memphis Showboats on Saturday, April 6th at 12 P.M. Eastern. As stated the Brahmas are currently 1-0 trying to stay undefeated. The Showboats are also 1-0, wanting to do the same thing.
