CARD: Topps XFL 2020 ACQUIRED: IP, XFL 2023 Championship Game
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Willie Beavers was a 4th round pick out of Western Michigan by the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.
Beavers has kept the dream alive and his agent busy since then, seeing tours with the Vikings, Patriots and Seahawks in 2016-’17.
After concluding his time with the Seahawks in 2018, spent a bit of time with the Bears as well that year.
After a short stint with the 9ers in 2019, played for the XFL Dallas Renegades in 2020.
Great film allowed him to return to the NFL, where Willie got practice squad for the Falcons later that year and into 2021.
Signed with the Commanders in ’22, but was injured and released.
Returned to the XFL to play with the Arlington Renegades in 2023, starting 5 contests.
NOTES:
The Renegades had just pulled off a huge upset in the XFL Championship game over the Defenders, and after the celebration at midfield, Dallas players were rightfully a combination of delirious, elated, and exhausted. Willie was slowly milling off the field, and as the throng of people around me called him over, he didn’t budge until I called him by name. He slowly ambled over took selfies and signed a card for me. I told him how much I appreciate every one of them and to keep living the dream!
CARDS: Fleer 1991, Pro Set 1990, Fleer 1990 ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home SENT: 4/12 RECEIVED: 4/22 (10 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Gregg Rakoczy was a versatile OL that was a 2nd round pick out of Miami (FL), by the Cleveland Browns in 1987.
2 year starter at center, returned to guard after the return of longtime stalwart OL Mike Baab 1990.
Ironically signed with the Patriots in 1991, essentially replacing Mike Baab at center.
Played for NE through the 1992 season, playing in 81 games, starting 48.
ACCOLADES:
All-Rookie Team 1987
NOTES:
Gregg’s 1990 Fleer is just an excellent in the dirt shot. He has a great autograph for a big man, and while I find his Fleer 1991 card to be absolutely abysmal, it’s not a bad addition to my collection. His Fleer 1990 has an uncorrected error, with the blurb on the back referring to him as ‘Greg’. Only had 7 cards, but two of them (Pacific 1991 as well) made this mistake.
Brahmas finished 3-7 in first season under Hines in 2023.
After the season, refused to sign updated contract, and quit the league.
NOTES:
Before the XFL season began the team had a meet and greet with fans at Alamo Brewing Company. Alongside Hines were a few players, who were obviously team captains. I had 3 cards, but Hines only signed 2. There were a lot of people there and I didn’t want to press my luck for more at the time. The humidity was pretty high for the time and I guess these autographs didn’t stick as well as they should. I was a bit disappointed, but the autographs look better in person than scanned in here.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
