Tag Archives: chicago rush

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.

 

Arena

Quiroga, Robert “Q”

TNTAFL11 RQuirogaCard: TNT AFL 2011, TNT AFL Talons 2014
Acquired: Acquired: IP, 3/1/14  Talons Season Ticket Party, 5/3/14 San Antonio Talons vs. Iowa Barnstormers

During Robert’s college career at Baylor, he caught 131 passes for 1,478 yards and 9 TDs in 46 games. Starting his career with the Los Angeles Avengers in 2006, Quiroga was a two way star for the team, playing both receiver and linebacker.  His 2007 totals included 27 receptions and 11 TDs, 49.5 tackles and a fumble recovery.  In 2010, Q joined the roster of the Orlando Predators again playing both sides of the ball. The Predators liked Robert so much that they traded the Chicago Rush to get him back for 2011. Robert stepped into the starting line up and recorded a career high 1,553 yards and 26 TDs on 126 receptions. With the Talons now in San Antonio, Robert elected to play for his hometown team in 2012. He’d make 32 receptions for 457 yards and 11 TDs. Although he only made one start in 2013, Q is looking forward to returning to form in 2014.

tntafl14 quirogaRobert was the first player I got at the Talons Season Ticket Party. I started talking to some of the members of the staff, and I asked them where he was, and he turned around! We talked for a few minutes about his career, and time in Orlando with Nick Hill. He liked his card, but he lamented that it was a Predators card.

Since he wanted something different than his Predators card, I burnt the midnight oil and punched out this Talons card of Robert in no time. I really like how it turned out. After the Barnstormers game I had him sign the Talons card.  Too bad he signed it with a black marker before I could hand him my silver one…

Arena, NFL

Ridgeway, Dante

Card: Topps Premium 2005
Acuired: 4/9/12, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

A dangerous receiver for tiny Ball State, Ridgeway set school records for receptions (105) and yards (1,399) in a season. Dante finished with 238 receptions, for 3,030 yards, and 22 touchdowns in a mere 35 games. He elected to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft in 2005. Despite running a blazing 4.36 40, at 5’11”, 212 he was considered a bit undersized. Also playing in the MAC didn’t earn him any points with scouts. The St. Louis Rams pulled the trigger on Ridgeway during the 6th round.

Inexplicably, a month after signing a 3 year contract with the Rams, the team would cut Dante in August of 2005. A short stint on the Bengals landed Ridgeway on the roster of the Jets, from 05 to 06, and then the Saints from 06 to 07.  After joining again the off-season roster of the Jets in 2007- Dante returned to the Saints from 2007-2008. He’d contribute primarily as a special teamer, or rarely suit up.  2009 led Ridgeway to the Peoria Pirates of the AFL, and then quickly to the Chicago Rush in 2010.

Topps never seems to top itself, creating some of the worst cards on the market. Even their autograph cards are foul. Who creates an autograph card and then puts the word ‘Common’ on it?