43 NFL players who spent time in other leagues

Arena, the USFL, CFL and other leagues have been the path to the NFL for some players.

Pete Kugler

USA TODAY Sports

Pete Kugler played 10 seasons professionally; eight for the San Francisco 49ers, and two seasons for the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars of the USFL in between his time with the 49ers. After playing from 1977-80 at Penn State., Kugler joined the 49ers in 1981. He was part of three San Francisco 49er Super Bowl-winning teams.  In 81 career games, Kugler made 12.5 sacks. Kugler played with the Philadelphia Stars in 1984 and moved with the team to Baltimore in 1985. He recorded five sacks in his two USFL seasons. He rejoined the 49ers after the USFL folded following the 1985 season.