Another former Minnesota Viking has announced some career news. Just last week, ex-draft bust Lewis Cine was drafted to the UFL by the DC Defenders.
This time, another former Vikings defender has entered the UFL fray.
Ex-Viking Captain Munnerlyn Named Defense Coordinator of Columbus Aviators
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 20: Captain Munnerlyn #24 of the Minnesota Vikings breaks up a pass intended for Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Vikings.com‘s Rob Klelfield had the report.
“Now a coach at the high school level, Munnerlyn is embracing a return to pro football.
The 37-year-old is joining one of his former NFL teammates, receiver/returner Tedd Ginn, Jr., to lead an expansion franchise in the UFL, a spring league that combined the XFL and USFL. Ginn was named the inaugural head coach of the Columbus Aviators, and Munnerlyn will serve as the defensive coordinator.”
Klelfield also detailed Munnerlyn’s Vikings career.
“A long-time Panthers defensive back, Munnerlyn played the 2014-16 seasons for Minnesota.
In 47 contests (30 starts), Munnerlyn procured four interceptions to go along with 12 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three recoveries, including one for a 55-yard TD against rival Green Bay that built a big enough lead to fend off a Packers comeback in Week 17 of the 2015 slate, and 172 tackles and a sack.”
Kevin Miller of GamecockCentral also provided some insight into Munnerlyn’s coaching career since the end of his playing days.
“This will not be Munnerlyn’s first foray into coaching. He spent the 2025 season as the head coach at Julius S. Chambers High School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He was also an assistant coach at Myers Park High School in Charlotte and worked in the world of private positional training, as well. During his NFL playing days, he was a volunteer assistant coach at Murphy High School in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.”
Lewis Cine Taken by DC Defenders in 2026 UFL Draft
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 20: Lewis Cine #6 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
PurplePTSD‘s Janik Eckardt had the scoop on Cine’s new ventures.
“Cine’s next stint will bring him to the nation’s capital, but not to the Commanders. No, he’ll be a member of the UFL franchise DC Defenders.
Cine will join several former Vikings on the roster, such as Andre Mintze, Jordan Ta’amu, or Abram Smith. Unlike those guys, however, Cine was envisioned to become a star in the Twin Cities, following Harrison Smith’s footsteps. Given his play at Georgia and the outstanding physical tools, that was not out of the question.”
Former Vikings QB Jaren Hall was also selected in this draft, as he will join the Birmingham Stallions roster.
Jaren Hall is 28, and Lewis Cine is still a young 26 years old.
Best of luck to the two former Vikings in their return-ventures into professional football.
Ex-Viking Returns to Pro Football in Coaching Role