Tag Archives: topps aaf 2019 certified

AAF, XFL

Spearman, Ike

Cards: Topps AAF 2019 Certified, Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: 2019, EBay. IP 2020, Houston Roughnecks /Tampa Bay Vipers Joint Practice

A 3 year starter for Eastern Michigan at linebacker, Ike Spearman medical redshirted his 2015 season, granting him a 5th year of eligibility. He’d play for them from 2012-2017, posting 179 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble.

Ike joined the Alliance of American Football in 2019. He’d sign with the Birmingham Iron and start 1 game, posting 8 tackles and 3 assists for the team before the league folded. Afterwards he’d join the XFL Tampa Bay Vipers for the 2020 season.

Noticing that players from the Vipers had their gear against the wall, I waited patiently for them to finish practice and come over. Ike was one of the first players over, and he gladly signed this card for me. Early in February though, Ike suffered an injury and was placed on the Vipers injured reserve.

AAF, CFL, NFL

Neal, Rajion

Card: Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: 2019, Box Breaker

Rajion Neal played runningback for the Tennessee Volunteers program from 2010-2013. Displaying an interesting skillset, Neal showed great hands and versatility playing runningback, Wildcat, and wide receiver. He finished with 444 carries for 2163 yards and 19 TDs, along with 66 catches for 626 yards and 5 TDs for Tennessee.

Undrafted, Rajion has seen time criss-crossing the North American continent in 3 different leagues. As a practice squad member, Neal has seen time with the Packers, Dolphins, Raiders, Steelers, and Browns in the NFL, and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

He’d join the Memphis Express of the AAF in 2019 and make the squad, but be cut after two games. finishing with 8 carries for 15 yards, and 4 receptions for 10 yards. Rajion returned to the Tiger-Cats of the CFL but did not make the squad.

AAF, CFL, NFL

Daniels, BJ

Card: Topps AAF 2019 Certified
Acquired: 2019, EBay

BJ Daniels has always been an intriguing dual threat quarterback prospect. Playing for the University of South Florida Daniels played for the college from 2008-2012. He took over the starting job for the team in 2009, passing for almost 2000 yards and 14 TDs while rushing for 772 yards and 9 TDs. He averaged 8.7 yards per completion that year. His best year came in 2011, when BJ threw for 2,604 yards and 13 TDs, while rushing for 601 and 6 TDs. Daniels was selected during the 7th round (237th pick) of the 2013 draft by the San Fransisco 49ers.

After being cut by the 49ers, Daniels was claimed by the Seattle Seahawks 2013. He’d spend time on and off their practice squad, and then moved to wide receiver by 2015. Cut again, the Houston Texans claimed Daniels and placed him on their practice squad. With the Texans having issues at QB due to injury, Daniels was able to get into a game near the end of the season in Wildcat situations. He’d run for 6 yards, and pass for 7.

In 2016, BJ was signed by the Giants, but later found himself on the roster of the Bears. He did not make the final cut. Late in 2016, BJ was claimed by the Falcons, who then tried to convert him to runningback. Again he’d find himself cut in 2017.

BJ decided to try his hand at Canadian Football in 2018, signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but was cut.

He’d be assigned to the Orlando Apollos of the AAF, however BJ was selected in the second round of the AAF QB draft by the Salt Lake City Stallions. With a strong camp it looked like BJ might get the starting nod going into the regular season, but a freak injury during the preseason contest against Memphis ended his AAF season. He was 5/9 for 40 yards and a TD before the injury.

Daniels was placed on IR, and attended a few team away viewing parties for Stallions fans during the season.