Card: Panini Contenders 2014
Acquired: 2018, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

EJ Gaines played college ball for Missou from 2010-2013. After getting playing time at corner as a true Freshman, he’d takeover the position full-time entering 2011. He’d have a pretty solid year, with 69 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions for 54 yards and 16 passes defended.  His best season came as a Senior when EJ had 75 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 5 intereceptions for 17 yards, and 3 passes defended.

EJ was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL draft. He’d go on to be named to numerous rookie teams in his first season recording 2 picks, 14 pass deflections and 70 tackles. Unfortunately for the remainder of his time in St. Louis EJ was hampered by injuries, first by a Lins Franc injury (2015- entire season), then a thigh injury (2016- 5 games).

He’d be traded to the Bills in exchange for WR Sammy Watkins and draft choices in 2017.  Gaines had a pretty decent stop at Buffalo, putting up a pick, 9 pass deflections, 59 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and an interception. A free agent after the season, EJ packed his bags and headed for Cleveland where he finished 2018 with 13 combined tackles, 3 pass deflections, and an interception in 6 games – but after his second concussion in 3 weeks, he ended the season on IR.