Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Spring football returns to Ford Field. As the Michigan Panthers prepare for their season opener this Sunday, former star kicker turned Detroit Lion Jake Bates is throwing his support behind the UFL. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard put together a great look b ack on Bates’ journey from the UFL, or United Football League, to the NFL. “That league did for me what it’s built for,” Bates said, per Woodyard. “It’s built to give people a stage and I was able to get that stage and without that I’m not here. So, I owe so much to the UFL and to the Panthers. Anything I can do to help that league, I’m on board with.” This is the second year of the UFL after the USFL and XFL merged to become one. Each league had eight teams for a total of 16, but the UFL opted to narrow it down to eight. The Michigan Panthers were a member of the USFL and survived. The Panthers kick off their season at noon on Saturday against the Memphis Showboats in Tennessee before returning the following week for the home opener at 8 p.m. Friday, April 4 — yes, the same day as the Detroit Tigers open their home schedule at Comerica Park. If you’re downtown, I encourage you to stick around to support the squad. If not (hope you don’t mind the plug), you can flip on Fox 2 at 5 or 6 p.m. for a preview—I’ll be talking to some of the guys before hosting the game. The league is all about giving guys a chance (for many, a second chance) to do what they love and who knows? Perhaps another future Lions star will be born. Here’s the full schedule: Sunday, March 30 at Memphis, noon on ESPN Friday, April 4 vs. Birmingham, 8 p.m. on Fox Sunday, April 13 vs. San Antonio, noon on ABC Friday, April 18 vs. Memphis, 8 p.m. on Fox Saturday, April 26 at St. Louis, 7 p.m. on ESPN Sunday, May 4 vs. D.C., noon on ESPN2 Saturday, May 10 at Arlington, 1 p.m. on Fox Saturday, May 17 at Houston, 1 p.m. on Fox Saturday, May 24 at Birmingham, 3 p.m. on ABC Saturday, May 31 vs. Houston, 3 p.m. on ESPN And onto the rest of your notes. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin ranked the Lions the fourth-biggest threat against the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. ‘Tis the season for workout vids. Taylor Decker putting in WORK this offseason ( : IG/amdg_performance) pic.twitter.com/5xxSPx7TOO— (@the_det_times) March 19, 2025 The governor of Tennessee is making a case to bring the NFL Draft to the Music City in 2029. Extremely biased but the way Tom Izzo softens up sometimes is the best, like when Kay Adams here quizzes him about his Packers/Lions split loyalty. Coach Tom Izzo on where his NFL loyalty lies.... @Lions @packers pic.twitter.com/nI8rL7w88I— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) March 20, 2025 Former Lions quarterback Tim Boyle finds a new home with the Tennessee Titans. ...read more read less