CARD: Topps XFL 2020
ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas V Arlington Renegades

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Brian Folkerts played college ball for tiny Washburn University from 2008-11.
• During that time for the Ichabods, Folkerts played both RT and LT for the school.
• Although possessing the ideal size (6’4″, 306), he’d go unselected in the 2012 NFL Draft.
• After being cut by the Saints in 2012, Folkerts joined the Arena Football League, playing FB for the San Jose Sabrecats in 2013.
• He followed that up with a stint playing for the Carolina Panthers from 2013-15.
• After a short stint with both the ‘9ers and Rams in 2015, Brian rejoined the Panthers briefly again in 2017.
• Sprained his ankle in the preseason and was cut.
• In 2019, signed with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football.
• Played C and blocked up front for one of the league’s better ground games.
• After the AAF folded, Brian was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL in 2020.
• With COVID scrambling the XFL before the season concluded, Brian stayed in playing shape.
• In 2023, was selected by the Arlington Renegades of the XFL 3.0.
• Has been dabbling in coaching since COVID and in the XFL offseason works as an OL coach for Wingate University in North Carolina.

NOTES:

I was partially miffed and shocked at how many Commanders and former AAFers ended up with the Renegades in 2023. I packed a bunch of Renegade players cards along with my Kenneth Farrow’s, and while Kenneth was signing, both Brian and De’Vante Bausby came over to pay high respects to my Farrow Commanders jersey. I was extremely flattered.

Later my neighbors with me at the game, got field passes for after the game to wander around. They had enough for 5, and invited me, so I said, “Why not?” I rushed the field for a few autographs, and saw Brian standing there with his family taking photos. He was gracious enough to sign his card, take a photo with me, and talk about the Alliance and the Commanders with me. (He also agreed that the league was second to none as far as entertainment was concerned.)

After the game I posted this photo up on Twitter. (I didn’t realize how nice the Renegades icy whites look up close.) He also retweeted it and again had nothing to say but high praises of the Commanders faithful.

With the Commanders gone and the Brahmas reeling, the Renegade players were doing their hardest sell to adopt me.