Tag Archives: action packed 1990

Lageman, Jeff

to90 jlageman pset89 jlageman

Cards: Topps 1990, ProSet 1989, Action Packed 1990, Action Packed 1992
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent: 6/20    Received:  7/1   (11 days)

Jeff Lageman was a force for Virginia playing both defensive end and linebacker for the Cavaliers.  He was selected by the New York Jets during the loaded 1989 draft in the first round as a defensive end, but at 6’6″, 266 Jeff was considered undersized at the pro level for the position.  Considered one of the early tweeners, Lageman played both defensive end and linebacker for New York.  He played for the Jets through the 1995 season posting a respectable 330 tackles and 34.5 sacks.

He’d sign as a free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their inaugural year. The Jags played him exclusively at defensive end, where Lageman played the final 4 years of his career, retiring after the 1998 season due to injury.

A popular figure around Jacksonville, Jeff was able to leverage his football persona and combine that for his love for the outdoors on the radio. He’s done color commentary for football games and weekly features for the Jaguars.

Jeff signed these 4 cards for me in no time flat. He’s got some spectacular early cards. Even his Topps 1990 card was one of those rare action shots.

G/GS  122/118         TAC  411         SAC  47.0          FUM11
INT 1     YDS 15       AVG  15.0         TD  0          LG  15

McDaniel, Randall

Card: Action packed 1990
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent:  3/7    Received: 7/11
(126 days)

Randall McDaniel quietly established himself as one of the most decorated linemen in NFL history.  Drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 1988 draft out of Arizona State, Randall won Pro Bowl Honors from 1989-2000  and All-Pro from 1990 to 1998.  McDaniel’s consistency and well rounded game allowed him to play nearly every position on the offensive line and occasionally as a spot fullback. He finished his career playing for the Buccaneers in 2000 and 2001.

In 2006, Randall was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor. The accolades did not stop there for the former offensive lineman as he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.  Since his retirement he’s worked in public schools and given back to the community.

Randall signs for fans faithfully through the mail, however he only signs cards and no more than 2 signed through the mail.

G/GS 222/220

Shuler, Mickey

pset89-mshuler ap90-mshulerCards: ProSet 1989, Action Packed 1990
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent:  11/15    Received: 11/26   (11 days)

The Jets have had some glory days, but largely have been rebuilding since winning Super Bowl III- or at least that’s the joke some fans sarcastically say.  They had a nice run in the late 80s with things coming together offensively with guys like Freeman McNeil, Al Toon, and Mickey Shuler leading the way.

Mickey Shuler redefined the tight end position for the New York Jets.  Originally drafted in the 3rd round of the 1978 draft out of Penn State, he set franchise records for the position with 76 receptions in 1985. A wily receiver, and solid blocker, Shuler had a nice, rare combination of speed, hands, and size that allowed him to earn 2 Pro Bowl berths and finish as the Jets second all-time leading catcher with 438 receptions in 102 starts.  Rib and knee injuries ended Shuler’s 1989 campaign early, which contributed to his release after the season.  At the time of his departure, he had a streak of 86 straight games with a reception. Mickey signed as a free agent with the Eagles, playing two seasons with Philadelphia retiring after the 1991 season.

ap90-mshuler-bI had been looking for Shuler for sometime. I have vague recollections of him appearing on a daytime talk show  during the 80s to educate women about football, but even at a young age, it was obvious to me that the women had eyes for Mickey and his slick Magnum PI-esque mustache.  Luckily before the end of his career he had some great cards come out from different manufacturers than Topps. Among my favorite I really enjoyed these two entries from ProSet and Action Packed. He also had some ignominious cards in 1990 that showcased him in his Eagles gear, but they all beat the profile/ on the sidelines shots that so punctuated Topps portfolio during that era.

Mickey lives back in Maryland, where he is very active in his community.  His son, Mickey Jr, eventually followed in his footsteps to Penn State at TE and into the NFL.  He signed these two cards for me and told me to “Keep the Faith!”, in regards to my hope that the Jets will return to eventual glory.

G/GS  180/107    REC  462     YDS  5100     AVG 11.0    TD 37      LG  51