He walked away from med school for the NFL.
Now, after two roller-coaster preseasons and a torn ACL, Ian Wheeler is still chasing the dream.
And heās found a new opportunity to do it.
Former Bears Preseason Standout Ian Wheeler Signs With UFL Team
Former Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler isnāt done betting on himself.
After a whirlwind first two years in professional football, Wheeler has signed with the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL) ā extending a journey that has already included Hard Knocks fame, preseason heroics, and a devastating injury.
For Wheeler, the path hasnāt been straight.
But it hasnāt stopped.
From Hard Knocks to Highlight Runs
Wheeler first captured national attention ahead of the 2024 NFL season when he was featured on Hard Knocks. His story stood out ā a promising student who gave up medical school to pursue football.
But he wasnāt just a compelling storyline.
He produced.
In a preseason game against Buffalo, Wheeler rushed five times for 43 yards and two touchdowns, instantly becoming a fan favorite.
Then came the setback.
In the preseason finale against Kansas City, Wheeler suffered a torn ACL that ended his season before it truly began.
A Second Chance ā And Another Flash
After rehabbing, Wheeler returned the following preseason and once again impressed ā again against Buffalo.
This time:
- 80 rushing yards
- Two more touchdowns
Despite the production, he didnāt make the Bearsā final roster.
From there, he briefly signed to the New Orleans Saintsā practice squad in November before being released a week later.
For many players, that might have been the signal to pivot careers.
Wheeler chose differently.
New Opportunity in the UFL
Wheeler has now signed with the Louisville Kings in the UFL, where heāll get a legitimate opportunity to prove himself.
The backfield competition includes:
- Benny Snell (former 4th-round NFL pick)
- Jalen Jackson
- Jaden Shirden
All four running backs are fighting for relevance ā and touches.
Wheelerās speed and shiftiness could give him an edge in a league filled with players looking for another shot.
Why This Move Matters
The UFL has increasingly become a proving ground for players trying to work their way back to the NFL.
Strong performances can lead to training camp invites ā and sometimes more.
Wheeler has already shown he can produce when given opportunities.
Now heāll get consistent reps in a league built for redemption stories.
The UFL season kicks off March 27.
And for Wheeler, itās another chapter ā not the final one.
Betting on the Dream
Walking away from med school was a bold decision.
Rehab, roster cuts, practice squad releases ā those are even harder tests of belief.
But Wheeler hasnāt blinked.
If nothing else, his persistence is undeniable.
And if he finds the end zone again this spring, donāt be surprised if NFL scouts start paying attention.
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