Ian Wheeler was an unknown when he joined the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2024. All they knew was that he played at Howard University, where he doubled as a running back and kick returner. His name wasn’t mentioned much in training camp, but that changed in the preseason, where he put together some intriguing performances. Unfortunately, what looked like a potential chance to lock up a roster spot turned into a disaster when he tore his ACL in the finale against Kansas City.
It was a gutwrenching moment captured on HBO’s Hard Knocks. The sight of his mother, who was in the stands that night, breaking down at the realization was truly heartbreaking. He spent the entire season recovering from the injury. By the time he returned in 2025, the Bears had a new coaching staff and drafted a new running back (Kyle Monangai). He was waived after the preseason. That could’ve been the end of his football career. It has been for some.
Ian Wheeler refused to go out like that.
He had two choices. First, he could try out for another NFL team to see if he could get a camp invite. Or he could do something certain players are too proud to try: join the United Football League. Eager to play and prove himself, Wheeler signed with the Louisville Kings. He won the starting job and ended up leading the team in both yards (386) and touchdowns (6). Despite a 0-3 start to the season, Louisville rallied to finish 6-4 and make the playoffs, led by strong performances from Wheeler.
In the opener against St. Louis, he erupted for 89 yards and a touchdown on just seven carries on the way to a 29-20 win, sending the Kings to the UFL championship against the D.C. Defenders. This was the defending UFL champions and they played like it, jumping out to a 16-7 lead. However, Louisville started chipping away at the lead in the second half, taking it from 16-7 to 16-13. Then, on the first play of the 4th quarter, Ian Wheeler delivered what turned out to be the knockout blow with a 44-yard touchdown.
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What a story this is.
People can say the UFL is nothing like the NFL. That is true, but it’s also not the point. Ian Wheeler was dealt what could’ve been a mortal blow to his dream. He overcame playing at a small school, was one step away from making the roster in Chicago, and saw it destroyed by one unfortunate play. Rather than give up, he fought his way back to full health and then gambled on himself by taking a chance in another league. Not only does he immediately win a title, but he also wins the UFL championship MVP.
There is no telling what the future holds for Wheeler. Perhaps this success will get him another look from the NFL. It should. The kid can obviously play. Still, even if things ended here, it is the cap to one of the most unheralded comeback stories in recent memory. Not all the great ones happen on the biggest stage. Wheeler deserves all the credit in the world. Many like him never got this opportunity. It is well-deserved.
