NFL

Grunhard, Tim

Card: Score 1990
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Tim Grunhard is best remembered as one of the more solid centers in the NFL during the 1990’s for the Kansas City Chiefs after an outstanding career at Notre Dame. Tough, aggressive, and nasty, Lou Holtz was once quoted as saying of Grunhard: ” He’s a throwback to the day when helmets could be folded up and stuck in your back pocket. He would love football even more if he didn’t have to wear a facemask.” Grunhard was not only a competitive and strong center , he doubled as a longsnapper as well, saving the team some valuable roster space.  Tim played for the Chiefs from 1990- 2000. Over his 11 seasons, Tim played in 164 games- 3rd in team history, and one ProBowl in 1999.

He did some time as a commentator on a Sports radio show with Bill Maas, and then coached football at a Catholic school in Kansas.  As of 2012, Grunhard was coaching offensive line for Charlie Weis on the Jayhawks.

G/Gs  169/164

Arena, NFL, ufl

Palmer, Jordan

to07 jo palmerCard: Topps Certified 2007
Acquired: Target Autograph Memorabilia Pack, 2013

Jordan Palmer is the younger brother of Heisman Trophy Winner Carson Palmer. While also playing quarterback, Jordan has traveled a much different path than his decorated older brother. Jordan ended up attending the University of Texas – El Paso, playing quarterback for the UTEP Miners from 2003 through 2006 putting together a respectable quarterback resume.

The Washington Redskins drafted Jordan with their 6th round pick in 2007. Despite playing well in the preseason, Palmer was one of the final roster cuts that season. He’d hop over to the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL, but not see any playing time, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, backing up his brother Carson, who lobbied hard for him to come to the team. They became the first active duo of brother to play for the same NFL team and Jordan remained with the Bengals through mid 2010.

Jordan went to the Oakland Raiders that year, where he was ironically reunited with his brother Carson who joined the team in 2011.  Jordan played in the UFL for the Sacramento Mountain Lions later that year, and quickly found a home with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. In 2013, Palmer played for the Bears, and then both the Bills and Titans through 2014.

NFL

Hopkins, DeAndre ‘Nuk’

IMAG1260
Cards: Leaf Draft 2013, Panini HRX 2013
Acquired: In Person 2015, Uncle Bob’s Self Storage Houston

A really well run event all the way around,  I had been looking for an opportunity to get DeAndre Hopkins autograph on a few cards. It can be quite a saga to get to Houston, but this one went off without a hitch.  I met up with Lance and we caught up while waiting in line.  Although the weather deteriorated after got I there, it worked to our benefit, as less people showed up, allowing us to go through the line a second time.  Hopkins had a cast on his hand. Unfortunately I asked why he had it and this translated into a usable news bite for the local media. Thankfully he was just having a minor procedure.

leaf13dr hopkinsDeAndre Hopkins was tagged very early on in the draft process by pundits going to the Texans in the 2013 draft.  They’d be dead on, as DeAndre was selected by Houston with the 27th pick of the first round.  Although I had my eye on a few other players at that position, I was satisfied overall with the pick.

A prolific receiver for the Clemson Tigers of the ACC, DeAndre Hopkins set school records for career receiving yards (3,020) and touchdowns (27).  He joined the Texans and contributed immediately to the starting lineup. He’d be one of the few bright spots on the team as Houston’s fortunes sunk to a 2-14 record. Hopkins showed flashes early in the preseason and it quickly translated to the regular season when he caught his first TD in an OT victory over the Titans.  Hopkins earned All-Rookie honors finishing 2013 with 52 receptions for 802 yards and 2 touchdowns.

pan13 hopkinsAs the team transitioned at quarterback from Matt Schaub to Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2014, Nuk’s numbers only improved, as he posted career highs with 76 receptions for 1,210 yards 6 touchdowns, including a 76 yard long.

Hopkins always seems to save the best for Tennessee. During their 2014 home stand, Hopkins caught 9 passes for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 45-21 thrashing of the Titans. I drafted him very late in my fantasy draft last year, and reaped the rewards. An ascending star on the Houston offense, Hopkins is the heir apparent to Andre Johnson in the Texans receiver corps.

 

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