CARDS: Topps XFL 2020, Sage 2015, Panini Prestige 2015 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o The Washington Commanders SENT: 8/22/22 RECEIVED: 4/1/23 (222 days) FAILURE: TTM 2020, C/o The Washington Football Club
No clue as to why I didn’t get the cards I sent out in 2020 back from Taylor. He was signing at a really good click and I guess that’s the luck of the draw right? I reloaded and waited until a better time- which appeared in 2022. He became sort of a folk hero for the Commanders over the last few years, but the team opted not to resign him after the ’22 season, so he packed his bags and headed out for Atlanta. I figured these cards were lost as well but eventually they made their way back to me.
Taylor has seen stops with the Texans, Panthers and Washington since his time as a rookie in Minnesota. In 2020 he joined the XFL and was widely expected to be a star in the young league, but got beat to the punch by Jordan Ta’Amu. Despite not seeing almost any playing time in the XFL 20, Taylor is considered one of the more ‘famous’ success stories of that league.
Ran for 1,212 yards and 12 TDs his Senior season, accumulating 3,547 total yards on the ground over his 4 years with the Tigers.
Also displayed explosive skills as a kick returner and punt returner accumulating 8 TDs.
Was selected 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Spiller quickly ascended the depth chart, surpassing both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch in the lineup.
Rookie season was considered a disappointment, but still managed to produce his share of highlights with a 95 yard KR TD.
It’d be in 2012, CJ really came into his own, running for a career high 1244 yards and 6 TDs on 207 carries.
He’d also catch 43 passes for 459 yards and 2 TDs including a 66 yarder.
CJ followed up 2012 with a solid ’13 outing, posting 933 yards on 202 carries.
Unfortunately injuries derailed the remainder of his career, as over the next 4 years, he’d be limited to just 7 starts in 29 contests.
After his time in Buffalo concluded, CJ hopped over to New Orleans.
He’d catch an 80 yard TD that season- Marking QB Drew Brees 400th passing TD.
Released in 2016, Spiller saw some playing time with the Seahawks and Jets that season.
In his final season with the Chiefs, Spiller was an emergency back for the team, and was literally on and off the roster multiple times throughout 2017.
After a few years off, Spiller went into coaching.
As of 2022 he’s a RB coach at his Alma Mater, Clemson.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 2012
Jersey Retired #28 (Clemson)
NOTES:
While CJ’s career in the pros was limited, he had moments of absolute breathtaking electricity. The pass he caught from Drew Brees (for Brees 400th TD), sparked some laughs, embarrassment, and controversy. It came in OT against the Dallas Cowboys and was the first play from scrimmage, as OT rules end games if a team scores on the first possession.
Two late card set additions that I like here from Panini in both the 2015 Prestige set and the Rookies & Stars set (2013). I really like how the Prestige set is very minimal, although I’m not a huge fan of the transitioned edges. The focus is on the player and the name. That’s it. Pretty classy.
The Rookies & Stars set from 2013 was something I got into late. I loved the 2009 and 2010 set, but I absolutely hated the 2011 and ’12 sets. That caused me to take my time checking out this set. One of my big complaints about cards is that it doesn’t feel as though they are proud of their designs. They just don’t showcase them on the sides of the box. Spiller’s card is top notch in this set and I like the design and look as it’s pretty unique.
Kenny Stills played Wide Receiver for Oklahoma from 2010 – 2013.
Had his best year in 2012 with 82 receptions for 959 yards and 11 TDs.
Finished his career after 3 years with the Sooners with 204 receptions for 2594 yards and 24 TDs.
A shrewd 5th round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2013 who led the league with 20 yards per reception in his rookie season on 32 catches.
Had his best season as a pro in 2014 with 63 receptions for for 931 yards and 3 TDs.
In 2015 was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a 3rd round pick and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
Played 4 years for the Dolphins 2015-18, logging 2566 yards on 164 receptions (24 TDs).
Traded as part of a blockbuster trade to Houston along with Laremy Tunsil in 2019.
Got a lot of looks both deep and in the slot with Deshaun Watson at QB, catching 40 passes for 561 yards and 4 TDs.
Injuries and a volatile situation in the front office caused his numbers to suffer in 2020.
He’d be released 10 games in after zero starts, and as of 2021 is currently a free agent.
Score 2017, #89
NOTES:
I really liked Kenny Stills and thought that he did bring a lot of added value to the table for the Texans, but I guess they saw otherwise. It’s hard not to judge, but Houston is a notoriously conservative city, (and team for that matter,) and Kenny is very active when it comes to social justice matters. While teams and the NFL have warmed to social justice matters, it’s still hard for me to believe the Texans cast a blind eye towards Stills’ protesting alongside Black Lives Matter.
I thought I was not getting these cards back, but a week or so after he was cut these two great autographs came back to me TTM via the team. I really like the Prestige 15 set a lot, and his autograph looks beautiful upon these cards.
At this time while I am here, I am reticent to discuss politics, however I’d like to state for the record black lives DO matter. -Thank-you
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
