DETROIT, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — As the Michigan Panthers prepare for their final home game of the United Football League (UFL) regular season at Ford Field, tight end Gunnar Oakes is relishing the chance to play on a professional stage in a stadium that's just a short drive from where his football journey took root.
"I'm not sure I ever pictured this path," Oakes said. "But being here now, playing in Detroit, it feels right. I'm proud of how far I've come."
It's been a journey defined by quiet resilience and steady growth—both trademarks of the Swanton, Ohio, native's football career.