Tag Archives: edmonton eskimos

CFL, NFL

Watkins, Pat

Card: Sage 2006
Acquired: 2016, Kenny’s Grab Bag

Pat Watkins was a rangy defensive back at Florida State measuring at an impressive 6’5″. For the Seminoles, Watkins played in 49 consecutive contests from 2002-2005.  He ranked third on the Seminoles with 77 tackles in his final season at Florida State in 2005, while laying down the wood at safety.  The Cowboys selected Watkins in the 5th round of the 2006 draft. He primarily made his living over his career in Dallas as a special teamer, although he managed to pull in 38 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 passes defensed during his rookie campaign.  In 2007 he blocked a field goal by the Minnesota Vikings and returned it 68 yards for a TD, but unable to make the transition to free safety, and suffering some injuries, the Cowboys cut Watkins in 2010. He spent the remainder of the season with the San Diego Chargers, but was not retained after the year.

Watkins traveled to the CFL, where the Argonauts signed him as an import player and transitioned Watkins to corner in 2012. After a brief period of adjustment, Pat earned All-Star Honors from the league in his rookie season. He’d finish the season with 67 tackles and 5 interceptions- which tied Watkins for first in the CFL. He’d continue his stellar play in 2013 earning another All-Star Honor while posting 43 tackles and 5 interceptions. In 2014, he took his show to the Edmonton Eskimos. There Pat helped the Esks win the Grey Cup in 2015, with a key critical interception to keep Edmonton in the game.   As of 2017, Watkins still plays for the Eskimos.

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Cavil, Kwame (3)

sage00 kcavilud00 kcavilCards: Sage 2000 (1/4,500), Upper Deck 2000 (1000/1000)
Acquired: In Person 2016, Jordan Shipley Camp
See Also: Kwame Cavil, Kwame Cavil (2)

Kwame loves signing cards when I see him. When I presented these two cards to him after camp, his first response was, “Ohhhh yeah!” Cavil has been rounding the football camp for kids circuit over the past few years. He’s very good with them, knows how to organize and lead, and it seems that all the kids respond well in kind and just love him. As of 2016 Cavil has moved from Manor High School up to Temple where he coaches football as well.

Coincidentally both of these cards are very important numbers in their ‘limited release’ with the Sage being #1 of 4,500, and the Upper Deck issue coming in at 1000 of 1000. It means very little value wise, but as far as their place in my universe, it’s the first time I’ve ever hit on either end like that.

CFL, NFL

LeFors, Stefan

spx_sleforsCard: SPX 2005 (#0197/1275)
Acquired: 2016, Target Autograph Memorabilia

A two year starter for the Cardinals of Louisville in 2003 and 2004, Stefan LeFors led the nation with a 73.5% completion percentage, 10.1 yards per pass attempt, and a 181.7 quarterback rating.  He finished his career at Louisville with 416 of 630 for 5853 yards, 38 TDs to 13 picks and a 159.8 quarterback rating.

He participated in the NFL combine and clocked a QB best 4.56 40 yard dash. NFL teams were abuzz, but felt that due to LeFors lack of size and bulk, he was more adept to being a halfback or safety at the pro level.  The Carolina Panthers drafted Stefan with the 121st pick (4th round) of the NFL draft. With Jake Delhomme firmly entrenched as the starter and Chris Weinke as his backup, LeFors was placed on the practice squad.  He did not see any action in 2005 and did not make the final cuts of the 2006 team.

Lefors signed with the CFL later that year, joining the Edmonton Eskimos, and was named the team’s backup quarterback.  In 2007 he was named the CFL’s offensive player of the week when he threw for 412 yards in his team’s 36-29 overtime loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as the Esk’s backup QB through the duration of the 2008 season.  He was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2009 and threw for 459 yards and 2 TDs.

As of 2016, he is a coach in the Louisville area, and previously had served as a color analyst for his Alma Mater.