Category Archives: NFL

NFL, University of Texas

Whittaker, Foswhitt “Fozzy” (2)

fwhittakerCard: SP 2012
Acquired: In person 2/24/2014, Rudy’s Ribfest 4
See Also: Fozzy Whittaker

I had gotten Fozzy at Fan Fest in Houston the previous year in 2013. He is really good with fans and at this event he was no different. After a bit of time on the practice squads of both the Cardinals and Chargers, he signed with the Browns where he remained the rest of the year.

A change in winds for the Browns led to questions about the roster from top to bottom. With Pat Shurmur sacked after 2012, and then Chudzinski in 2013, the Browns were looking in a new direction with former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.  In the meantime Fozzy recorded his first 2 NFL touchdowns as a change of pace receiver out of the backfield, including a career long 35 yard scamper.

When I asked Fozzy about what was going to happen to the team or the offensive set, he told me that he was just as in the dark as I was- but he was super excited for the future. Unfortunately he’d be one of the final cuts in 2014, but quickly found a home with the Carolina Panthers where as of midway through 2014 he remains.

 

 

 

NFL

Ritcher, Jim

Card: Fleer Ultra 1993
Acquired: Canton Acquisition, 2012

A so well-regarded center coming out of college in 1980, the Buffalo Bills drafted Jim Ritcher in the first round out of NC State. It almost didn’t come to pass, but coach Lou Holtz at the time had the ‘veer’ offense, which required an extremely mobile center. Ritcher was signed by the college to play defense, and had to make the adjustment (- never having played even on the offensive line during high school,) but by the end of his senior season in 1979, he’d win the Outland Trophy for being college’s best lineman.

The Bills liked him at guard so he moved there and Jim became a fixture for the team blocking up front for great backs like Joe Cribbs and Thurman Thomas. It took a while for the Bills to get to a point where they’d contend again, and after some some really lean years Ritcher was the last Bill standing from the original 1980 team when the team reached its first of 4 Superbowl appearances in 1990. By this time the offensive line consisted of Wolford, Hull, Davis, and Ballard- an impressive group. In 1991 and 1992 he’d be honored with Pro Bowl nominations and played for the franchise through 1993.  Ritcher moved to Atlanta and finished his career there after the 1995 season.

NFL

Brooks, Bill (2)

pset89 bbrookssco89 bbrookssky92 bbrookssco90 bbrooks

Cards: Score 1990, Score 1989, ProSet 1989, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent:  3/11    Received: 3/22  (11 days)
See also: Bill Brooks

Some really nice cards of Bill Brooks here I just had to get signed. His ProSet 1989/ Score 1989, (virtually the same photo) are seminal classics.  A true testament to the addage that commitment and dedication will pay off, Brooks did not make waves when he arrived at Boston College, but as time wore on he became an impressive future NFL prospect. He finished his collegiate career as the Golden Eagles all time leading receiver with 228 receptions, for 3,579 yards and 32 touchdowns.  Dependable and always giving 100% each game, Brooks has gone on to become undeniably is one of the most popular players in Indianapolis Colts history, with a career on par with fellow 1986 draftee Ernest Givins.  Although his career has taken him to both AFC East rival Buffalo and then later to Washington where he finished his career, Brooks always remained close and kept his home in Indianapolis.

Bill Brooks name is often forgotten outside of Inianapolis. With greats such as Raymond Berry coming before him, and Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne afterwards, -it’s easy to see why the understated Brooks, who played during some of the most arduous years in team history is often forgotten.