Solid athlete started career as a DB for Ohio State in 1997 and 98.
Transferred to Western Illinois and was moved to TE by coaches who said he reminded him of Marv Cook.
Playing for the Leathernecks from 99-01, broke school receiving records.
At pro day as FB ran a 4.5 40 and was nicknamed ‘The Fastest Fullback in the NFL’, by then head coach Mike Martz.
Undrafted in 2002, was signed to the active roster of the Rams off of the Seahawks as a TE
Spent a total of 4 seasons with the Rams, joining the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2005 playing RB.
After league folded following the 2007 campaign, Niklos saw time with the Raiders (2005-06), Cleveland Browns (2007-08), and was briefly on IR with the Chiefs before deciding to hang up the cleats.
As of 2023, runs a sports performance business in Illinois.
NOTES:
A special bonus card thrown in when I purchased the remaining AAF sets I needed, I really get a kick out of these ‘deep cuts’ like JR Niklos.
CARDS: Classic 1992, Star Pics 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 4/14 RECEIVED: 4/29 (15 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Originally saw limited action at QB for William & Mary in ’88.
Worked way up depth chart to starter in ’90.
Posted 3415 yards and 22 TDs on 245 of 414 throws that year.
Followed up breakout season with 2974 yards, throwing 18 TDs, and completed a whopping 65% of passes in 91.
Also rushed for 16 TDs over college career.
Selected in the 4th round of the 1992 draft by the Washington Redskins.
Spent the 92 and 93 seasons with the Redskins, losing the majority of 1992 to injured reserve.
Joined the Falcons practice squad in ’93, finishing career in ’94 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Has worked as a coach at the high school level since 2007.
NOTES:
I really liked the Star Pics set at the time. (It was battling Classic for the college draft card market at the turn of the 90s.) As it was quite a niche market, unfortunately Star Pics was one of the first inglorious victims of the card market implosion by 93. As I casually collect the set, it’s more for the design and photos than player notoriety.
The last time I got Warren, he quickly stopped signing again before I could clear out a few more of my set needs and cards I liked- and he appears in all the great sets of the era I collected. I definitely decided to double dipped on this one.
I was pretty disappointed recently to hear that Warren decided to change his tune and is now fully selling the HOUSTON Oilers as part of the Tennessee Titans history. This coincided with the franchise’s late attempt to fully integrate Oilers history into Tennessee, as Houston fans were clamoring again about bringing the derrick and history home. Then the Tacks decided to have a homecoming game where they flew out all the players to Tennessee. Pretty good PR move on their part.
He used to be one of my favorite players, but I saw this as an absolute betrayal. It was odd because he was even quoted as saying that he never played for this fan base or in Tennessee but here he was being inducted into their Ring of Honor.
Oh well, thanks for the memories.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
