NFL, University of Texas

Vaccaro, Kenny

sage13 vaccaroCard: Sage Hit 2013
Acquired: 2014 BB, Target Autograph Memorabilia

Longhorn Kenny Vaccaro punctuated his college career at Texas by being made a first round choice of the New Orleans Saints in 2013. He logged 231 total tackles (158 solo/73 assists), 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 24 pass defensed. With a good overall set of athleticism, loose hips, and strength, Vaccaro was seen as a starting caliber safety in the NFL.

The Saints porous defense was going through transition with new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan trying to retool the defensive backfield. Kenny fit right in playing nickle, strong, and free safety.  He’d start 14 games for the team nabbing 62 tackles, 1 sack, 7 pass defensed, 1 interception for 29 yards, and 1 forced fumble.  He was considered a rising star in the young defense. In 2014, the Saints played him at both free and strong safety, but with the team having a difficult season, Vaccaro was benched after 13 games. While the team values his aggressive play, the double-edged sword was his caliber of recklessness. Vaccaro finished his season with 51 tackles, 5 pass defensed, and 2 picks for 45 yards.

I don’t grab the Target Autograph Memorabilia as much as I had in the past because of the lack of names that I had been pulling from them, but wow, I got a nice hit out of the Target grab bag with this one.  Another member of Texas DBU down.

WLAF

Jackson, Ray ‘RJ’ (1965-2019)

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent: 8/12    Received: 10/20  (69 days)
Failure: 2014, C/o Work

Ray Jackson was a 3 year letterman for Ohio State at cornerback where he posted 103 tackles. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 7th round of the 1989 draft and then bounced around from there to the Atlanta Falcons, and then over to the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

Afterwards he’d be selected by the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks of the WLAF (4th round, 35th pick) and shifted to Safety in 1991. While the team posted a 0-10 record, it provided plenty of time for the defense to be on the field.  Ray led the team in tackles with 68 (including 50 solo stops), 1 sack, 4 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles and recoveries, an interception, and 3 pass break ups.  After the season the Skyhawks would be euthanized, and the players dropped back into the talent pool of the league draft. In Raleigh-Durham’s place the league elected to create the Ohio Glory. The Glory drafted Jackson with the first pick of the 28th round, but he did not see playing time on the final roster.

Ray studied Criminology at Ohio State and enjoyed the life of a private investigator. Ironically it took a tip from a fellow fan (Deadhorse) who gave me the most obvious clue that I should’ve found- to look at the back of RJ’s card. Apparently he had been doing PI work fairly consistently since leaving football behind and had built himself a practice out of Georgia. I sent out a card the following week to his work, but got an RTS. Later Deadhorse came up with a new address for me to take a shot at and I was able to cross another member of the WLAF off my list.

WLAF 10/10    Tac 68   Sac 1.0   Fum 2  
Int 1     Yds N/a     Avg N/a       Td 0     Lg N/a

WLAFTACSACFUM
10/10681.02
INTYDSAVGTDLG
155.005

UPDATE 9/17/19- Ray Jackson passed away suddenly at the age of 52.

University of Texas

Phillips, Eddie

utud11 phillipsCard: UT Upper Deck 2011
Acquired: 2015, Spoodog Box Break

Eddie Phillips had big shoes to fill, guiding the Longhorns offense after quarterback James Street graduated in 1970. He responded marvelously, leading Texas back to a share of the National Championship. During 1971 Phillips had his best game of his career in the Cotton Bowl, single handedly keeping Texas offense in a game against Notre Dame. He rushed 23 times for 164 yards, and was 9 of 17 through the air for another 199, but the Horns ultimately lost 24-11.  Phillips returned later in the year for the Longhorns opener, however injuries limited his effectiveness the remainder of 71.  The Longhorns remained relevant and played in the Cotton Bowl and Hula Bowl in 1972.  Eddie finished his career at Texas with a 14-2 record and 1,211 yards rushing.

Phillips was selected in the 5th round of the 1972 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Eddie was converted to safety, but did not make the roster of the team. He returned to Austin and has been involved in the financial industry for many years.

 

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