Spruce, Nelson

sage16_nspruce

Card: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

The Colorado Buffallos have a had little to cheer about in football recently with the emergence of guys like Paul Richardson. Spruce benefited from the departure of the speedy receiver, and set school records with 106 catches and 12 touchdowns, along with 1,198 receiving yards. It was enough to earn Spruce Second Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014.   A good route runner with soft hands, Spruce reminds me mostly of former Texans receiver Kevin Walter.  While his skills are undeniable, his lack of straight line speed is an issue for scouts clocking a 4.59 40, but he could quickly move in as a slot guy or a possession receiver who works special teams as a punt returner.  After a poor showing at the combine, Nelson was marked with a 3rd day rating, but eventually went undrafted. I thought he held potential for a team like the Texans or Patriots, but eventually Spruce signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

Spruce impressed the team well enough that he made the squad, but he was buried on the depth chart.  He’d be injured and spend a good portion of the season on IR, but was activated for the final game of the season versus the Cardinals.

Walker, Johnny ‘Skywalker’ (RB)

WALKERCard: Top Notch UT Custom
Acquired: 2015, C/o NFLPA SA
Sent: 6/4  Received: 6/15    (11 days)

High flying John Walker was known for his fearless high-flying, short yardage heroics during his time at the University of Texas. The runningback finished his career with  388 carries for 1,641 yards and 17 TDs.

Possessing world class speed and athletic talent, the Cardinals selected John in the 9th round of the 1984 draft.  Unfortunately during the 2nd preseason game of the season against the Chiefs that year, John suffered an eye injury.  The poke was so severe he had to be placed on injured reserve, and after losing his sight, the team medically released him after 3 seasons.

John suffers from stage 2 colon cancer. I had heard about his story on a news channel and decided to make a card of him. Knowing that he was a member of the NFLPA Austin/San Antonio, I sent the custom out to him with a donation. I know that deep down, having your own football card, means a lot to somebody who never had one, especially the ‘old timers’. They understand the value of it, and how accomplished it makes them feel. John signed the back of the card and returned it in less than two weeks.

About a year later I ran into him at the Kansas City Chiefs/ Jaguars tilt at 3rd Base. I asked him how he liked the cards I made him. He stopped and his eyes brightened. Apparently he had no way of getting back in touch with me after he got the cards. He had already given them out and signed many of them for friends and family. We talked for a bit, and he asked for some more, which I was really happy to do for him.

Dunbar, Quinton

sage15 qdunbar

Card: Sage 2015
Acquired: 2015, Box Breaker

Quinton Dunbar played his college ball at Florida. While with the Gators he had 111 receptions for 1500 yards and 8 TDs.  He didn’t attract much attention in the 2015 draft, Dunbar signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent.  He made it all the way through camp but was released during final cutdowns. The team brought him back immediately and placed him on the practice squad.  The Redskins were thin at cornerback so they brought Quinton up to speed and and dropped him in the lineup.  He got in some playtime near the end of the season, and recorded his first interception in late November.  Dunbar finished his 2015 season with 14 tackles, 5 pass deflections, and an interception.

It appears that the Redskins feel they’ve landed quite an athlete in Dunbar, evidenced by his 2016 performance. In week 3 against the New York Giants, Dunbar intercepted his first pass, and then later caught a 31 yard pass on a fake punt.  He finished the season with a respectable 39 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.