I can not remember if I got help from Mark (Mark’s Signing Bonus) on this one- but if I must give credit where it is due. Over the years we’ve collaborated so much and he’s been very helpful and encouraging all along the way.
I had been searching for Marquise to get him specifically on these cards. The Panini Prism card was one that I had hoped to get signed when he played for the AAF, but later I just went ahead and bought a base certified autograph of. – And of course the XFL 2020 one was something I wanted to get shortly after the set came out. Marquise signed the back of my card for him and returned it, which was nice of him, but it was intended for him- in case he ever wanted to visit the shrine.
In 2010, became the first player in NCAA history to pass for over 2,500 yards and rush for over 1,500 in a single year.
Finest moment came that year in a game against Notre Dame, accounting for 502 of the Wolverine’s 532 yards.
Had 3 games passing and rushing for 200+ yards each.
Completed college career passing for 6250 yards and 49 TDs, while rushing 723 times for 4495 yards and 42 TDs.
5th round selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013.
Played 4 seasons for the Jaguars, after converting to RB.
Best season came in 2014, rushing 135 times for 582 yards and 4 TDs, while catching 23 receptions for 124 yards.
Injuries derailed development at the end of the 2014 season, lasting into 2015, allowing for TJ Yeldon to take starting job.
After trying out for the Bears in 2018, remained in playing shape and signed with the Atlanta Legends of the AAF for 2019.
Played 7 games for the Legends, seeing 24 carries for 66 yards and a TD, and caught 7 passes for 37 yards, but finished on IR as the league ceased operations.
Robinson has begun a coaching career, and after briefly serving at Jacksonville University, is currently on the staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars front office.
Topps AAF 2019, #AU-DRTopps AAF 2019, #26
ACCOLADES:
Set NCAA record for most yards rushing by a QB (4,495)
2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
SAGE Hit 2013, #117
NOTES:
Denard was pretty easy to find on the web, but he wouldn’t sign from home. It took him a while to get back to me, but it appears he signs his fanmail once a year through the Jags right now.
I was pretty disappointed in the Topps AAF 2019 entry. The fact that the certified is just the same as the base card minus a few effects is quite lazy.
Card: Topps AAF 2019 Acquired: 2019, Washington Defenders Open House
KeShun Freeman was a 4 year starter at defensive end for the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. A captain for the team, he posted 159 total tackles, 8 sacks, 20.5 tackles for loss, 4 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
Keshun joined the New Orleans Saints in training camp in 2018, but did not make the squad. He then played for the Atlanta Legends of the AAF where they let him continue to hone his craft more as a tweener. Freeman finished with 14 tackles and .5 sacks in 8 games before the league folded in April of 2019.
Keshun started for the XFL’s DC Defenders in 2020 seeing action at defensive end, outside linebacker and middle linebacker. An integral member on special teams, he finished with 17 tackles in 5 games for the Defenders solid defense.
I really liked Keshun’s card and it was high on my list to get autographed. I have made a few friends on Twitter, and after the collapse of the AAF, became fast friends with a fellow football historian. He had season tickets to the Defenders and offered to get autographs for me, which I excitedly jumped at. It goes to prove that kindness and charity are not done for yet.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
