NFL, ufl

Davis, Chris (WR)

Card: Playoff Contenders 2007
Acquired: 3/6/12, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

During his time with the Florida Seminoles, Chris Davis recorded 137 receptions for 1842 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his senior season in 2006 Chris played in the Senior Bowl and finished among the elite receivers and returners in FSU history.

A dynamic weapon with the versatility to play wide receiver and return kicks, Chris Davis uses his 5-foot-10 frame to his advantage, running precise routes and making quick cuts. His elusiveness makes him dangerous after the catch and in the open field as a returner. In pre-draft workouts, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, bench pressed 291 pounds and recorded a 36-inch vertical jump. The Titans selected him with their second of two fourth-round picks (128th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft. Through his first two NFL seasons, he appeared in 17 games and totaled seven receptions for 69 yards, 33 punt returns for 299 yards (9.1 avg.) and six kickoff returns for 156 yards (26.0 avg.).

In 2010, Chris signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and also saw time on the roster of the Giants as well. Eventually Chris signed with the Hartford Colonials of the UFL later that year, but was released. In 2011 he signed with the Omaha Nighthawks where he currently remains on their roster.

NFL, University of Texas

Kirkendoll, James “JT Kirk”

Card: UT UD 2011
Acquired: In Person 2012, Rudy’s RibFest

I pretty much set my mind on going to the Rudy’s in Round Rock after hearing Kirkendoll’s name was among those confirmed to attend along with Jeremy Kerley who was an added bonus. Easily identifiable by his dreads, James really liked the card and piece of memorabilia I asked him to sign. In fact he took a photo and was extremely excited to see his card since it was the first time he’d seen it. He asked me if I had a copy, so I agreed to send him an extra to the Titans facility for him to keep. I was touched when he told me he was going to put it up in his locker. In the meantime he looked me in the eye and wished me luck and gleefully signed the card and the photo memorabilia that I provided.

James Kirkendoll is a wide receiver that played for the Longhorns from 2007-2010 after going locally to Round Rock High School. where he earned the nickname “JT Kirk”.  As a Senior for the Longhorns in 2010, he led the team in receptions with 52 catches for 707 yards and 2 TDs. At the end of his career James ranked 9th all-time at UT with 121 receptions. A burner, Kirkendoll ran track, recording 100 meters in 10.8 seconds. He’d be signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2011 NFL draft, and has managed to find a roster spot as a developmental player on the squad.

It should be noted that this is the first time that I have been able to get an autograph to stick well to one of these Upper Deck UT Cards. While I was at my local card store, (Card Traders of Austin,) one of the owners advised me that the best way to get the autographs to stick is by using talcum/baby powder on the surface of the card to prep it. Rubbing the powder gently into the surface and then scraping away all the residue, will do the trick, and that it did as the card absorbed the autograph with little fade.

NFL

Lewis, Darryll (2)

Cards: Pro Set 1991 WC, Classic 1991
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 8/25/11   Received: 2/21/12  (180 days)
Previous Post: Darryll Lewis

Darryl Lewis was a player on the Oilers I liked to watch a lot, as he outperformed expectations despite his size. A consensus All-American and Jim Thorpe Recipient in 1991, great hands, productivity, deceptive speed, and leaping allowed Lewis to keep pace with many of the best wide receivers in the game and well into his career as a professional.   A member of the Houston Oilers Young Guns secondary, Lewis played for the Oilers/Titans, Chargers, and Broncos over an 11 season career.  I got his autograph via the team back in 1993 on my birthday, and always wanted to circle back around and get his again on these two cards I had.  He did some coaching at Oregon State with Mike Riley but unfortunately Lewis has had legal issues and had been detained for a few years. Recently he has been granted his release.

Since I had always wanted to get his autograph on this Pro Set card, I went ahead and took a shot at the former Oiler/ Charger DB where he lives near San Diego. This Classic 1991 card I had is probably among the ugliest ever produced outside of the Fleer 1991 entry. These cards are both considered error cards as they misspell Darryll’s name as “Darryl”.

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