I’m a lifelong BYU fan, a BYU graduate, and an avid collector of sports cards. In recent years, I've begun specializing in rare, autographed cards of BYU players in their BYU uniforms. Instead of just keeping these cardboard treasures to myself, in this video series entitled "BYU Cards Tell Stories", I'm opening up my collection and sharing it with you.
In this episode, I'm sharing my collection of autographed cards of BYU lineman legends on both sides of the ball:
Kingsley Suamataia - 2024 Sage /100
I like the blue bordering of this card for a BYU "color match". There is also a rarity factor with it being numbered to just 100. Kingsley was a 2024 second round pick by Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. After struggling at tackle as a rookie last year, Kingsley moved inside to left guard and is thriving this year. At just 22 years old he should have a long, productive career ahead of him.
Khyiris Tonga - Wild Card Premiere Matte
The dark background of this card helps the white of Khyiris's jersey and helmet really pop. The fifth-year pro was a seventh round pick back in 2021 and unlike most late draft picks he has carved out a solid career. He joined the New England Patriots this year and is starting in his new home while putting together what may be his best season ever.
Blake Freeland - 2023 Sage Aspire
I don't like the red borders of this card (for obvious reasons) but the back is a beautiful blue. Freeland was a 2023 fourth round pick and took a step backward last year. His 2025 campaign was going to be something of a "prove it" season, but he's out for the year after a preseason injury.
Tyler Batty - 2024 Onit NIL /250
This is just a gorgeous card! Because Onit is a licensed brand, it can display the BYU logo, which makes all the difference. This card is numbered to just 250, so it's rare, and the ice shimmer reflects a brilliant array of colors when the light hits it. Though Batty went undrafted this year, he made the Vikings' 53-man roster. After missing the first five games of the season due to injury, he is now healthy and has played in the team's last two games. Tyler is already carving out a role on Minnesota's defense and should have a productive NFL career.
John Tait - 1999 Sage /650
Isn't it quaint how back in the day they had to hand-write the serial number right on the card itself? This old timer card goes back to last century (1999) and is numbered to 650. Tait was a legend at BYU, a first round pick, and a 10-year NFL starter.