Sam Acho displayed versatility, playing at LB, DE, and DT over his time at Texas from 2007-’10.
As team captain in 2010, he tallied 59 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
After taking over for Joey Porter at OLB, Acho tallied 40 total tackles, 7 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 4 forced fumbles, in 10 starts.
In 2012, Sam had 48 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
With a new HC in town, Sam had to again battle his way into the starting job, but broke his fibia during the 3rd game ending his 2013 campaign.
Posted 31 total tackles, a sack, an interception and 3 pass deflections in 2014.
Joined the Chicago Bears in 2015 on a series of one year contracts.
Shared snaps in 2015 pulling in 39 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflections.
Played with Chicago through 2018, stating 25 contests, tallying 140 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Signed with the Bills in 2019 but did not make the squad.
And then later spent the last 8 contests of the season on the Bucs before retiring.
Sam’s moved into the television world where he’s become a color man, sideline reporter and commentator- most notably on UFL broadcasts.
ACCOLADES:
Danny Wuerffel Trophy
William V Campbell Trophy
NOTES:
Well, well, well Sam. Two years ago, I was at a San Antonio Brahmas game, and Sam came walking out of the tunnel right next to my spot. He was friendly and shook my hand. I didn’t have a card of him at the time, so I printed out this Longhorn hack card I did.
During the ’25 season, I packed his cards this time and I was ready to go. He came out of the tunnel and I said hello to him and beckoned him over. When he realized I was going to ask for his autograph, he said he’d get me after he went to the bathroom. He then avoided me the entire game. When I asked him afterwards again, he avoided eye contact and kept it moving as he smirked… so I jokingly told him he went on the longest bathroom break I’d ever seen and that really sucked.
Comparing notes with other fans later who told me that Sam is quite the jerk to fans asking for autographs and the fact the UFL isn’t coming back to SA, I just went ahead and nabbed this nice looking Sage card.
I thought he’d be excited about his custom hack card- but whatever.
Ahmad Dixon played college ball at Baylor from 2010-’14 at defensive back.
Over his college careers with the Bears, he had 288 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 9 pass deflections, and 4 picks for 72 yard and a TD.
Selected in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
Signed to the Vikings practice squad, and then to the Bears active roster during the 2014 season.
Had 5 special teams tackles and a fumble recovery for the Bears.
Signed by the Dolphins and quickly cut, Dixon ended the year back on the Vikings and was cut in 2015
Dixon tried his hand in the CFL and appeared in one game for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2017.
Played for the South team of The Spring League in 2018.
Resigned with the Esks that year but was released in final cut downs.
Drafted by the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL 2020 during the 6th round.
Before COVID ended the season, Dixon had 44 tackles in 4 games for LA.
Joined the Massachusetts Pirates of the IFL in 2021, posting 49 tackles, 4 pass breakups, an interception and a sack.
Played for the Philadelphia Stars in 2022, and started 9 contests, recording 41 total tackles, 1 pass deflections, 1 pick, and 2 forced fumbles.
Signed with the Pirates again for 2023 but did not make the squad.
NOTES:
This card is an uncorrected error. Topps accidentally spelled Ahmad’s name, ‘Ahmed’. Cheap certified autographed cards for my favorite sets are a no brainier through eBay.
Doran Grant played college ball at Ohio State from 2011 to 2014.
At DB/CB he tallied 140 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 19 pass deflections, 9 interceptions for 146 yards and a TD.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Steelers.
Over the next few seasons, Doran was on and off the Practice squad of the Steelers, Bills, Giants, Jaguars, and Bears.
Late in 2018 signed with the Atlanta Legends of the AAF.
Finished with 12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 4 pass deflections in 8 contests.
Played for the Defenders of the XFL in 2020 starting one contest.
Posted 7 tackles and 1 pass deflection for DC in 5 games.
He’d sign with the Blue Bombers after the XFL folded due to COVID.
After the CFL cancelled the season due to COVID, he opted out of play.
Grant went into coaching where he has been coaching at the high school level.
NOTES:
My friend Seth helped me get Doran way back when he joined the DC Defenders. He said all the players were excited to sign their cards at the team meet and greet. The certified is basically a zoomed up version of his base card. Still it looks good and I am fortunate Seth was kind enough to help me out.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
