To kick off the 2023 USFL season, here are five players to watch for on the New Orleans Breakers team and a schedule preview.
The New Orleans Breakers season begins on April 16th at home in Birmingham, AL, at 6:30 PM against the Pittsburg Maulers.
5 Players To Watch For
#1 – McLeod Bethel-Thompson
McLeod Bethel-Thompson is likely a familiar name for most football fans. The former Bruin jumped around in the NFL and two other professional football leagues between 2010 and 2016. Bethel Thompson played for five different NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he had three separate contracts, and the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins he played for twice.
Breakers QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson and wife Chinaka Hodge (Courtesy of Chinaka Hodge).
McLeod would spend the next several years in the CFL but decided to return to the States to be closer to the family this year. Anyone who may think that Bethel-Thompson might be showing his age but have no fear; he is aging like wine. Not only did McLeod lead the CFL, but he also had career-high stats in the 2022 season.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson will bring an experienced, veteran presence to the locker room and the field. He may not be the QB of the future, but he will be able to gift the Breakers with his talent and help train the up-and-coming QB.
#2 – Aqeel Glass
Former AAMU QB Aqeel Glass (4) – Mickey Welsh/Advertiser
Speaking of QB of the future, Aqeel Glass is an exciting new face in New Orleans. He will likely train behind Bethel-Thompson, but the wait will be well worth it when we do see him. Glass has it all. He has the accolades – he is a Top 15 QB in FCS History and two-time HBCU Black College Player of the Year. Glass also is an intellect – possessing a bachelors and masters in Engineering. He is a passing protegee with 109 TDs and 12,136 yards; and is a giant – 6’5′ and 233 pounds.
The Breakers are lucky to catch Glass; it’s only up from here for such a talented young QB. Aqeel exemplifies HBCU talent and black excellence.
#3 – Keaton Mitchell
Besides being the fourth-round USFL 2023 draft pick, Keaton was also the leading Purple Pirate invited to the NFL combine this year. This RB is best described by the number of NFL teams courting the ECU player for the 2023 season (Speedy Keaton says his “phone is blowing up” with teams), and his impressive college accolades. Keaton is a two-time 1st team All-American and PFF All-American.
Former East Carolina RB Keaton Mitchell (25) – ECU Athletics
#4 – Dante Stills
The 6th USFL 2023 round draft pick, Dante Stills, will be an important player on the defensive side of the bowl to keep an eye on. Stills collected records in college like they were candy. He is number one in West Virginia University program history for most career tackles for loss; he set another by playing in 58 games, starting in 36, and last but not least, was number four in program history for sacks.
Former WV Mountaineer Dante Stills (55) – Ben Queen/USA Today Sports
A player so driven and dedicated to his craft will only improve in professional football under the watchful eye of new former NFL New Orleans Breakers coach John DeFilippo.
#5 – Richie Sindani
Richie is a bit of an exciting wildcard this 2023 season. He is an experienced wide receiver, clocking in five seasons with the CFL after a successful college career. The WR has a knack for interceptions and has 3 TDs and just under 1,000 yards in 60 games as a Calgary Stampede. Sindani is a bit of a bad boy with his recent suspension and will add a little spice to the New Orleans team. We love to see it!
Breakers WR Richie Sindani – The Canadian Press/Jason Franson
New Orleans Breakers Schedule Preview
4/16 Pittsburgh Maulers: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
4/22Houston Gamblers: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
4/29 Birmingham Stallions: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
5/7 New Jersey Generals: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton, OH
5/14 Memphis Showboats: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
5/21 Philadelphia Stars: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
5/27 Birmingham Stallions: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
6/4 Michigan Panthers: Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL
6/10 Memphis Showboats: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
6/18 Houston Gamblers: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, TN
Curious about the 1980s USFL? Look at this History Huddle article. Are you on top of the new 2023 USFL season rules? Check here.
