Possessing the athletic tools at 6’6″, 242, Schultz was selected in the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Hopped into the starting lineup in 2020, and became a reliable target for Dak Prescott.
Best season came in 2021 starting 15 of 17 contests, catching 78 passes for 808 yards, 8 TDs and 47 first downs.
Unable to secure a long-term deal with the Cowboys, Schultz signed with the Houston Texans in 2023.
Immediately became rookie QB CJ Stroud’s favorite 3rd down option, Schultz had 59 catches for 635 yards and 5 TDs.
In 2025 only started 6 contests, but caught a career high 82 passes (777 yards and 3 TDs).
His 194 receptions and counting as of the 2026 season are a Texans franchise career record for TEs.
NOTES:
I like Dalton and he’s a sneaky late round fantasy selection in the Texans offensive system. A lot of pundits knock Dalton’s blocking skills, but my beef is with the nicks and tears he’s experienced over his college as in 8 seasons, he’s started 78 of 124 contests.
CARDS: Panini Contenders Season Ticket 2018, Score 2018 ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas v Houston Roughnecks
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played for USC from 2015-’17 at WR.
Had a dominating Junior season posting 86 receptions for 1114 yards and 9 TDs.
Signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2018 but did not make the squad.
Spent time on and off the practice squad and regular season roster of the New York Jets in 2018.
Saw sporadic play with the Jets that season catching 10 passes for 143 yards.
Waived in 2019, and spent some time later in the year on the practice squad of the 49ers.
Joined the Eagles near the end of the year, and saw some action catching 2 passes for 48 yards.
During the ’20 season, he bounced on and off the starting roster, collecting another 3 catches for 19 yards.
Joined the XFL in 2022 playing for the Houston Roughnecks in the 2023 season.
On the year he caught 27 passes for 378 yards, and was good for 6 TDs including an 85 yarder.
Selected by the Arlington Renegades during the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft.
For 2024 he had 33 catches for 306 yards and 2 TDs.
The Cowboys signed Burnett to a contract in late July.
ACCOLADES:
All XFL 2023
NOTES:
I really wanted Deontay because I love the Panini college GameDay inserts. I called out Deontay and he had no problem coming over and signing a few cards for me before the Roughnecks entered the tunnel after pregame practice had been concluded. I knew I was off to a fast start at my spot next to the visitor’s entrance.
CARDS: Panini Contenders Draft Picks 2018, Panini Prestige 2018 ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas v St Louis Battlehawks
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Kalen Ballage was a RB at Arizona State who ran for 1984 yards and 27 TDs (450 carries) playing for the school from 2014-’17.
A 4th round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2018.
Had a breakout game his rookie year rushing for 123 yards on 12 carries against the Minnesota Vikings- scoring a TD.
2019 was disappointing, and by 2020, the Dolphins were searching for trade partners.
Waived with an injury settlement, Ballage spent about a month on the roster of the New York Jets that year.
Ultimately proved to be effective playing for the Chargers that year, contributing 91 carries for 303 yards and 3 TDs.
Also showed a nice touch out of the backfield, catching 29 passes.
Played for the Steelers in ’21 and spent the season on special teams.
Selected in the 6th round of the 2023 XFL Draft by the San Antonio Brahmas.
Was the primary back in the ground and pound offense, but was ultimately supplanted in the lineup by Jacques Patrick, and then an Achilles injury ended his season after 5 games.
Finished season with 55 carries for 149 yards and 11 receptions for 82 yards.
Expected to fight a crowded backfield for 1st team reps in 2024 with the Brahmas retooled offense, but with a crowded backfield was an early cut during preseason.
NOTES:
I was very excited to see the Brahmas drafted Kalen. He has a lot of cards and I hoped that I’d get more of them signed. Of subsets, I always look forward to the Gameday subsets from Panini.
I was able to get these two signed as he walked off the field in the first game near the home side entrance at the Alamodome.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
