Tag Archives: St. Louis Rams

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.

NFL

Kennison, Eddie (2)

Leaf Rookies & Stars 2005, #57

CARDS: Leaf Rookies & Stars 2005 (RED 111/249)
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home
SENT: 10/3 RECEIVED: 11/25 (53 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

The previous card that I had gotten from Eddie was gifted to my from my friend Lance, so I thought I’d try him TTM. Long rumored to not sign any Rams cards due to the fallout he had with the franchise, I thought my best bet would be to ask him to sign some Chiefs cards. Well, he signed one of two, opting not to sign the Upper Deck MVP card- but that’s okay, I really like this red parallel that he was kind enough to sign for me.

NFL

Long, Jake (2)

Upper Deck Football Heroes 2008, #151
Upper Deck Football Heroes 2008, #152
Score 2009, #157
Topps 2014, #64

CARDS: Score 2009, Upper Deck College Heroes 2008 x2, Topps 2014
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 1/3/23 RECEIVED: 1/17/23 (days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • See Also Jake Long
  • Long returned in time for the 2015 season, but was released in a cost saving move by the Rams.
  • He signed a one year contract with the Falcons.
  • In 2016, Jake briefly flirted with Baltimore, but ended up in Minnesota.
  • He’d tear his Achilles in week 10 ending his season.
  • Long retired during the 2017 offseason.

NOTES:

I had been meaning to get back to Jake for a while after getting a freebee back in 2014. I think I’d been kicking the tires on him for 3 to 4 years, so it makes sense he’s the first calendar success of 2023.

These Upper Deck cards- meh- they’re okay, but they were better than the junk that was designed for the ’08 season. The Score ’09 was definitely a set need, while the Topps 2014 was the slow evolution of the product from I think 2011. The design started resembling more of a fender, but eh I’m sorta okay with that. I thought it’d be nice to get one of him in his Rams attire- even if it is St. Louis.