I had never even seen the Pro Set 1991 of Jerome Henderson before, so I was really eager to order it and ship it out to him for an autograph for some reason. It made it easier since the Star Pics card was a set need. When Classic and Star Pics arrived on the scene in ’91 as exclusively college products, we initially laughed at them. The competing designs were busy in the margins, with the Star Pics going with the footballs, and Classic laughably going with the leopard print. Still- they all are great looking photos, and Jerome was kind enough to add his autograph to all 3 of them for me.
CARDS: Topps AAF Now 2019, Topps AAF 2019, Topps XFL 2020 ACQUIRED: In Person 2023, Houston Roughnecks v. San Antonio Brahmas FAILURE: TTM 2019, C/o New York Jets. TTM 2020, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Brandon Silvers played QB at Troy from 2014-2017.
Threw for 10,677 yards, 71 TDs, 29 picks, and 64.4% completions, with a 135.8 passer rating.
Finished second in school history in TDs and yards.
Had a tryout with the Saints following the 2018 NFL Draft but was not signed.
Was selected in the 3rd round by the Memphis Express during the AAF Quarterback Protect or Pick Draft in 2019.
Silvers faced an uphill battle behind Troy Cook, Christian Hackenberg, and Zach Mettenberger.
Cook was quickly out of the picture, with Hack taking over as starter and Silvers sliding in behind him.
Supplanted due to ineffectiveness, Silvers took over as starter but was quickly injured.
Mettenberg competently guided the Apollos until he was injured against the Stallions.
Silvers returned to the lineup with a vengeance in Week 6.
The Express in the meantime signed former NFL QB Johnny Manziel, who was chomping at the bit to take the reins from Brandon.
Silvers refused to relinquish his starting role, leading the team to an exciting win in OT over the Birmingham Iron in Week 7.
He’d then give the Apollos all they could handle in a 34-31 loss, before the league collapsed after their week 8 matchup.
Silvers briefly was on the radar of the Jets, seeing some off season time with them later that year.
In 2020, Brandon joined the XFL, playing for the Seattle Dragons under head coach Jim Zorn.
He’d throw for 539 yards and 6 TDs on 102 attempts.
2021 saw him play for the Conquers of The Spring League, and then went unselected in the 2022 USFL Supplemental Player Draft.
Silvers returned to the XFL for 2023, as a member of the Houston Roughnecks.
He threw for 13 TDs and 1551 yards on 156 completions (262 passes) leading the Roughnecks to the playoffs.
The Roughnecks XFL roster was dispersed into the UFL draft pool for 2024.
Eventually Silvers made his way to St Louis where he backs up AJ McCarron.
ACCOLADES:
NCAA QB Freshman Record (70.5% completion rate- min. 250 passes)
Topps XFL 2020, #17Topps AAF 2019, #11
NOTES:
I have been trying to get Brandon for sometime since he had 3 cards that I wanted signed. When the Roughnecks were around in 2020 I was a big fan, but when they returned in ’23, I switched over to the Brahmas because they were closer. I was hoping that the Brahmas would grab Silvers as their quarterback but he ended up in H-Town with Wade Phillips instead.
By the time the Roughnecks came to SA, I had figured out the best spot to get autographs from which was right next to the visitors end zone where the players were coming in and going out.
After the Roughnecks defeated the Brahmas in OT, he came over and kindly signed these 3 cards for me. Like many players he really loved those times in the AAF.
CARD: Frankfurt Galaxy Team Issue 2003 ACQUIRED: 2022, Private Acquisition
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Left footed Tim Morgan, did double duty as K and P at San Jose St, and was named a first-team All-WAC punter.
Wasn’t selected in the 2000 NFL Draft, but spent time in camp with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Signed by the Packers in 2002 and allocated to the NFLE.
Joined the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2003.
In week 2 of the season punted 7 times for a 42.1 yard average (58 yard long), and recovered an onside kick, in a 17-13 win over the Scottish Claymores.
On the season, Tim dropped 9 punts inside the 20, and had 4 touchbacks.
Returned stateside and was cut by Packers at the end of camp.
Saw time in camp in 2004 with the Jets as well, but didn’t make roster.
ACCOLADES:
NFLE Special Teams Player of the Week 2003- Week 2
P
YDS
AVG
LG
BLK
37
1552
41.1
58
0
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
