So I had come back to Keith in 2020 and got him on the Skybox cards, Score 89, and the Fleer 90, but then I realized I still had a couple more that I needed. Keith is a great signer- even at his affordable rate which is used for his PARK Foundation. I figured after 4 years it was ok to give him another shot on the remaining set needs.
Kony joined the Cowboys during the 2018 preseason, but was cut.
He’d then sign with the Raiders, but again would be cut before the end of the year.
The next year Kony was selected by and signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL20.
With the season cancelled due to COVID after 5 games, Kony finished with 9 tackles, 2 TFL, and half a sack.
He spent a season then in the CFL with the Argos from 2021 to the end of camp in 2022.
With that it was off for a month with the Vegas Knight Hawks of the IFL.
And then finally another 3 months with the Edmonton Elks before the end of the 2022 season.
NOTES:
Well I had reloaded on Kony after meeting him in person at the Houston Roughnecks team meet and greet for season ticket holders and I was hopeful the league would pick back up in 2021 but unfortunately COVID finished off the XFL20. So I held onto this post and eventually forgot about it.
A few things about Kony. I think if he had found a spot on a team primarily as a situational starter or designated pass rusher, he might’ve stuck around longer at his different stops. It takes a genius of a DC to unlock potential and Kony had plenty of that- as evidenced in his Super Bowl 50 performance when he logged 3 sacks, forced a fumble and made an interception.
I really also relate to the big guy as he has struggled with depression after the loss of his father and sister, and while he was with the Roughnecks, he opened up about it and his battle with it.
CARDS: Topps AAF 2019 Certified, Score 2016 ACQUIRED: IP 2019, SA Commanders Team Signing Dick’s Sporting Goods at The Rim FAILURE: TTM 2021, C/o Home TTM 2023, C/o Home TTM 2023, C/o Work
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played CB at Oklahoma from 2013-’15.
Finished with 134 career tackles, 15 interceptions – 3 of which he returned for TDs.
A 5th round pick of the Carolina Panthers in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Cut at the end of camp and resigned to the practice squad, promoted to the regular season roster, and shelved on IR all within 2 months.
Waived in 2017 and placed on IR and then then signed to the practice squad.
Well I should count my blessings I got him once when the players were signing at Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Rim, but I really wanted him on his AAF base card. Buoyed by the success I had with Derron Smith, I figured I’d be able to square Zack away. Unfortunately it’s been nothing but a zero-burger from him. I even tracked down his work place and shot him a card, but no dice.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
