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Smith, Timmy

Cards: Topps 1988, ProSet 1990 SuperBowl XXII, ProSet 1990 SuperBowl Supermen
Acquired: TTM 2020, C/o Home
Sent: 2/19 Received: 4/24/20 (65 days)

Timmy Smith was a speedy little dynamo out of Texas Tech. He rushed for 1,313 yards on 292 carries, scoring 7 times, while catching 41 passes for 401 yards and a TD over 28 games in Lubbock. Checking in at 5′ 11″, 216, the Redskins loved his athleticism and speed and took a flyer on Timmy in the 5th round of the 1987 NFL Draft.

Timmy’s quick rise and fall was meteoric to say the least. Entrenched at 3rd string behind George Rogers and Kelvin Bryant, Timmy saw little playing time during the regular season in his rookie season in 1987. It’d be in the postseason that he saw the most success. Running behind The Hogs in a backup capacity, little Timmy rushed for 66 yards against the Bears, and then 72 against the Vikings, to help lead the team to the Super Bowl. He earned the starting nod for Super Bowl XXII and rushed for a Super Bowl record 204 yards and 2 TDs.

The Redskins went into camp in 1988 with Timmy as the starter, but after a holdout, he reported to camp a bit out of shape. He then had a pretty rough season, and lost his starting job to a combination to Kelvin Bryant and Jamie Morris.

With Plan B in full swing, Timmy was left unprotected and signed with the San Diego Chargers in ’89. Again, Smith faced a rough offseason, sprained his knee in camp and then a physical altercation with a girlfriend led to his release outright from the squad.

Timmy made a valiant effort to turn his playing career around. With the Cowboys still rebuilding their squad after the Herschel Walker trade, a concerted focus was placed on the runningback position. Timmy was signed by the Cowboys and I had high hopes he’d make things happen, but with stale overall preseason performances by the RB stable, the Cowboys decided to trade the Oilers for Alonzo Highsmith. Timmy was released. He was brought back for the regular season just briefly to play in the opener against San Diego but was soon thereafter cut again as Timmy blew out his neck and hold out Emmitt Smith finally signed his contract.

Timmy popped up briefly once again in 1994 in training camp of the CFL Baltimore Stallions, but did not make the squad.

He was arrested in 2005 for selling cocaine to undercover officers, trying to make a quick buck to help out struggling family members after Katrina. After a few years in prison, give Timmy credit as he got his life together and is now an energy salesman. He travels back and forth between Colorado and Texas with regularity, and loves his wife and kids.

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McCray, Mike ‘Big Play’

Card: Panini Contenders 2018
Acquired: 2018 Box Breaker

Mike McCray played linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines. While there for the school from 2013 to 2017. A rare 5th year Senior, Mike really only saw sizable action in 2016 and 2017. In both years he made it count, being named to the All Big 10 squad. Mike finished his career at Big Blue with 154 total tackles (96 solo, 58 assists), 30.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, and 2 interceptions for 36 yards and a TD- which he scored in the 2016 Orange Bowl versus Florida State. He would not be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, but signed with the Miami Dolphins. Shortly afterwards he’d announce his retirement on Twitter and informing the fan base that he was done with the sport.

Wow, good job Panini. That’s two players I’ve gotten through blaster boxes that retired before they even hit the field. The card is decent looking enough, but the silver nameplate is lost in the sea of deep blue. Also Mike has a terrible and uninspiring autograph.

Ryan, Zack

Card: Sage 2017
Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker

Zack Ryan played college ball at Ball State from 2012 to 2016. After walking onto the football team and redshirting for 2012. He’d start 42 games for Ball St at linebacker and middle linebacker, finishing his time there for the Cardinals with 319 career tackles, 24.5 tackles for losses, 6 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 6 forced fumbles. Considered undersized for the linebacker position (5’11”, 220) Ryan is a fast and athletic player, who is a freak in the weight room and digests a heavy amount of film.

Undrafted out of college, I’m not sure the NFL was ready yet for Zach, whose talents were something in between a linebacker, safety, and cornerback. He got a tryout with the Ravens but did not make the squad.