Solid athlete started career as a DB for Ohio State in 1997 and 98.
Transferred to Western Illinois and was moved to TE by coaches who said he reminded him of Marv Cook.
Playing for the Leathernecks from 99-01, broke school receiving records.
At pro day as FB ran a 4.5 40 and was nicknamed ‘The Fastest Fullback in the NFL’, by then head coach Mike Martz.
Undrafted in 2002, was signed to the active roster of the Rams off of the Seahawks as a TE
Spent a total of 4 seasons with the Rams, joining the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2005 playing RB.
After league folded following the 2007 campaign, Niklos saw time with the Raiders (2005-06), Cleveland Browns (2007-08), and was briefly on IR with the Chiefs before deciding to hang up the cleats.
As of 2023, runs a sports performance business in Illinois.
NOTES:
A special bonus card thrown in when I purchased the remaining AAF sets I needed, I really get a kick out of these ‘deep cuts’ like JR Niklos.
CARD: Frankfurt Galaxy Team Issue 2003 ACQUIRED: 2022, Private Acquisition
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played DB at Grambling and was not selected in the 2002 NFL Draft.
Played for the CFL Montreal Alouettes making one tackle that year.
In 2003 took his skills to the NFLE playing for the Frankfurt Galaxy pulling in 3 picks.
Returned to Louisiana, playing for the New Orleans Voodoo of the Arena Football League in 2004, ’05, and ’08 as a DB/WR.
Played one season for the Kansas City Brigade in 2006.
Best statistical year came in final year with Voodoo in ’08, posting 88 total tackles, 7 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 7 interceptions for 58 yards and a TD playing fulltime as a DB.
NOTES:
Great card here of Calvin, who actually has one other issue- An Upper Deck 2005 Arena Football card when he was with the Kansas City Brigade.
CARD: Playoff Contenders European Contenders 2000 Leaf Rookies & Stars 2000 ACQUIRED: 2021, Future Considerations. TTM 2022, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
The most acclaimed of Central College’s runningbacks, ran for an astounding career 5855 yards on 928 carries.
Saw time in camp with the Bears (97), Eagles (99), Colts/Giants (00).
Assigned to NFL Europe by the Eagles to play for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1999, winning the World Bowl that year.
Ran for 192 yards on 43 carries, and caught 9 passes for 72 yards for Frankfurt.
Played one final season with the Amsterdam Admirals in 2000.
Rushed for 212 yards on 73 carries, and caught 14 passes for 104 yards for the Admirals.
ACCOLADES:
Iowa High School Sports Hall of Fame
Leaf Rookies & Stars 2000, #274
NOTES:
Mark during his college days was featured in a two page profile spread in Sports Illustrated (print).
He was pretty easy to find on the internet, so I went ahead and dropped him his Leaf card in the mail to sign. He responded and attached a nice sticky note to the card.
“Thanks for being a fan!”
-Mark Kac
NFLE
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
116
404
3.5
0
33
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
23
176
7.7
0
15
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
