A Lions quarterback, whose NFL opportunities were limited, continued to build his reputation in spring football and has now earned one of the biggest honors of his professional career.

Jordan Ta'amu was nominated for the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player award. He was named among the league's four MVP finalists after leading the DC Defenders through another impressive season before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

“The finalists consist of two defensive and two offensive players, including edge Cam Gill (Louisville Kings), QB Jack Plummer (Orlando Storm), edge Derick Roberson (DC Defenders), and QB Jordan Ta’amu (DC Defenders),” the league noted in a press release, according to Heavy.com.

The finalists were selected by a panel of media members, broadcast partners, and coaches and team football personnel from all eight teams. The selections were based on the players' performance throughout their recently concluded 10-game regular season.

After entering the NFL as an undrafted QB, he spent time with multiple franchises, including the Detroit Lions, as he searched for long-term stability. Though regular-season NFL playing time never appeared, he found success in the UFL.

“We never want to lose a quarterback of that caliber, especially a guy who’s been an MVP-level player and championship leader for us,” coach Shannon Harris said, via NBC Sports.

Ta'amu's coach, Shannon Harris, appreciated his abilities and his contribution to the team. Before Ta'amu's injury, he had thrown for 1,515 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding about 200 rushing yards.

Over the years, Ta'amu has become one of the best QBs, leading the USFL in passing categories in 2022 and earning XFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023.

Despite missing the final stretch due to injury, Ta'amu finished among the league leaders in passing production and was selected as UFL Offensive Player of the Week twice during the season.

His MVP selection serves as a reminder of his consistent excellence.

Detroit Lions: Important Chapter of Jordan Ta'amu's NFL Journey

Jordan Ta'amu's NFL journey included two separate stints with the Detroit Lions. He joined Detroit's practice late in the 2020 season before returning for training camp in 2021.

He never appeared in a regular-season game but remained part of the franchise during the transition period at QB.

“Ta’amu did two separate rounds with the Lions organization, though he never appeared in a game,” Sports Illustrated's Christian Booher wrote. “First, he was a practice squad addition late in the 2020 campaign. Then, he returned for a training camp stint in 2021 but did not make the team.”

Ta'amu arrived in Detroit during the final stages of Matthew Stafford's tenure and later returned during the first offseason after Jared Goff's arrival. Even though competing, he couldn't get to the roster spot.

However, his success in the UFL has shown talent that many franchises saw in him during his NFL opportunities. The MVP nomination is cementing his reputation as one of the greatest QBs outside the NFL.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote