Former Colts WR earns MVP honors in USFL title game

Former NFL WR Deon Cain Bob Meyer-USA TODAY Sports

Former Colts wideout earns MVP honors in USFL title game

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/2/23

The USFL and other football leagues like it offer players with NFL dreams and aspirations a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. During Saturday's USFL title game, former Indianapolis Colts wideout Deon Cain took full advantage of his opportunity, walking away with MVP honors to help the Birmingham Stallions repeat champions.

Cain caught only four passes in the Stallions 28-12 win over the Pittsburgh Maulers, but made them all count. The 26-year-old averaged 17.5 yards per reception, finishing with three touchdowns and 70 yards receiving.

YEAH BUDDY!!! @cainera1_ ready for it in the endzone!

ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN!

: @nbc & @peacock pic.twitter.com/Pf3Jud4lkL
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) July 2, 2023

ADD IT TO THE TALLY FOR @cainera1_!

STALLIONS WITH ANOTHER TD!

: @nbc & @peacock pic.twitter.com/5RDeqPnch9
— Birmingham Stallions (@USFLStallions) July 2, 2023

@McgoughAlex
@cainera1_

This duo has been insane during the Championship Game

: @nbc | @peacock
pic.twitter.com/YGtXz94xgd
— USFL (@USFL) July 2, 2023

After starring at Clemson, Cain heard his name called by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. An ACL tear during training camp ended his rookie campaign abruptly, but Cain went on to play 15 games over two seasons with the Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, raking up nine receptions for 124 yards. Cain bounced around after his contract ended with the Steelers, spending time with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles practice squads before signing with the Stallions in March.

Following the Stallions' victory Saturday night, Cain called the moment a "dream come true."

"Just want to be a team guy, bro," Cain told Zora Stephenson of NBC Sports. "I'm just so grateful for the opportunity that Skip and the Stallions gave me this year."

Perhaps Cain's standout performance will push NFL eyes to take another look. But if that doesn't come to fruition, the Stallions will surely have him back next season in search of a three-peat.

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