Cards: Topps AAF 2019 Certified, Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: IP 2019, The San Antonio Commanders v The Arizona Hotshots, BB 2019

John Wolford is a perfect example of why the AAF existed. After setting numerous Freshman passing records at Wake Forest, John really caught fire in his Senior year during 2017- passing for 29 TDs to just 6 interceptions. He’d sign with the Jets as a free agent but not make the squad.

Wolford ended up on the radar of the AAF in 2018. He’d be selected by the Arizona Hotshots during the Pick or Protect QB draft during the second round. Although Trevor Knight was heavily favored, Wolford won the job in camp and ended up starting 7 contests for the Hotshots. He’d end up winning offensive player of the week honors- twice. In Week 1, he completed 18 of 29 passes for 275 yards, 4 TDs and two 2-point conversions against the Stallions. Later in the season he’d earn his second player of the week honors when he completed 15 of 19 passes for 212 yards, 2 TDs, and a 35 yard scamper.

John led the Hotshots to their final win of the year over the Commanders in week 8- tossing a bomb to Rashad Ross to start the scoring early on. He and Knight were gracious enough to come right over and sign cards for me when they came out to do warm ups. It was about what I had envisioned when I bought the seats in the visitors’ end zone. On the season Wolford finished 130/206 for 1617 yards, 14 TDs to 7 interceptions. He also rushed 36 times for 160 yards and a 35 yard TD.

In April of 2019, John was part of the first wave of players that signed with the NFL after the AAF suspended operations- joining the Los Angeles Rams.