The Michigan Panthers signed wide receiver John Hightower and tight end Nick Guggemos on Thursday according to the UFL Transactions page. In addition, the Panthers placed Guggemos on the injured reserve list.
John Hightower is six foot two and weighs 190 pounds. The 27-year-old from Landover, Maryland, signed with the D.C. Defenders (UFL) on February 15, 2024, but was released on March 10, 2024.
Before D.C., Hightower was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round (168th pick) of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played two seasons in Philadelphia making 10 catches for 167 yards, one carry for one yard, and one kick return for 17 yards in 14 games.
Then, Hightower signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent on September 28, 2022, and was placed on the practice squad. In 2023, Hightower made one catch for 10 yards, and two punt returns for five yards in three preseason games.
Collegiately, Hightower played two seasons at Hinds Community College (2016-17) making 31 catches for 509 yards, and seven touchdowns in 18 games for the Eagles. In addition, he competed in track and field and was honored by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-American for finishing fourth in the Finals of 400-Meter Hurdles at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Outdoor Nationals.
Then, Hightower transferred to Bosie State (2018-19) making 82 catches for 1,447 yards, 14 touchdowns, 24 carries for 317 yards, two touchdowns, 36 kick returns for 840 yards, one touchdown, and one punt return for two yards in 24 games for the Broncos. He was a two-time Second Team All-Mountain West Conference in 2019 as a wide receiver and kick returner.
Nick Guggemos is six foot five and weighs 231 pounds. The 28-year-old from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, was released by the Michigan Panthers on March 10, 2024.
Before Michigan, Guggemos signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He also spent time with the Washington Commanders, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers. Then, Guggemos attended the Buffalo Bills training camp in 2023 but did not play in the preseason.
Collegiately, Guggemos played five seasons at St. Thomas University (2014-18) with one catch for eight yards in one game for the Tommies.
