I knew I had a good shot at getting Ajene, as he had signed for me the previous year for me no problem, so I went ahead and printed out a custom of him from his time in H-Town in 2023. Not to mention I picked up on the fact it was his birthday so I could use that to my advantage.
He really liked the custom I did of him and kept the extra I had. I forgot to get him to sign the base card but at least I got him to sign the red parallel.
During the game he almost picked off a pass he would’ve easily returned for 6. I should’ve asked him for his gloves- but I forgot.
CARD: Upper Deck UFL 2024, Upper Deck UFL 2024 Printing Plate, Upper Deck USFL 2023 ACQUIRED: IP 2025, San Antonio Brahmas v Memphis Showboats, Epack 2025
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Jonathan Adams played WR from 2017-’20 for Arkansas State.
During his time at the school, his catches, yards, and TDs grew exponentially every season.
In his senior season with the Red Wolves, he compiled 79 receptions for 1,111 yards and 12 TDs.
Had an impressive camp with the Lions after going undrafted in 2021, but would be later cut before camp concluded.
Selected by the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in 2022.
Hauled in 31 passes for 406 yards and 3 TDs that season.
In 2023, Jonathan caught 41 passes for 511 yards and 2 TDs.
When the USFL and XFL merged, the Breakers were not retained.
Adams was selected during the 2024 dispersal draft by the Memphis Showboats.
Continued to showcase his abilities catching 33 passes for 441 yards and a TD in 2024, and 30 passes for 407 yards and 2 TD in 2025.
NOTES:
Jonathan Adams was the prize I was after from the Memphis game since Darius Victor was no longer on the squad. He had a really nice Breakers card from the USFL set I wanted. (Random note- but apparently the Breakers gear still sells quite well despite the franchise going on hiatus during the merger.) Adams is overshadowed by other talent in the UFL, but continues to be a consistent and solid performer, despite the QB and offensive issues in Memphis.
I was really happy to get Jonathan’s autograph on a printer’s plate, although he’s so lanky and large in this photo, he looks like a linebacker instead.
CARDS: Sage 2022, TNT XFL23, Upper Deck Game Dated Moments 2024, Upper Deck UFL 2024, Upper Deck UFL 2024 Parallel, Upper Deck UFL 2024 Exclusive, Upper Deck UFL 2025 ACQUIRED: IP 2024, San Antonio Brahmas v Birmingham Stallions IP 2025, San Antonio Brahmas v Arlington Renegades 2025, Ebay
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
John Lovett played from 2017-20 at RB at Baylor amassing 1,980 yards and 17 TDs on 407 carries.
With a surprising combination of speed and power, he had a 74 yard TD and a 75 yard TD to his resume before transferring to Penn State in 2021.
Undrafted, he spent the 2022 season on the roster of the Carolina Panthers primarily on the practice squad.
Hopped over to the XFL23 playing for the Vegas Vipers.
Seeing action in all 10 games with 2 starts, Lovett ran 59 times for 227 yards and 3 TDs.
In August of 2023 he spent about two weeks with the Steelers.
With Vegas being euthanized after the 2023 season, Lovett was not selected in the UFL dispersal draft- so he signed with the San Antonio Brahmas.
Played in 8 contests, starting 4, rushing 103 times for 421 yards and 5 TDs.
Set the league single game rushing record with 155 yards against the DC Defenders.
He returned to the Brahmas for 2025, but early in the first game he pulled his hamstring.
John attempted to play through it but it merely made things worse.
He finished the 2025 season with 18 carries for 32 yards and a TD, used mainly in short yardage situations.
NOTES:
I knew John had played for the Vegas Vipers in 2023, so I made a card for him that was ready just in time for their home finale against the Birmingham Stallions. He was super kind to always come to my side of the field to sign and talk to fans. I know it was out of the way but it meant a lot to me- and that quality endeared him to me. He liked the Vegas card and thanked me for the extras I gave him.
With his 2025 pretty much washed he was elevated off of IR for the final game so I prepped and packed all his cards. My friend Jake had been kind enough to trade me his GDM card, and I also picked up a Sage 2022 of him I didn’t know was in the wild.
When I saw him going back and forth from the tunnel, I said, “Hey John Lovett!”, With a big smile. He pointed enthusiastically.
I looped around the outside to his area and called him over. He came over and signed all the remaining cards I had. John hadn’t seen his UFL 25 card so I gave him the extra ‘white’ I had for his personal collection in exchange for his autograph on everything else. He told me he remembered me from last year and thanked me for the extra card, and was kind enough to explain what happened with his hammy.
I think he had family in my general area and so he came down to talk to them after the game. He threw his jersey to them and shook hands and hugged friends. I’m not sure- but it felt like a good bye?
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
