Tag Archives: san fransisco 49ers

AAF, Arena, NFL, XFL

Folkerts, Brian

Topps XFL 2020, #41

CARD: Topps XFL 2020
ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas V Arlington Renegades

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Brian Folkerts played college ball for tiny Washburn University from 2008-11.
  • During that time for the Ichabods, Folkerts played both RT and LT for the school.
  • Although possessing the ideal size (6’4″, 306), he’d go unselected in the 2012 NFL Draft.
  • After being cut by the Saints in 2012, Folkerts joined the Arena Football League, playing FB for the San Jose Sabrecats in 2013.
  • He followed that up with a stint playing for the Carolina Panthers from 2013-15.
  • After a short stint with both the ‘9ers and Rams in 2015, Brian rejoined the Panthers briefly again in 2017.
  • Sprained his ankle in the preseason and was cut.
  • In 2019, signed with the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football.
  • Played C and blocked up front for one of the league’s better ground games.
  • After the AAF folded, Brian was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL in 2020.
  • With COVID scrambling the XFL before the season concluded, Brian stayed in playing shape.
  • In 2023, was selected by the Arlington Renegades of the XFL 3.0.
  • Has been dabbling in coaching since COVID and in the XFL offseason works as an OL coach for Wingate University in North Carolina.

NOTES:

I was partially miffed and shocked at how many Commanders and former AAFers ended up with the Renegades in 2023. I packed a bunch of Renegade players cards along with my Kenneth Farrow’s, and while Kenneth was signing, both Brian and De’Vante Bausby came over to pay high respects to my Farrow Commanders jersey. I was extremely flattered.

Later my neighbors with me at the game, got field passes for after the game to wander around. They had enough for 5, and invited me, so I said, “Why not?” I rushed the field for a few autographs, and saw Brian standing there with his family taking photos. He was gracious enough to sign his card, take a photo with me, and talk about the Alliance and the Commanders with me. (He also agreed that the league was second to none as far as entertainment was concerned.)

After the game I posted this photo up on Twitter. (I didn’t realize how nice the Renegades icy whites look up close.) He also retweeted it and again had nothing to say but high praises of the Commanders faithful.

With the Commanders gone and the Brahmas reeling, the Renegade players were doing their hardest sell to adopt me.

College Football HoF, NFL

Brodie, John (2)

CARD: Upper Deck Legends 1997
ACQUIRED: 2023, EBay

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

John really doesn’t sign TTM very much or anymore, and this certified like many others were usually out of reach financially for me. I just got lucky on this one. Brodie should’ve been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame some time ago imho. I feel that his career, spanning 3 decades, and owning all the 49ers passing records at the time of his retirement really should merit a bit more consideration.

NFL

Carter, Michael

Gameday 1992, #197

CARDS: Skybox 1992, Gameday 1992, Fleer 1990, Action Packed All-Madden Team 1990
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home
SENT: 11/12/21 RECEIVED: 10/13/22 (335 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Michael Carter was a powerful NT and shot put champion who played at SMU from 1980-83.
  • Selected in the 5th round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the San Fransisco 49ers.
  • 1988 probably stands as his best season, when he recorded 71 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 9 pass deflections, and his only career interception.
  • Considered the premier NT of the era, frequently faced double teams from the G and C and still managed to be around the action.
  • Competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics in shot put.
  • Retired after the 1992 season, playing his whole career in San Fransisco.
Skybox 1992, #221

ACCOLADES:

  • 1984 Olympic Silver Medal (shot put)
  • First player to win an Olympic medal and a Super Bowl ring in the same year.
  • Texas Track and Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame
  • All Pro 1986-’88
  • Second Team All Pro 1985
  • Pro Bowl 1985, ’87, ’88
Action Packed All-Madden Team 1990, #42
Fleer 1990, #3

NOTES:

Michael Carter was a monster in the original Tecmo Bowl, but the team was so loaded I primarily played Lott. Michael has some great cards but I’d rarely seen him sign, so I took a shot in the dark at this one. I was really happy he took the time to sign all 4 of these cards for me. 3 of them were set needs. The All-Madden team card slipped in over the Pro Set 1989 card, but this Skybox entry is pretty outstanding. Michael’s daughter is also a champion shot putter following in his footsteps. She won a gold medal in the Rio Olympics.

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