Bryce Perkins Reflects on Journey from Virginia to Pro Football

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Bryce Perkins faced challenges from the very first day he arrived at the University of Virginia. The Arizona native transferred from Arizona Western Community College in January 2018, encountering snow for the first time as he drove around Grounds. It was a difficult day, and he ended up losing a hubcap after hitting a curb.

Fast forward to 2024, and Perkins has certainly turned his fortunes around. Virginia became a significant part of his life, and even as he now plays for the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League (UFL), he remains connected to the Cavaliers. “The connections and just the love you get from everybody who’s going to U.Va. is definitely special,” Perkins said, reflecting on his college experience.

During his time at Virginia from 2018 to 2019, Perkins made a considerable impact. He helped lead the Cavaliers to a win against South Carolina in the 2018 Belk Bowl, marking just the eighth bowl victory in the program’s 125-year history. Perkins also guided Virginia to a significant victory against Virginia Tech, the program’s first over the Hokies in 21 years.

His tenure also included a New Year’s Six bowl appearance against No. 9 Florida in the Orange Bowl, where Virginia fell short but impressed many. Perkins ranks second all-time at Virginia for total offensive yards and showed versatility with contributions in passing and rushing touchdowns.

Despite his success, Perkins faced hurdles. Going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft was a major setback, especially amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s a lot of things that didn’t go ‘right,’” Perkins said, citing the lack of a Pro Day as a hindrance to his aspirations. “I had to be resilient through that.”

His resilience paid off when he joined the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. Perkins saw limited action in 2022, playing in five games after injuries sidelined other quarterbacks. Though his time with the Rams ended after the season, he stayed positive and patient.

Following his brief NFL stint, Perkins found himself rejuvenated in the UFL with the Panthers. Currently, he ranks among the league’s top players in multiple statistical categories, proving his talent. The UFL, a startup professional league co-founded by Dwayne Johnson, is gaining traction and offers a platform for players to showcase their skills.

<p“I think the [UFL] games are exciting, and it means a lot just to be able to continue the career and then keep playing,” Perkins said, emphasizing his passion for the sport.

As he embarks on this latest chapter, Perkins continues to remain engaged with the University of Virginia. He believes in the future of the Cavaliers football program. “There’s a new transfer quarterback, and I have high hopes for what they can achieve,” Perkins said about the team’s direction.

Ultimately, Perkins reflects on his journey with pride, knowing that resilience and growth have defined his football career. “As long as you love the sport of football, man, go and play,” he said, encouraging others to chase their dreams.