James Onwualu played for Notre Dame from 2013 to 2016. Originally a wide receiver, James was converted during his Freshman season in 2013. During his Senior campaign in 2016, he posted 77 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 5 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles. Still considered raw at the position, he’d go unselected in the 2017 NFL draft. Onwualu signed with the Los Angeles Chargers and made the team. He’d suit up in 9 games and record 8 combined tackles before being cut late in the season, and then resigned to the practice squad. James was given an injury waiver in 2018 and currently is a free agent.
Card: Sage 2017 Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker. 2019, San Antonio Commanders v San Diego Fleet
A classic road mauler, Damien Mama played guard at USC and clocked in at a whopping 6’3″, 342. A second team PAC 12 selection in 2016, he’d declare early for the 2017 NFL draft, but go unselected. He’d sign as a free agent with the Chiefs and eventually land on their practice squad. Later in 2017, the Giants signed him to their roster- but Damien was released in mid-2018. He’d join the Cowboys in training camp, but again be waived in final cuts.
I found out that Damien was playing in The Alliance of American Football for the San Diego Fleet, so I packed a card of him for the first game of the season. He was practicing with Marc Bercovici before the game and decided to come over and sign some autographs in the visitor’s end zone. A super nice guy, Damien’s sleeve tattoos are even more amazing up close.
Mama was shifted from guard to center for the Fleet for the opening day game against the Commanders. Despite his best efforts the Fleet were overwhelmed by San Antonio and surrendered 6 sacks.
Throughout the season Mama’s play improved and the team finished in 4th place giving up just 19 sacks in 8 games. The Fleet themselves as an offensive unit finished 3rd in the league in total yardage and second in passing yardage.
Currently with the dissolution of the league, Damien is a free agent but could find a home in the XFL 2020.
It took Brad Kaaya only 3 years to become the Miami Hurricanes all-time leading passer with 9,968 yards. After the Hurricanes defeated West Virginia in the Russell Athletic Bowl in 2016, Brad opted to enter the NFL draft instead of staying for his Senior season. He’d be selected in the 6th round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Detroit, but didn’t make the Lions final roster. He was quickly scooped up by the Panthers, but after about a month long stint there, Brad was back on the Lions practice squad. The Colts signed Brad at the end of 2017, but he’d be placed on IR during 2018 before he could take a snap. He’d then take a brief pit stop with the Bengals in early 2019.
Brad is an interesting prospect. I think he’s just gotten lost in the numbers game, and given time to hone his skills perhaps in the XFL (2020), he might see some traction in the NFL down the line.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
