Former Vikings Draft Pick Attempts NFL Return After UFL Success

Kenny Willekes’ career has taken a circuitous path, but he’s ready to give the NFL another shot.

The 27-year-old Willekes, a 2020 seventh-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, took to X last Friday, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, to express his interest in returning to the NFL. He spent the last two seasons with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers.

“@TheUFL Thankful for the Journey,” Willekes wrote. “NFL I’m ready.”

Willekes capped his post with the hashtag “First48, representing the number of players who are active each gameday on NFL rosters.

Where Did Kenny Willekes Play College Football?

Willekes became an unlikely force at Michigan State, evolving from a walk-on in 2015 into one of the country’s most impactful players. He became a full-time starter along the defensive line in 2017, recording 72 tackles and seven sacks to earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors.

In 2018, Willekes led all FBS edge rushers with 23 quarterback hits to go with 8.5 sacks and was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Then in 2019, Willekes had a career-high 10.5 sacks and was named First Team All-Big Ten for the second straight year. He also received the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding FBS player who was originally a walk-on.

Despite that resounding success, Willekes was not a highly projected prospect at the next level. Leading up to the 2020 draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein noted his lack of athleticism would be an obstacle.

“He’s a high effort worker-bee with a relentless nose for the football,” Zierlein wrote. “His refusal to give in until the whistle is more responsible for his success than his size or athletic traits. He’s neither quick nor explosive, but he’s very instinctive and has an above-average understanding of blocking scheme and play development.

“He’s become a very impactful college player against all odds, but lacks the athletic profile to stick around long-term as a pro.”

Training Camp Looms as Opportunities for NFL Hopefuls

The Vikings used their first of four 2020 seventh-round picks on Willekes, selecting him 225th overall.

The 6-foot-3, 264-pound Willekes spent all of 2020 on injured reserve, but bounced back the following season to provide valuable depth along the edge. Willekes appeared in six games, registering 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks while splitting snaps between defense and special teams.

After an ACL tear cost Willekes all of 2022, he was released by the Vikings in May 2023.

Willekes appeared to find a home in the UFL, notching 20 tackles, four sacks and a fumble recovery with Michigan in 2024. He posted similar numbers in 2025 after re-signing with the Panthers but missed the playoffs with an injury.

Now the wait is on for the NFL, and Willekes could potentially latch onto a roster as teams ready for training camp late next month.