Earlier this week, it was reported that former Michigan State star Kenny Willekes had found his way back to the NFL, signing a deal to join the Pittsburgh Steelers during the preseason.
The Steelers were looking to try some guys out to join the roster or just create healthy competition, and Willekes, who had been dominating the UFL, was an interesting addition. However, his NFL comeback has fizzled out just as quickly as it came on.
Willekes, a former seventh-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, was hoping to complete his comeback to the NFL by making the Steelers' 53-man roster, but now he'll have to fight his way back to the league via the UFL again or potentially a practice squad spot after being released.
The former Michigan State defensive end and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year will not be looking for NFL work again as he was one of 11 players released by the Steelers on Friday.
This is an unfortunate development for the talented edge rusher as well as Spartan fans who were hoping to see him have a career resurgence like the one Malik McDowell had a few years ago before some off-field issues knocked him out of the league again.
I'm guessing Willekes will head back to the UFL where he was a star for the Michigan Panthers. He will hope to have the same luck as Mike Panasiuk who went from the UFL to the New Orleans Saints this offseason where he still has a spot on the roster, hoping to make the 53-man cut.
The road back to the NFL was never going to be easy, but I wouldn't count Willekes out.