CARD: Topps XFL 2001 ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Work SENT: 4/3 RECEIVED: 5/5 (32 days) FAILURE: TTM 2022, C/o Work
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Ed Smith took a unique path to football, declining scholarships to Penn State and Florida to play TE, and instead went into the minor league baseball system with the Chicago White Sox.
After 9 seasons in the minor league farm system, Ed elected to play football in the World League in 1996.
Afterwards he joined the Washington Redskins where eventually he was elevated off the practice squad to the 52 man roster.
Played for the Falcons from 1997-’98.
After a camp with the Browns, Ed split the 1999 season with the Eagles and Lions.
Out of football for a year he decided to play one more final season for the Birmingham Thunderbolts of the XFL in 2001.
Ed is now a radio personality in the Phoenix area, and is also a motivational/ inspirational speaker.
NOTES:
What a class act! Ed was kind enough to not only sign my card, he also sent me a copy of his autobiography as well with a nice note. Ed’s brother is former NFL TE Irv Smith.
Marcus Crandall played quarterback for East Carolina University and finished as the school’s all-time leading passer, setting over 30 records for the Pirates.
In 1997, he joined the CFL playing for the Edmonton Eskimos.
He’d see extensive playing time in 1999, completing 59 of 112 passes for 767 yards and 5 TDs.
Later in 2000, Crandall played a year with the Scottish Claymores throwing for 754 yards and 4 TDs.
A member of XFL 2001, he’d play for the Memphis Maniax.
It’d be in 2002, Marcus returned to the CFL, signing with the Calgary Stampeders.
He’d have his best season as a pro, throwing for 4072 yards, and 26 TDs that year.
Crandell also ground up yardage rushing for 503 yards and 2 TDs on 80 carries.
Marcus played with the franchise through 2004, before heading out to Saskatchewan.
After seeing extensive playing time in 2005, he’d serve as a backup through 2008, retiring after the season.
He went into coaching working with the CFL for Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and Ottawa.
Then later he worked in the college football ranks, most recently at Livingstone College.
Alright, He signed it all in red, but that’s okay- I’ll take it! I was pretty pumped to get Marcus all in one shot on his four cards. Marcus is currently working in healthcare and specializes in helping people get low cost insurance.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
-Romans 10:9
Topps XFL 2001, #71
NOTES:
Keith was kind enough to include a copy of his Fellowship of Christian Athletes card. The Topps XFL 2001 set at first was one I really hated, but over the years, it has really grown on me.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
