After a disappointing 2025 season in the NFL that ended with much of a light at the end of the tunnel, one former West Virginia football star took a shot at the UFL to build a little buzz around his name, and the move appears to be paying off.
Tony Fields II transferred to the Mountaineers to finish his collegiate career during the 2020 season, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and All-Big 12 honors for his performance with the Mountaineers before being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Now, with opportunities in the league running thin, Fields II is rebuilding himself as a pro prospect in a different name.
Tony Fields II named UFL Defensive Player of the Week
Fields II missed out on seeing playing time last year in the NFL, so he embarked on a career reset this year which has taken him to the Columbus Gladiators of the UFL. Fields II has excelled in the league, playing in all five games so far for the Gladiators and recording 40 total tackles. But his biggest game came just this past weekend.
Fields II was named the UFL Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Houston Gamblers this past Sunday, racking up 13 tackles (including seven solo) in a tightly-fought 17-13 loss for the Aviators.
BIG GAME TONY 👏
— Columbus Aviators (@UFLAviators) April 29, 2026
Congratulations to Tony Fields II on being named the @nobull Defensive Player of the Week! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/yHQqUR71cC
If Fields II can continue to perform at a high level in the UFL, it's not unlikely he'll get another shot at establishing himself in the NFL. He has proven he can play consistently in the league, recording a career best 48 tackles and one interception in 2022 and tallying 88 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception over his five-year NFL career.
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