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.

 

NFL, usfl

Gagliano, Bob ‘Goose’

to90 lionsCards: Topps 1990 Lions, Score 1990, Fleer 1990
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Work
Sent: 10/22/14     Received: 1/23/15 (90 days)
Failure: 2011, C/o Home

The Goose, as Gagliano is affectionately known by the Detroit Lions, earned his nickname during the team’s late season surge in 1989 under head coach Wayne Fontes. The Lions were bad – very bad, and the 1989 season started out like any other with 1 win in 9 games, but things changed in week 10.  The team rallied and won 6 of their next 7 contests. Gagliano was a big part of that going 4-3 as a starter, replacing the oft injured Rodney Peete. Sure his numbers were not all that sexy, throwing twice as much interceptions as touchdowns in the Silver Stretch Offense of the Run ‘N Shoot. When Gagliano was on though, the Lions won in exciting fashion, but when he wasn’t Bob failed to post above a 60 QB rating.

flr90 gaglianoIn 1990, Bob continued to battle Peete at quarterback for the starting job, frequently coming in as a change of pace. He’d start 9 games that season and throw for a career high 10 touchdowns. Gagliano was allowed to sign via free agency with the Chargers in 1991, starting game in 1992.  For the next three seasons Bob served as an insurance policy for the Falcons (1993), 49ers (1994) and Packers (1995).

sco90 gaglianoBefore the Goose’s time in Detroit, he was originally a 12th round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1982. After getting no traction on the roster through 2 seasons, He then played for the rival USFL Denver Gold in 1984 and 1985. Gagliano returned to the NFL in 1986. He was signed by the San Fransisco 49ers and started one game as a scab player.  In 1988 he also spent time on the rosters of the Houston Oilers and Indianapolis Colts.

Bob Gagliano is a great piece of NFL trivia.  He is one of only three starting quarterbacks to play for the San Fransisco 49ers during the 1980s- alongside Joe Montana and Steve Young.  That’s some great company to be in!

G/Gs 32/13   Att 486   Comp 289    Yds 3431    Pct  51.2    Td 17     Int 27    Rat 62.7 |
Rush 93     Yds 352    Avg 3.8   Td  4   lg 22

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