Category Archives: CFL

CFL, NFL

Mason, Tre

Card: Panini Certified 2014 (128/699)
Acquired: 2020, Panini Points Redemption

Tre Mason joins a long list of 1,000 yard War Eagles, to make the transition to the NFL. In 2012 and 2013 he ran for over a 1,000 yards, including his junior season when he posted 1,816 yards on 317 carries along with 23 TDs. Tre declared for the NFL draft after his out of sight 2013 campaign.

After a pretty solid rookie campaign, in which Tre rushed for 765 yards and 4 TDs- including an 89 yard long, it looked like the St. Louis Rams got great value finding him available during the 3rd round. Tre subsequently was named to multiple All-Rookie teams. He had a Sophomore slump in 2015, rushing for just 207 yards, and then had an erratic off-season where he just- disappeared. In 2016, Tre was added to the reserve-not reported list, and not play the entire season. After being cut in 2017, he’d make a comeback in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2018- and he’d do so in a big way. Making the best of his playing time, Tre rushed for 809 yards and 3 TDs, but he’d blow out his ACL in the process. He’d be cut in mid 2019 and is currently a free agent.

When I comb through the Panini Redemption site, I always look for value first. Tre Mason didn’t have a long career in the NFL, but this card had a lot going for it. It’s a beautiful card. It’s a triple patch. It’s autographed. That was enough for me to move on this one, as this Freshman Fabric was a welcome addition to my collection.

CFL

Lowe, Eddie

Card: All-World CFL 1991
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 10/28 Received: 11/8 (11 days)

After a year at the University of Tennessee- Chattanooga, Eddie made his mark as a walk on at linebacker playing for the University of Alabama in 1981. In 2 years playing for The Crimson Tide, Eddie had 4 interceptions for 70 yards and a TD. Considered too small (5’10”) to play in the NFL, Eddie took his skills north to the CFL. He’d play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1983-1991.

Although tackles were not tracked by the league until 1987, Eddie posted 437 tackles, including a career high 104 in 1991. He was both effective in coverage and also as a blitzer, posting 33 sacks and 16 interceptions for 328 yards and 10 fumble recoveries.

Eddie earned CFL-All West Honors in 1989- a season in which he won the CFL Grey Cup, playing for the Roughriders. He’d retire after 1991, and move back home to Phenix City, Alabama, initially serving as a volunteer coach. Currently he is the mayor of the city and signed his All-World card for me in a very short amount of time, and included the ‘Roll Tide’ inscription.

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151N/A33.010
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1632820.5051
AAF, CFL, NFL

Neal, Rajion

Card: Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: 2019, Box Breaker

Rajion Neal played runningback for the Tennessee Volunteers program from 2010-2013. Displaying an interesting skillset, Neal showed great hands and versatility playing runningback, Wildcat, and wide receiver. He finished with 444 carries for 2163 yards and 19 TDs, along with 66 catches for 626 yards and 5 TDs for Tennessee.

Undrafted, Rajion has seen time criss-crossing the North American continent in 3 different leagues. As a practice squad member, Neal has seen time with the Packers, Dolphins, Raiders, Steelers, and Browns in the NFL, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

He’d join the Memphis Express of the AAF in 2019 and make the squad, but be cut after two games. finishing with 8 carries for 15 yards, and 4 receptions for 10 yards. Rajion returned to the Tiger-Cats of the CFL but did not make the squad.