Quarterback Daunte Culpepper has officially signed with the UFL's Sacramento Mountain Lions.

"My goal for this year was to get on the field and play football," Culpepper said. "When the opportunity came for me to sign with the UFL and play for coach (Dennis) Green in Sacramento I could not resist. I am impressed with his approach to the game and to his players.

"I am also excited to be reunited with my college coach Mike Kruczek as the offensive coordinator. I am expecting to have a lot of fun running a wide-open offense and being a part of the United Football League. California here I come!"

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Culpepper was close to signing with the Mountain Lions on May 18.

The 11th overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft out of Central Florida, Culpepper spent the first seven years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he completed 64.4% of his passes for 20,162 yards and 135 touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors after the 2000, 2003, and 2004 seasons. A knee injury ended Culpepper's career with the Vikings, who traded him to the Miami Dolphins in March 2006 for a second-round pick.

Culpepper started the first four games of the 2006 season, but a shoulder injury and clash with then-head coach Nick Saban kept Culpepper out of the lineup. Culpepper finished the season on injured reserve, and his contract was terminated following summer.

Culpepper signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders in 2007, starting six games. After a brief retirement, Culpepper resurfaced with the Lions, appearing in 13 games, with 10 starts, and completing 149-of-272 passes for 1,731 yards, with 7 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over the last two seasons.