Ex-Steelers DB Re-Signs in USFL for 2024

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Dravon Askew-Henry has re-signed with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL for the 2024 season.

Askew-Henry has played in each of the last two seasons with the Generals since the USFL re-formed for the 2022 season. He also played for the New York Guardians of the XFL in 2020.

A West Virginia alum and Aliquippa native, Askew-Henry signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was among the final cuts from the team that August, and spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots practice squads that fall.

After his stint in the XFL, he returned to the NFL with the New York Giants in 2020, but was again cut on Sept. 5. 

In February 2022, Askew-Henry was drafted into the USFL with the New Jersey Generals. He played the first USFL season with the Generals in Birmingham, Alabama in 2022 before moving with the team to Canton, Ohio in 2023.

In 2022, he had 39 tackles and two interceptions with the Generals. This past spring, he had 32 tackles as New Jersey finished 3-7, in last place in the USFL North Division.

Dravon Askew-Henry didn't let him get anywhere 😤 pic.twitter.com/UeUChQv00K

— New Jersey Generals (@USFLGenerals) April 30, 2023

It’s not clear where the Generals will be playing in 2024. The USFL has been steadfast about eventually moving its teams into their home markets, but has not committed to a timeframe. Eight teams played Birmingham, Canton, Detroit and Memphis this spring.

Askew-Henry spent five years at West Virginia from 2014-18, all as a starter while playing in four different positions on the defense. He finished his WVU career with six interceptions, 215 tackles, and one touchdown. His 51 starts over four seasons set a WVU record and he was named an All-Big 12 honorable mention after his final season in Morgantown.

At Aliquippa, Askew-Henry was a two-time all-state selection and rushed for over 5,000 yards as a two-way player.