Tag Archives: team texas

CFL, MLFB, NFL, University of Texas

Davis, Mike (WR)

sage14 mdavis to14 mdavissage14 mdavis NL

Cards: Sage 2014, Sage 2014 Next Level, Topps 2014
Acquired: In Person, 1/8/16 Bud Light/ BAM Sports Tour

Mike Davis played at UT where he piled up the numbers despite issues at quarterback for the Longhorns in the twilight years of the Brown era.  He finished with 200 catches, 2,753 yards and 18 TDs to rank fourth, fifth and fourth on the career charts for the Longhorns. He is one of 5 receivers (Jordan Shipley, Roy Williams, Jaxon Shipley, and Quan Cosby) in school history to record 200 or more catches and his 10 100-yard receiving games rank second in school history. Mike Davis did well enough to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Projected to go in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, I had hoped that the Texans would select him in the 2014 draft, however he would not be selected. Davis signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders after the draft but he’d be released in August.  Mike signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in 2015, and later had a tryout with the Panthers and Chiefs.  In 2016 he was selected by ‘Team Texas’ of the fledgling MLFB.

I was able to get his autograph on these three cards, thanks in part again to my friend Shawn.  He gave me the Topps and one of the Sage cards to get signed. The bronze colored sharpie is quickly becoming my favorite as it rescues a fairly pedestrian looking autograph. Mike was nice to all the fans who attended the event in the cramped corner of the convenience store.  After a rough start with BAM a few years ago, I’ve been impressed with the handling of events by the promoter and his staff.

AAFL, CFL, NFL, NFLE

Crouch, Eric

UFLTNT10 CrouchCards: TNT UFL 2011, Upper Deck MVP 2002
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent: 5/22     Received: 5/31    (9 days)*
*Failure: RTS 2013, C/o Home

Eric Crouch is a hometown football hero, playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and winning the 2002 Heisman Trophy. There he became as well known for his passing, as he was for his rushing, out of the wishbone offense. He set numerous records there including the career touchdown leader with 88, most TDs rushing by a QB with 59 (NCAA record), and the school’s career total offensive yardage leader with 7915 yards. He also became one of 3 quarterbacks to rush for over 3000 yards and pass for over 4000.

Draft pundits were unsure of the final position he should play, but overall he was generally regarded as a well rounded athlete.  The Rams drafted Eric in the 3rd round of the 2002 draft to play receiver, but with his heart not in the position change, Eric packed his bags. Later he’d resurface on the roster of the Packers from UDMVP02 Crouch2003-2004, and the Chiefs in 2005. Eric then took a stint to play in the NFLE with the Hamburg SeaDevils in 2005.  There he played free safety notching 25 tackles and 2 passes defensed.

Returning across the pond, Crouch went to play for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in 2006. There he’d finally be taken seriously as a quarterback, where he could hone his skills. He completed 6 of 13 passes, for 127 yards, and a pick.  The next season, Crouch was expected to compete for the second string job, but injuries derailed his CFL career, and he’d be released midway through the 2007 season.

A new league, the AAFL (All American Football League) appeared in 2008 with teams scheduled to play in 6 markets. The league hastily put a draft together, and Eric Crouch was the 3rd overall pick by Team Texas, coached by former UH coach John Jenkins. Unfortunately the AAFL never took to the field due to ‘softening financial markets’.

With Eric’s rights released, he decided to give an open tryout a shot with the UFL’s Omaha Nighthawks. He signed with the team in June of 2010, and played during the regular season, but in a September contest suffered a torn miniscus, ending his career.

He’s currently retired and lives in Nebraska with his wife and 2 children.