Channing Stribling played defensive back collegially at Michigan from 2013-2016. He amassed 69 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 15 pass deflections, and 6 picks for 91 yards and a TD. After going unselected in the 2017 NFL draft, Channing was on and off the practice squads of Cleveland and Indianapolis that year. In 2018, he was in camp with the 49ers- later returning to the Colts, and then to the Chargers.
After being cut in October of 2018, Stribling decided to give the Alliance of American Football a shot. He was assigned to the Memphis Express and started in the team’s young secondary, posting 19 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 pass deflections, and an interception for 31 yards.
Although the numbers didn’t show it, Stribling was key in helping shut down the Iron’s passing attack, as the Express upset the Iron in OT 31-25.
Cards: Topps Valor 2015, Sage 2015 Artistry, Sage 2015, Sage 2015 Next Level, Panini Prestige 2015, Panini Prestige Blue Chips 2015, Topps Air 2015, Panini Contenders 2016, Topps 2015, Leaf Draft 2015 Acquired: IP 2019, XFL Roughnecks Meet and Greet. Box Breaker 2020
Wow. What a haul. After seeing Sammie was drafted by the XFL Roughnecks I quickly pulled out as many cards of him as I could in anticipation of some sort of event or draft party and just bode my time. A few events passed by, and knowing I had a chit to burn to Houston for an event or two, I thought I’d wait it out and see. Lo and behold a triple billing of Head Coach June Jones, QB Connor Cook and Sammie popped up- so I made my move and went to the event.
I took a half day and drove down to North Houston. I’d never been to The Woodlands. It’s name is pretty apt as the bar they were at was in the middle of a shopping strip in a forest. I was one of the first people there, and immediately bumped heads with a fan who did not want to hang out with any other fans- little less one from Austin. He was quick to flip on me, constantly bagging on Austin, or saying, “There’s too many liberals in Austin,” – And not in a joking way. I tried to not let it spoil my enthusiasm for the team, but it was frustrating having that as my first experience. Part of the point of the league is no political drama, and here’s a guy making political theater out of it.
Anyway, Sammie, Connor, and June strolled in the door. I waited them out until after they’d eaten. Sammie was destroying some hot wings when I came up. He saw my cards and his eyes lit up, and after washing his hands and coming back signed every one of them. He liked the Sage 2015 cards so much, I gave him my extras I had for his PC. I asked him what position of WR that June Jones would have him at, but he said that it hadn’t been hammered out. We discussed his brief stay in Houston, where he called, Bill O’Brien, “Quite unique,” but notably had nothing bad to say about the ball coach. It was an easy pickup. Sammie signed 11 cards for me total- with an extra going to my friend Jeff, who was unable to go.
There is a thick stack of great cards that Sammie had for me to choose from. Thankfully he signed all of them. I really enjoyed the design on nearly all of them, with the Valor is the easy kill. The Sage Artistry was dreamy to me. I felt like there was a bit extra attention paid to creating this image, but the Panini Blue Chip was a well designed canvas, along with the Contenders which was a pleasant surprise.
Sammie Coates attended Auburn, where with his crisp routes, hands and speed, he burst onto the scene during his Sophomore year with 902 yards receiving on 42 receptions. He declared for the 2015 NFL Draft after finishing with 741 yards on 34 receptions to go along with 4 TDs in his Junior campaign, and was selected in the 3rd round of the draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coates had a rough go of it and got buried on the depth chart. He played sparingly his rookie year. In 2016 Sammie caught 21 passes for 435 yards and 2 TDs, however injuries drug down a good portion of his efforts for the year and early into training camp for 2017. Traded to the Browns, Sammie was with the team through Spring of 2018, where he then joined the receiver needy Texans. Cut by the Texans, Sammie went through training camp with the Chiefs, but did not make the roster.
He’d be selected in the 3rd round of the XFL Draft by the Houston Roughnecks where he is expected to see serious playing time in the Run N Shoot offense under guru June Jones.
I ended up drafting Sammie for my fantasy team. He had some near misses on TD grabs during the XFL regular season. Over the course of 4 games he caught 6 passes for 61 yards. I tried to see if he’d sign his XFL card for me TTM, but I didn’t get a response.
Braylon was a phenom at Michigan playing WR for the Wolverines from 2001 to 2004. He’d cross over the 1,000 yard barrier in 2002, 2003, and 2004. He’d post 97 receptions for 1,330 yards and 15 TDs in his Senior campaign as he won the Bilitnikoff award as the nation’s best receiver. With great speed and hands, Edwards was considered a top flight blue chip prospect
Braylon was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 3rd overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. After a rough rookie debut thanks to a brief holdout and a staph infection, Braylon took about half the season to break into the starting lineup. He posted 512 yards on 32 catches, 3 TDs, including an 80 yard bomb. In 2006, Braylon’s production began to ramp up with 884 yards and 6 TDs. His most impressive season came in 2007 when he rolled up 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 TDs earning a Pro Bowl nod. After a very difficult 2008 season in which Braylon saw his production drop to 873 yards on 55 receptions, he’d be traded 5 games into the 2009 season to the New York Jets. Braylon’s 2010 season saw him barely miss the 1,000 yard mark for the second time in his career with 53 catches for 904 yards and 7 TDs.
He then spent the next 3 years bouncing around the league, playing for the 49ers, Seahawks and Jets before retiring. Braylon was an exciting talent in the league, and that was evidenced in his statistics. In six of his 10 seasons, he had long catches of 65 or greater.
I had gotten the Donruss Rookies & Stars 2009 Gold patch and these Score cards of Braylon way back in 2012 or 2013 during Christmastime. I loved the Donruss card but was ultimately disappointed that I did not pull an autograph from the hobby box. I thought there was no chance I’d ever get it signed. So I was very surprised to see Braylon Edwards signing through the mail in 2020, but I was sorta slow footed getting these cards out the door. After a few nail biting weeks, he signed all three of these beautiful cards.
G/Gs
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
109/92
349
5397
15.5
40
80t
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
