NFL

Pearson, Drew (2)

to77 pearsonudldg97 pearson

Cards: Topps 1977, Upper Deck Legends 1997
Acquired: In Person 5/19, 610 Houston Fan Fest 2013
See Also: Drew Pearson

Got Drew Pearson at the Houston Fan Fest this year, adding two addtional cards to my collection. It was nice that I was able to track down this Upper Deck Legends card of him. Surprisingly he generated quite a line at the event, but I’d also partially attribute it to how personable and friendly he was being to each and every fan. He was also more than happy to take photos with fans, and fist bumps to everybody. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself immensely, and I wish all players would embrace his exuberance for the fans of the sport. After I got my Legends card signed, I brought up my fiancee that I called, “Baby,” and he heard that and then made a joking pass at her telling her that “Baby is a great name!”, which got a great laugh out of her. I chose this 1977 Topps because- yes -of the afro. Drew said it had been a long time since he had that much hair and rubbed his nearly bald scalp. I had a few more cards of Drew, but with other pressing names at the event, I had to keep moving from line to line. Still, I’ll be sure to hit him up next time he is at this sort of thing.

It’s nice to know that Drew finally made it into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Among the many teams that have Rings and Walls, the Cowboys is admittedly one of the more prestigious. He’s done some color commentary for the AFL and also enjoys spending his time hosting the “Drew Pearson Show” on Fox Sports Southwest.

NFL, WLAF

Hopkins, Mark

ult92 hopkinsCards: Wild Card WLAF 1992, Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Work
Sent:  7/20   Received: 10/10    (84 days)

A two time Mid-American Conference choice for the Central Michigan Chippewas, Hopkins caught 26 receptions for 326 yards in 1989. Hopkins was signed in 1990 as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons but did not make the squad.

wcwlaf92 hopkinsThe World League of American Football’s Birmingham Fire made him the first pick of the second round among tight ends. A skilled H-back, Hopkins fit quite nicely into Chan
Gailey‘s ball control offense.  In 1991 Mark caught 6 passes for 86 yards. He returned to the team again in 1992, and followed up with 11 more receptions for 94 yards. Equally adept at blocking as well as catching the ball, Hopkins frequently would bookend with fellow TE Phil Ross and the combined duo provided a safety valve for quarterbacks Brent Pease, Eric Jones, and Mike Norseth. The league reorganized after the 1992 season.

I enclosed a few cards in the envelope for Mark to keep after searching high and low to find out where he was at. He wrote me a nice letter and thanked me for bringing back some great memories. Mark also told me about how he was shocked the first time he saw his own card and how it brought him a great deal of joy, and his kids now that they are old enough to see them.  Mark has been working in the human resources industry for quite a while now and is the Executive Vice President of Wealth Management Services at WorkLife Financial.

Rec 17    Yds  180   Avg 10.6     Td 0    Lg 25

NFL, University of Texas

Hager, Britt

udut11 hagerCard: UT Upper Deck 2011
Acquired: 2/16/2013, Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament

Britt Hager was a ferocious tackling machine over his three years playing for the Texas Longhorns from 1986-1988. He is the school’s single season leader in tackles (195- 1988) and also the school’s career leader with 499. Hager was named All-SWC in 1987 and 1988. Declaring for the NFL draft in 1989, Britt was taken in the 3rd round, with the Eagles’ second pick of that round. With a motor that never quits, Britt fit the mold of the type of tackle stuffing monster that coach Buddy Ryan envisioned in his 46 defense. Added for depth, Hager spent time on the bench behind incumbent middle linebacker Byron Evans making only 11 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries his rookie season. Evans held out for the 1990 season, so Britt started the first game of the season. Evans quickly returned and Hager was sent back to the bench and finished with only 7 tackles that year. Hager didn’t get his chance to start until 1993, and in 7 games recorded 78 tackles, a pick, and a sack.

Hager signed with Denver and started 5 more games in 1994, and then made the conversion to right linebacker in 1995. He spent another season with the Broncos, before retiring with the Rams after the 1997 season.

I talked to Britt at the Bowling Tournament about the concussions lawsuit that he was a member of and told him that they were doing the right thing. He told me that it was paramount that the NFL really put the time and the money into the problem and try to fix it. We also talked about his number, which I also wore in high school. He told me it was a great number. 🙂

G/Gs 121/18     Tac 198        Sac   2.0    Fum 4       Int  3     Yds  38     Avg  12.1   Td 0   Lg 19

 

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