Category Archives: ufl

NFL, ufl

Arrington, JJ

Card: SP Authentic 2006
Acquired: Target Authentic Memorabilia 2012

A surprise diamond in the rough from originally College of the Canyons and then later at Cal, JJ Arrington ran for at least 100 yards in every game for the Golden Bears in 2004 piling up 2,018 yards.  The yards were be the most since Marcus Allen, and this earned Arrington All-American Honors.  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2005 draft and immediately penciled in as the team’s starter at tailback to replace retiring Emmitt Smith. It was rough for Arrington to adjust to the pro game. He ended up splitting time with Marcel Shipp and started only 5 games, but gained 370 yards on 112 carries and scored 3 TDs.  JJ got moved to kick returner the following season as the team’s infatuation with free agent runningbacks shifted to Edgerrin James. Arrington saw little time in the backfield. Still he had a banner season as a returner with 67 returns for 1520 yards, a 22.7 average and a 99 yard touchdown. As Arrington finally saw a breakthrough taking the #2 slot behind James in 2007, the team used him sparingly and primarily as a 3rd down back/ kick returner recording 29 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown. He’d have his best season in 2008 as a kick returner, only returning 36 kicks for 923 yards- but was relegated again to 3rd string behind Tim Hightower. He’d make good for a 25.6 yard average and a 93 yard touchdown. Arrington again caught 29 balls for 255 yards and a TD, helping the Cardinals reach their first Superbowl. When the season concluded, JJ was cut by the Cardinals after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee.

In 2009, the Denver Broncos took a chance on Arrington signing him to their backfield. He’d be an ideal fit for their system- but failed his physical due to the knee, and was cut. JJ signed with the Broncos again in 2010,  and looked good in camp, so good that Denver traded him to the Eagles, but he’d be released prior to the beginning of the season. JJ played for the  Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL in 2011 but after a lot of buzz on the signing, he was cut by the team. Currently he remains a free agent.

NFL, ufl

Perry, Chris

Card: Bowman Certified 2004
Acquired: 3/6/12, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

A solid runningback coming out of the University of Michigan, Chris Perry amassed accolades while playing at Ann Arbor. In 2003 he’d clear the plate as a consensus All-American, All-Big 10, All-Big 10 Player of the Year, the Doak Walker Award, and the Jim Brown Trophy winner. He finished 4th on the career all-time rushing list for Michigan with 3696 yards.

With the ending of Rudi Johnson’s career being signaled by Cincinnati management after a prolonged holdout by Johnson, the Bengals drafted Chris with their first round draft choice in 2004.  Unfortunately injuries derailed the young rookie’s season, as Chris would play in only 2 games. In 2005, Perry spelled Johnson, and complimented him as a receiver out of the backfield recording 51 receptions. Injuries again would plague Perry in 2006, as he’d start only one game and sit out all of 2007.  With the departure of Johnson, Perry was granted the full-time starter position in 2008 and start 6 games, rushing for 269 yards, 2 touchdowns, and make 20 receptions. He’d be cut after the season. Chris attempted a comeback in 2010 with the Sacramento Mountain Lions, but was unable to make the roster. Currently he is a free agent.

 

NFL, ufl

Allison, Aundrae

Card: Upper Deck 2007 Trilogy (#13/199)
Acquired: 3/27/12, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

Aundrae Allison played at East Carolina University, which surprisingly has produced players such as former QB Jeff Blake, WR Walter Wilson, and RB Chris Johnson. In 2005 he became the first player in school history to crack the 1,000 yard barrier amassing 1,732 yards on 145 receptions over two years for the Pirates.

The Minnesota Vikings took Allison in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL draft and put him in at kick returner and wide receiver. He had a pretty decent showing his rookie year, -lodging 20 KR for 574 yards and a touchdown. The 104 yard return, against the Lions would be a Vikings record. The problem was, Allison just wasn’t getting as many reps at receiver as the coaches wanted him to. He’d tally 18 receptions in two seasons before the team cut him.  The Jets signed Aundrae in 2009, but a torn ACL would keep him out the whole season.

Aundrae elected to play 2011 in the UFL for the Virginia Destroyers where he became a favorite target of quarterback Chris Greisen. In the league opener, Allison caught a 35 yard bomb for a touchdown against Las Vegas. While the team was predicated by “Marty Ball” behind runningbacks Adrian Peterson (ex Bear) and Dominic Rhodes, Aundrae made the best of his opportunities as the Destroyers captured their first UFL championship over the Las Vegas Locos.  After the season, Allison signed with the Buccaneers, but since that time has returned to the Destroyers, hopeful for a 4th season of UFL Football.