LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Two members of the Louisville Kings' championship team are headed back to the NFL.
The Kings announced Wednesday that wide receivers Tarik Black and Lucky Jackson have signed contracts with the Detroit Lions. The pair are among the first UFL players to sign NFL deals since the league's offseason signing period opened Monday.
Black became one of Louisville's top deep threats during the Kings' inaugural season. He finished the regular season with 27 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns, tying for the team lead in receiving scores. He also added four receptions for 71 yards during Louisville's postseason run to the UFL championship.
The 6-foot-2-inch receiver began his college career at Michigan before transferring to Texas. After going undrafted in 2021, Black spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins organizations.
Jackson was one of Louisville's most productive offensive players during the championship season. He led the Kings with 32 receptions and 392 receiving yards while catching two touchdowns. Jackson also handled punt return duties, averaging 11.9 yards on nine returns during the regular season.
Jackson caught the first touchdown in franchise history and ranked among the UFL's top 10 receivers in receiving yardage during the regular season.
A former standout at Western Kentucky, Jackson earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2019 after catching 94 passes for 1,133 yards. He later earned All-XFL honors with the D.C. Defenders before spending time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Under UFL rules, the Kings retain Black's and Jackson's league rights should either player return to spring football in the future.
The Kings won the UFL championship in their inaugural season under coach Chris Redman, finishing with eight victories in their final nine games.
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