After transferring from East Carolina, QB Kurt Benkert got the starting nod at Virginia in 2016.
In 2017, he went 298/509, for 3,207 yards, and 25 TDs to just 9 picks.
He signed as an UDFA with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 and spent a good time of the season on their practice squad that year.
He spent 2019 on IR with a toe injury sustained in preseason.
Waived in 2020, he then spent the season with the Saints primarily on their practice squad.
In 2021, Benkert joined the Packers, also seeing time on the practice squad.
The 49ers had him for 2022 on and off their practice squad.
Kurt was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks in 2023 to play in the XFL, but refused to report.
After the injury bug hit the San Antonio Brahmas, the team traded for Benkert and he quickly saw the field in 2 contests.
Unfortunately he broke his ribs against the Vipers and was placed on IR.
He opted to retire from the sport in August of that year.
With the Roughnecks staff essentially replacing the Brahmas in 2024, there was renewed interest in keeping Benkert, but it is unknown whether or not he even attended camp.
NOTES:
I went to all the San Antonio Brahmas games in 2023, but since Benkert got a crash course on the offense, came in for Renegades contest, quickly got injured the next week and was not heard from again- I wasn’t able to get his autograph on these cards.
After the Brahmas signed him, I was peppered with Facebook football 101s on how to understand football concepts (basic and advanced) for fans and aspiring Madden players from Kurt, so I decided to buy one. Nestled in the downloadable program, was his address, so I shot these 4 out and he kindly signed them for me.
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.
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.
