Two former Michigan State football players are advancing to the professional level. Offensive lineman JD Duplain was picked by the Michigan Panthers in the ninth round on Wednesday afternoon, joining his former teammate, quarterback Rocky Lombardi, who was selected in the fifth round. Both players went undrafted in the NFL this spring.
JD Duplain, who started over 40 games for the Spartans, had hoped to be drafted into the NFL but now has a chance to prove himself with the Panthers. Similarly, Rocky Lombardi, who played at Northern Illinois from 2021-23, will also join the Panthers, adding to the team’s roster of former Spartans, including backup quarterback Brian Lewerke from last season.
We HUNTED! 🐾
Here's a look at our picks from the 2024 UFL College Draft 🤩↓ pic.twitter.com/dE4SFx0mkg
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) July 17, 2024
The Michigan Panthers selected ten players in total, with 20% of them being former Michigan State players. There is also a possibility of a third former Spartan joining the team when the season resumes next spring.
Although this isn’t the career path Duplain initially envisioned, there are numerous examples of players moving from the XFL and USFL (now the UFL) to the NFL. Duplain, known for his steady performance on the offensive line, may even break into the two-deep roster with the Panthers. Meanwhile, Lombardi remains celebrated for his legendary performance against Michigan in 2020.
Fans will undoubtedly support both Duplain and Lombardi as they embark on their professional journeys.
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