CARDS: Topps XFL 2020, Topps XFL 2020 Now ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas v Houston Roughnecks
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Nick Holley was a multi-talented athlete that did it all for Kent State on offense from 2013-17.
He played WR, RB and QB over his time at the school.
As a RB in 2016, he carried the rock 195 times for 920 yards and 10 TDs.
Going undrafted, he eventually latched on with the Rams in 2018.
In 2020, he joined the Houston Roughnecks.
A key contributor to the Roughnecks 5-0 run, Holley could be seen in the slot for H-Town.
He posted 21 receptions for 267 yards and 2 TDs.
Nick returned again to the XFL in 2023, with the Roughnecks as a late signing.
He started 3 games, catching passes for 47 yards and a TD.
Inextricably he’d be cut, much to the disappointment of Roughneck fans whom he became a fan favorite of.
The Brahmas immediately claimed him, and within two games he was a key contributor to the Brahmas beating the Orlando Guardians, catching 4 passes for 103 yards in their win.
On the ’23 season Nick finished with 14 catches for 192 yards and a TD.
NOTES:
Nick was a major factor in my XFL Fantasy Championship run, so I had to get his autograph on his cards. Nick joined the Brahmas before playing the Roughnecks, so I packed his cards and bet he might stop by the visitors side to talk to Roughneck fans and players. I was right, and I was able to get him to come over and sign these two cards for me. The Topps Now card of Nick, I’d probably have never risked in the mail as the print run on this card is just 169.
Michael Carter was a powerful NT and shot put champion who played at SMU from 1980-83.
Selected in the 5th round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the San Fransisco 49ers.
1988 probably stands as his best season, when he recorded 71 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 9 pass deflections, and his only career interception.
Considered the premier NT of the era, frequently faced double teams from the G and C and still managed to be around the action.
Competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in shot put.
Retired after the 1992 season, playing his whole career in San Fransisco.
Skybox 1992, #221
ACCOLADES:
1984 Olympic Silver Medal (shot put)
First player to win an Olympic medal and a Super Bowl ring in the same year.
Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame
All Pro 1986-’88
Second Team All Pro 1985
Pro Bowl 1985, ’87, ’88
Action Packed All-Madden Team 1990, #42Fleer 1990, #3
NOTES:
Michael Carter was a monster in the original Tecmo Bowl, but the team was so loaded I primarily played Lott. Michael has some great cards but I’d rarely seen him sign, so I took a shot in the dark at this one. I was really happy he took the time to sign all 4 of these cards for me. 3 of them were set needs. The All-Madden team card slipped in over the Pro Set 1989 card, but this Skybox entry is pretty outstanding. Michael’s daughter is also a champion shot putter following in his footsteps. She won a gold medal in the Rio Olympics.
AJ Feeley was a 5th round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2001.
He played QB from 1997-00 at Oregon.
Most of his statistical playing time was in 1999 when he threw for 1951 yards, and 14 TDs to 6 INT.
Feeley had a touch of magic during his time in Philly, leading the team to a comeback win in his rookie season, and helping the team win three games to secure the #1 seed his second year.
In 2004, AJ was traded to the Dolphins for a second round pick.
He’d battle incumbent Jay Fiedler all season long, but with bellcow RB Ricky Williams MIA, HC Dave Wannstedt, was fired midway through a disastrous season.
During that year he’d throw for a career high 1893 yards and 11 TDs.
Feeley was traded after the season to the San Diego Chargers, but buried on the depth chart, didn’t see any playing time.
AJ returned to Philadelphia in 2006, playing with the franchise as they transitioned from Donovan McNabb to Mike Vick.
Afterwards he entered into the journeyman phase of his career, with one year stops at Carolina (2009) and St. Louis (2010).
NOTES:
AJ had some wonderful cards and with him signing, I thought I’d get him on his marvelous Leaf card and a Atomic as a bonus. After I received the Atomic card in I realized I was really annoyed by the way the shadow from his helmet hits his face.
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
LG
762
425
4618
55.8
28
31
69.1
89t
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