Former Clemson WR Makes Strong NFL Push After Dominating UFL Season

Cornell Powell’s NFL journey has taken some unexpected turns, but the former Clemson wide receiver is making the most of his second chance — and it might just land him back in the league.

Powell, a fifth-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021, spent three seasons in Kansas City without recording a regular-season stat. Though he earned two Super Bowl rings, he was unable to crack a deep wide receiver rotation. A short-lived stint on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad followed, but Powell was released in early 2025.

Throughout everywhere he's played, Powell has always needed a little time to adjust. This was also true in his time at Clemson. He arrived in 2016 as a 4-star recruit, but was pushed down the depth chart for guys like Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, and Hunter Renfrow.

Only as a 5th-year senior was Powell given the opportunity to shine, where he made the most of it. He finished the year with just under 900 yards receiving and added 7 touchdowns to go along with it. 

That’s when the D.C. Defenders of the UFL came calling. Since joining the team in March, Powell has reestablished himself as one of the league’s top playmakers. Through the regular season, he recorded 418 receiving yards (seventh in the league) and led all players with seven touchdown catches.