WLAF

Pickens, Dwight “Pick”

ultwlaf92 pickensCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Andre Alexander
Sent: 1/4    Received: 1/25 (21 days)

While I had no luck getting in touch with Dwight Pickens via Facebook, I did Andre Alexander, and he offered as a bonus to help me get Dwight, an elusive member of the San Antonio Riders. A college teammate of Alexander, Pickens was a dangerous receiver, he finished his college career with 61 catches for 1169 yards and 8 TDs. He also carried the ball 16 times for 156 yards and 4 TDs. An equally shifty punt return man, Pick had 32 returns for 472 yards and a TD. Selected in the 8th round of the 1990 draft by the San Fransisco 49ers, Pickens did not make the roster of the team.

He’d be subsequently drafted by the San Antonio Riders of the WLAF in 1991 as a Supplemental Selection. The Riders had quarterback issues with Jason Garrett, Lee Saltz, and Mike Johnson all taking snaps. Pick posted modest numbers in the Riders offense, which was modeled after the ‘Skins offense of the late 80s. He had 20 receptions for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a barn burner that was the team’s longest play from scrimmage at 82 yards.  I am unsure as to why he didn’t return to the team in 1992, but the team had high turnover at the position anyway, with only Lee Morris returning from 1991.

Still good friends with Alexander to this day, Pick and Andre frequently get together at alumni events.  Dwight currently lives in SoCal.

Rec  20    Yds 249    Avg 12.4     Td  2      Lg 82t   |
Kr  3     Yds 63   Avg 21.0    Td  0   Lg 32  |
Pr  3     Yds 42   Avg 14.0   Td 0    Lg 19

Arena

Rodgers, Kelvin

tntafl14 rodgersCard: TNT AFL 2014
Acquired: In Person, 5/3/2014 Talons vs. Barnstormers

A well travelled defensive specialist and speedy return man, Kelvin has played for the San Antonio Talons since 2012- a season that saw him on the roster of 5 other teams, however it was during his rookie season of 2011, he had a banner year with 71 tackles, 6 interceptions for 120 yards, 3 fumble recoveries, and 13 pass break ups. In 2012, Kelvin returned 60 kicks- 6 of which went for touchdowns, which is the second highest season total in AFL history.

After suffering an injury in 2013 that sidelined him for most of the year, Rodgers had a fine 2014 for the San Antonio Talons ranking among league leaders with an impressive 12  interceptions and 83 tackles, earning Second Team All-Arena Honors. In addition Rodgers had 32 returns for 532 yards and a 57 yard TD.

In the final game of the franchise’s history, Rodgers paced the squad with 8 tackles, 3 PBU and a critical interception in the Talons exciting 38-35 overtime victory, and was voted the AFL MVP for Week 20 of the season.

Leading by performance, Rodgers remained a calm presence, in a San Antonio defensive backfield that changed weekly due to decimation from injury and trades.

 

CFL, NFL

Bowman, Adarius

Card: Topps RP 2008
Acquired: 5/11/12, Target Authentic Autograph Memorabilia

Things seem to be looking up for Adarius Bowman, who’s professional career had been rocky since his senior year at Oklahoma State in 2008. A highly regarded receiver at one point, injuries left questions about Bowman’s durability, and combined with a slow 40, doomed Adarius to free agency.

He’d eventually find a home in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders that season. In 2009, Bowman found himself traded to the Blue Bombers, putting up respectable numbers with 925 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’d play for Winnipeg through 2010, and then be signed by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2011, recording his first 1,000 yard season. He’s had a few frustrating injury plagued seasons, but in 2013 he reupped with Edmonton with a 2 year deal.

Wow, Topps never seems to outdo itself with this uglier than ugly card. Even the Photoshop mask of Bowman, seems shoddy. What is he on, a TV monitor? I’m confused. Does the BOW refer to BOWMAN or does it refer to Bowman cards? Just a horrible, horrible entry that Topps should forever be embarrassed by.

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.