Kellen Winslow played TE for the Missouri Tigers from 1975-78.
Concluded college career with 71 catches, 1,089 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
First round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1979.
He’d become a catalyst for the Air Coryell offense and lead the NFL in catches in both 1980 (89) and ’81 (88).
His 89 reception in 1980, shattered the record previously held by HoFer Mike Ditka.
Caught 5 TDs in a single game, tying the NFL record in ’81.
Put together perhaps one of the finest post season single game performances, catching 13 passes for 166 yards (TD), and blocking a FG to send it to OT in ‘The Epic’ at Miami.
Had a career high 1,183 yards and 88 catches in 1983.
Played for the Chargers through 1987, retiring after the season.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1980-’83, ’87
All-Pro 1980-’82
Pro Football Hall of Fame
#73 Greatest Football Players of All-Time (Sporting News)
NFL 1980s All-Time Team
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
College Football Hall of Fame
San Diego Chargers #80- Retired
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
NOTES:
It can not be understated how much Winslow had an effect on the pro game. Tight ends during the 70s had become almost an afterthought during the Dead Ball Era. Winslow revolutionized the position, breaking Ditkas catch record, and had 2 back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and later a 3rd- something forgotten about since the 60s.
Winslow was always on my short list of players I might not ever get, so when he popped up, I wrote this letter and pretty much had this card in the mail to him the next day. I added a donation to grease the wheels, and he gladly signed it, adding the HOF inscription.
CARD: Topps XFL 2020 ACQUIRED: IP, XFL 2023 Championship Game
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Willie Beavers was a 4th round pick out of Western Michigan by the Minnesota Vikings in 2016.
Beavers has kept the dream alive and his agent busy since then, seeing tours with the Vikings, Patriots and Seahawks in 2016-’17.
After concluding his time with the Seahawks in 2018, spent a bit of time with the Bears as well that year.
After a short stint with the 9ers in 2019, played for the XFL Dallas Renegades in 2020.
Great film allowed him to return to the NFL, where Willie got practice squad for the Falcons later that year and into 2021.
Signed with the Commanders in ’22, but was injured and released.
Returned to the XFL to play with the Arlington Renegades in 2023, starting 5 contests.
NOTES:
The Renegades had just pulled off a huge upset in the XFL Championship game over the Defenders, and after the celebration at midfield, Dallas players were rightfully a combination of delirious, elated, and exhausted. Willie was slowly milling off the field, and as the throng of people around me called him over, he didn’t budge until I called him by name. He slowly ambled over took selfies and signed a card for me. I told him how much I appreciate every one of them and to keep living the dream!
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.