CARDS: Topps XFL 2020 Certified, Topps XFL 2020 ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas v Orlando Guardians
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Defensive Lineman Stansly Maponga played college ball at TCU from 2010-12.
In 2011 he posted 55 total tackles, 13.5 TFL, 9 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
He was a 5th round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2015.
After not making the final cuts, he was resigned to the practice squad by the Falcons.
The Giants signed him later in 2017 to their regular season roster, and then retained him on their practice squad after the year.
Maponga then spent the next year or two of and on the practice squad and in the futures contract game with the Cowboys (2017), and Broncos (2017-18).
In late 2019, he’d be the first defender selected by the Seattle Dragons of the XFL for 2020.
On the 5 game season, he’d post 15 tackles.
After a brief flirtation with the Ottawa Redblacks of the CFL (2021), he’d be selected by the Orlando Guardians of the XFL 2023.
On the season Stansly posted 22 total tackles, and 2.5 sacks starting 9 games for the Guardians.
NOTES:
Stansly was another player within earshot as he left the field to go back to the locker room after warm-ups. He got past me, but when I called out his name, he was probably impressed that I knew how to pronounce it properly in the first place- turned around and came back to me. He graciously signed this card for me. I was really impressed by the broadness of his shoulders. He had gigantic shoulder pads for his size. We also joked about the fact he played for the Dragons, sans ‘Sea’.
Haven Moses played WR for Los Angeles Harbor Community College from 1964-65.
Joined San Diego State under offensive guru Don Coryell, playing there in 1966-67.
9th overall pick of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
A dangerous deep bomb threat, Haven amazingly never failed to average below 15.8 yards per catch in any of his 14 seasons.
A feat that’s even more amazing considering he played during the entire Dead Ball era of the 70s.
In 1969, caught 39 passes for 752 yards, and 5 TDs.
Traded during the 1972 season to the Denver Broncos.
Caught 28 passes for 518 yards and 8 TDs in 1973.
In 1979 had a career high 943 yards (54 catches), and 6 TDs.
Retired after the 1981 season.
ACCOLADES:
Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
AFL All-Star 1969
Pro Bowl 1973
College Number 25 Retired- San Diego State
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Haven Moses doesn’t get the acclaim he deserves as the Broncos only appeared in one Super Bowl in the 70s- And his stats are muted because he played during the Dead Ball era. He’s another player that should garner more Hall of Fame consideration, considering his insane yards per catch, but is buried beneath a growing roster of players from more pass happy eras.
The previous card that I had gotten from Eddie was gifted to my from my friend Lance, so I thought I’d try him TTM. Long rumored to not sign any Rams cards due to the fallout he had with the franchise, I thought my best bet would be to ask him to sign some Chiefs cards. Well, he signed one of two, opting not to sign the Upper Deck MVP card- but that’s okay, I really like this red parallel that he was kind enough to sign for me.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
