Tag Archives: los angeles rams

NFL

Allen, Dakota

Card: Sage 2019
Acquired: BB, 2019

Well I wasn’t too impressed by Sage’s 2019 entry. I thought their base cards were particularly busy, a bit too glossy, and too dark, making them terrible candidates for autographs. Their autograph inserts weren’t bad looking. Although they are quite original looking with the player name smack dab in the center of a portrait framed card, I still felt they could’ve had a larger photo canvas for the player image. Still among the 4 that I pulled I was happy to get Dakota Allen as he has a unique story of redemption on his way to a path in professional football.

Originally a Texas Tech commit, Dakota was a solid inside linebacker for the Red Raiders posting 87 total tackles, which ranked second on the team. Unfortunately he got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and was busted for burglary and dismissed from the team after the 2015 campaign.

Doing some soul searching, he transferred to East Mississippi Community College, where he became one of the main focuses of the show, “Last Chance U”. After a banner season at the school, and receiving multiple scholarship offers, he decided to return to Texas Tech in 2017. Starting 13 games as a Junior, Dakota had 101 total tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 pass deflections and a forced fumble- earning First Big 12 Honors. He’d return for his Senior season, and afterwards be selected in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams.

Allen earned a spot on the team’s practice squad, but was signed away by the Oakland Raiders in late September. He appeared in two games with the Raiders, and then returned to the Rams practice squad. Late in the season, he was signed to the Jaguars roster.

NFL

Everett, Jim (2)

Cards: Action Packed 1990, Action Packed 1991, GameDay 1992
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 1/2/19 Received: 4/9/19 (97 days)
See Also: Jim Everett

With a smooth autograph and many cards, I really wanted to come back again and ride the Jim Everett train again TTM. With the Action Packed and the GameDay cards down I liked, it’s still tough sledding the rest of the way if I ever hit him up again in say- 10 more years. I really liked these Action Packed entries. They really showcase the amazing sports photography that was available throughout those years. The lighting is just right to feel that Californian sun in Anaheim stadium. The Gameday is also pretty nice, but I am almost too curious as to what is going through that San Fransisco defender’s mind as Everett launches that pass. Jim has one of the better autographs in the game. Strong, connected, loopy, dynamic- It’s about everything you’d want out of one.

Since the last time I wrote Jim he’s become one of the celebratory NFL figures of the LA Rams old guard (- along with Eric Dickerson) welcoming the team back to the city after its long hiatus in St. Louis. Despite his numerous injuries that he suffered from his playing days- Jim has a certain excitement and vigor to him as he takes in the new landscape of Los Angeles Rams football. He’s done some pregame color analysis for the Rams during the preseason to get his appetite wet as well.

AAF, CFL, NFL

Tull, Davis

Card: Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: 2019, EBay

Davis Tull was a beast for the Chattanooga football program. Over 4 years with the program he wrecked the Southern Conference playing outside linebacker and defensive end, setting the conference’s all-time sack record with 37, and in addition the Moc’s all-time leader at forced fumbles and tackles for loss. Despite his small school stature- Tull earned an invite to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine. Davis was selected in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

An injury derailed Tull’s rookie season, and he’d be waived by New Orleans. He then spent the remainder of his time on and off the Falcons practice squad in 2016. After a short venture north of the border to the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders, Davis joined the Rams for part of 2017.

In 2018, Davis signed with the Memphis Express of the fledgling AAF. It was a particularly good match for him as his head coach was none other than NFL linebacking legend Mike Singletary. Tull played Edge/LB and racked up 26 solo tackles, 11 assists (37 total tackles), a sack, and a fumble recovery for the Express.

He was selected by the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL 2020, but refused to report.