Card: Topps XFL 2001 Authentic Autograph
Acquired: 2020, Future Considerations

Keith Elias was the most prolific runningback to come out of the Ivy League since…. Ed Marinaro. At Princeton he shattered many of the school and league single season and career rushing marks from 1991-1993. At the time of his departure from the school, Elias held 4 I-AA records and 21 school career records including: rushing (4,208 yards), rushing touchdowns (49), yards rushing per game (140.3), carries (736), carries per game (24.5), yards per carry (5.72), all-purpose yards (4,739), overall touchdowns (52) and points (320).

After going unselected primarily due to the prevailing small school stigma, Keith signed with the nearby New York Giants as a free agent in 1994. He made the squad but after getting injured early in the season, he saw little playing time. Facing a stacked roster in 1995, Elias made the team based on his preseason performance and willingness to play special teams, endearing him to fans. He climbed the depth chart in 1996 and looked to be the team’s primary scatback on 3rd downs- but injuries again hindered his season.

Keith picked back up playing football in 1998 this time with a change of scenery playing for the Indianapolis Colts as a back up and special teams captain, moonlighting on returns. He’d be cut in 2000, and join the XFL New York /New Jersey Hitmen in the XFL that year, before retiring.

Topps XFL 2000 set was frankly- gaudy looking, but the certified autographs in there were just horrifically designed. My friend Joe, from a Facebook group I manage popped this in the mail to me as a gift, which I thought was really nice. Although I was not needing this autograph, I am more than happy to accept it into my collection as every player has a story to tell.