Tag Archives: Carolina Panthers

NFL

Ealy, Kony

Card: Topps Turkey Red 2014
Acquired: 2016, Walmart Autographed Memorabilia

Kony Ealy was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers out of Missouri. He put up solid numbers over 3 years for the Tigers from his DT/DE position, with 96 total tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 13 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery and 1 interception for 49 yards and a TD.

During his rookie season in 2014, he played in 15 contests rotating out of the lineup on the defensive line. Kony had 4 sacks, 16 total tackles, and a forced fumble. In 2015, he started 9 games and had a career high 3 forced fumbles, 5 sacks, and 32 tackles. He had a decent 2016 as well with 32 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception.

During the off-season the Patriots traded a second round pick for Ealy, but he struggled to fit into their rotational scheme. He’d be released before the 2017 season began and signed with the New York Jets. The Jets tried him at a variety of places across the line, including at outside linebacker. In 4 starts Ealy finished with 11 tackles, 3 assists, 1 sack, and a pick for 9 yards.

NFL

Seymour, Kevon

Card: Panini Contenders 2016
Acquired:  2016, Box Breaker

Although injuries slowed down his Senior campaign, Kevon Seymour distinguished himself enough to be recognized by scouts as a reputable defensive back. Outside of his special teams contributions, Seymour had 126 tackles, three interceptions,19 deflections, and one fumble recovery in 24 games. After he was selected in the 6th round of the 2016 draft, he made the roster of the Buffalo Bills, thanks in part to a strong preseason performance. With 3 starts and 15 games under his belt, Seymour had 14 tackles, 8 special teams tackles, and 3 pass deflections his rookie year. Losing out for the nickle back position in camp in 2017, Kevon was among a flurry of last minute trades executed by teams making final cutdowns. He’d be traded straight up by the Bills to the Panthers for Kaelin Clay and a 2019 7th round pick.

NFL

Foster, DeShaun

Cards: Playoff Contenders 2005, Leaf Rookies & Stars 2005 Longevity
Acquired:  TTM 2017, C/o UCLA
Sent: 8/29    Received: 9/17   (18 days)

I remember DeShaun Foster playing for UCLA back in I think it was 1998. The University of Texas was beginning to feel its oats again, and big things were expected out of the Longhorns that year. UCLA was the home opener- and well, Foster and the Bruins blew the doors off of UT. Over his 4 years in LA, DeShaun rushed 696 times for 3087 yards and 39 TDs.

He’d be selected in the 2nd round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, but be injured during the preseason. He’d return in 2003 and be paired up in the backfield with former Redskin Stephen Davis. Davis was more of a straight ahead between the tackles back, while Foster was a slasher with good speed.  It wouldn’t be until 2005 that Foster surpassed Davis in the lineup as the primary starter. Over the next 3 seasons, he’d post almost 3 identical seasons hovering between 875-900 yards rushing.  He’d sign with the San Fransisco 49ers where he played a final season in 2008. Afterwards he had a tryout with the Rams but did not make the squad and opted to retire.

Foster went into coaching first as a volunteer assistant at UCLA in 2013, and then later in 2016 as the RB coach at Texas Tech. He rejoined UCLA in the same capacity in 2017, where he kindly signed these 2 cards of his in less than a month’s time.

G/Gs 79/42     Rush 927         Yds 3570        Avg 3.9         Td 11          Lg 71t
Rec   142           Yds 1129              Avg 8.0         Td 5            Lg 47