Tag Archives: edmonton eskimos

CFL, NFL

McKnight, Joe (1988-2016)

do10e mcknightCard: Donruss Elite 2010
Acquired: 2014 BB, Target Autograph Memorabilia

Joe McKnight was a multipurpose athlete who was a star in his native state of Louisiana. Recruited by LSU, but later signed with USC, McKnight was an incredibly hyped machine.  (He was even touted as a Heisman candidate as early as 2009, but he and USC would not live up to those expectations.) As questions arose about McKnight possibly taking dollars under the table, he declared for the NFL draft in 2010. He finished his Junior season with 1,014 yards, and a robust 6.2 yards per carry. Due to his 6’0″, 198 frame, teams questioned his ability to run in between the tackles and nab extra yards after contact -however they praised his second level deceptive speed and his overall athletic potential.

During the 2010 draft, the Jets traded up with Carolina to nab McKnight with a 4th round pick. The Panthers in return, received both the Jets pick in the 4th and 6th rounds respectively. During his time in the pros Joe hasn’t made much in roads as a change of pace back, but has been consistent as a return man, finishing with nearly identical statistics in 2011 and 2012. His first kick off return for a touchdown was a team record 107 yards against the Baltimore Ravens in 2011, and then later in 2012 a 100 yarder against the Houston Texans.  The NFL has a limited shelf life for return men, and after the Jets bulked up at RB depth and concussion and migrane issues sidelined Joe during the preseason, McKnight was the headliner of the Jets cuts in 2013. In January of 2014 the Chiefs signed McKnight to a futures contract where he hoped to jump start his career.

Starting for the injured Jamaal Charles in Week 3, McKnight piled up 6 receptions for 64 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 carry for 3 yards, but ruptured an Achilles tendon, ending his 2014 season after just that one impressive contest.

He played in the CFL in 2016 for both the Edmonton Eskimos and Saskatchewan Roughriders, rushing for 150 yards on 17 carries in his only start.

UPDATE – On Thursday, December 1st 2016, Joe McKnight was murdered. He was shot to death by another driver suffering from road rage.  Based on news reports McKnight was not the aggressor, and he died on the scene, at the incident.

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Cavil, Kwame (2)

utud10 cavil iconsCard: University of Texas Upper Deck Icons 2011
Acquired: In Person 2/24/2014, Rudy’s Ribfest 4
See Also: Kwame Cavil, Kwame Cavil (3)

I knew that Ribfest was taking place at a location near my place so I planned to hit two of the locations in anticipation of the event. Taking a  half day from work I called and harassed the employees at Rudy’s until I was able to nail down the names who were going to be there. I decided to go to Round Rock and 183 North. While Round Rock was a minor disappointment because of a no show, I knew Fozzy Whittaker was going to be at 183, but I had no clue who the other player was. Luckily another member of TAC was there to ID Kwame Cavil for me, who I should’ve recognized because he was wearing the Manor High School colors that he was coaching wide receivers at. Kwame had not seen this card and pined over it for a minute before he took a photo of it. While he did tell me he had seen the original UT card, he had not seen this one ever, so I felt obliged to offer an extra to him through the mail, if I could in a few weeks. Truly it is a damn fine card that celebrates the great players in UT history. While the back was a bit underwhelming its the really nice gold design and landscape presentation on the front that takes the cake.

CFL, NFL

Bowman, Adarius

Card: Topps RP 2008
Acquired: 5/11/12, Target Authentic Autograph Memorabilia

Things seem to be looking up for Adarius Bowman, who’s professional career had been rocky since his senior year at Oklahoma State in 2008. A highly regarded receiver at one point, injuries left questions about Bowman’s durability, and combined with a slow 40, doomed Adarius to free agency.

He’d eventually find a home in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders that season. In 2009, Bowman found himself traded to the Blue Bombers, putting up respectable numbers with 925 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’d play for Winnipeg through 2010, and then be signed by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2011, recording his first 1,000 yard season. He’s had a few frustrating injury plagued seasons, but in 2013 he reupped with Edmonton with a 2 year deal.

Wow, Topps never seems to outdo itself with this uglier than ugly card. Even the Photoshop mask of Bowman, seems shoddy. What is he on, a TV monitor? I’m confused. Does the BOW refer to BOWMAN or does it refer to Bowman cards? Just a horrible, horrible entry that Topps should forever be embarrassed by.