Tag Archives: topps aaf 2019

AAF, NFL, XFL

Johnson, Steven (LB)

Card: Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: 2019, EBay

Looks like Steven was getting a bit tired of signing cards at this point. The autograph looks a bit shortened- but I’ll take it!

Steven Johnson is a great football story- as he’s managed to succeed against all odds. He didn’t receive any college opportunities out of high school, and after playing both ways at Wyoming Seminary, he suffered a devastating knee injury that tore it essentially from the socket. After rehabbing, he walked-on at Kansas and fought his way up the depth chart. By his Junior year he was an entrenched starter at linebacker. He finished his college career with 225 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 pass deflections and an interception in 35 games.

Undrafted, Steven signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012 and managed to make the 52 man roster playing primarily on special teams. He started 7 games in 2014 at middle linebacker, posting 39 total tackles, .5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He’d then embark on a series on stops with the Titans (2015), Steelers (2016), Steelers and Ravens (2017).

He’d join the Alliance of American Football for the 2019 season and be assigned to the Arizona Hotshots. Steven had a banner season for the Hotshots. He’d lead the team in interceptions with 3, and finish 3rd on the team in combined tackles with 48.

After the AAF folded suddenly, Johnson was selected by the Seattle Dragons of the XFL 2020. Over the course of the 5 game season, Steven posted 48 tackles to lead all players in the league. Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus outbreak- the XFL cancelled the remainder of the season

AAF, NFL

Wolford, John

Cards: Topps AAF 2019 Certified, Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: IP 2019, The San Antonio Commanders v The Arizona Hotshots, BB 2019

John Wolford is a perfect example of why the AAF existed. After setting numerous Freshman passing records at Wake Forest, John really caught fire in his Senior year during 2017- passing for 29 TDs to just 6 interceptions. He’d sign with the Jets as a free agent but not make the squad.

Wolford ended up on the radar of the AAF in 2018. He’d be selected by the Arizona Hotshots during the Pick or Protect QB draft during the second round. Although Trevor Knight was heavily favored, Wolford won the job in camp and ended up starting 7 contests for the Hotshots. He’d end up winning offensive player of the week honors- twice. In Week 1, he completed 18 of 29 passes for 275 yards, 4 TDs and two 2-point conversions against the Stallions. Later in the season he’d earn his second player of the week honors when he completed 15 of 19 passes for 212 yards, 2 TDs, and a 35 yard scamper.

John led the Hotshots to their final win of the year over the Commanders in week 8- tossing a bomb to Rashad Ross to start the scoring early on. He and Knight were gracious enough to come right over and sign cards for me when they came out to do warm ups. It was about what I had envisioned when I bought the seats in the visitors’ end zone. On the season Wolford finished 130/206 for 1617 yards, 14 TDs to 7 interceptions. He also rushed 36 times for 160 yards and a 35 yard TD.

In April of 2019, John was part of the first wave of players that signed with the NFL after the AAF suspended operations- joining the Los Angeles Rams.

AAF, NFL, XFL

Pressley, Jhurell

Card: Topps AAF 2019, Topps AAF 2019 Certified
Acquired: IP 2019, San Antonio Commanders v Arizona Hotshots. EBay 2019.

Jhurell was very high on my list for the game to try and get. His card is quite exciting looking and he was one of the league leaders in rushing. It helped that I had the seats in the visitors endzone, but he proved to be no problem- as soon as he saw his card of course. Jhurell removed his custom mouthpiece, which had gold vampire teeth in it and came over excitedly. It clued me in that for most of the Hotshots this was the first time they’d seen their cards.

Jhurell Pressley was not drafted coming out of New Mexico in 2016. Over his 4 years with the Lobos, he compiled 2,725 career yards on 394 carries (6.9 ypc) while scoring 35 TDs, and catching 18 passes (202 yards). His best year at NM came in 2014 when he compiled a whopping 1083 yards on 114 carries. – That’s right- 9.4 yards per carry!

He’d sign with the Minnesota Vikings and then see time on and off the rosters and practice squads of the Packers, Falcons, Jaguars, and Giants.

Jhurell joined the Arizona Hotshots in 2019 and led the league in rushing finishing with 430 yards on 96 carries, 1 TD and a 36 yard long scamper. He also caught 11 passes for 86 yards and 2 TDs including a 30 yard scamper.

After the league folded Jhurell was selected in the 3rd round of the XFL 2020 Draft by the Washington Defenders.