Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1990, Action Packed 1992, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: In Person 1992, 1993, 1994, Houston Oilers Training Camp
Failure: TTM 2010, C/o Home
Lamar Lathon was a fearsome linebacker who came through the University of Houston in the waning days of the Southwest Conference. Lamar was a devastating force in 1988, but his 1989 was ended by a car accident. He’d recover in time for the 1990 draft and along with fellow Houston Cougar Andre Ware – Lamar would be drafted in the first round. Lamar was a target of Jimmy Johnson and the Cowboys, but Lathon ended up the first draft choice of Houston Oilers head coach Jack Pardee who insisted he’d beef up the defensive side of the front with his athletic ability. Lamar would suffer a setback and pretty much his 1990 season would be a wash as he needed arthroscopic knee surgery. Many pundits immediately labeled him ‘a bust’, but Lamar would prove them all 
wrong with his dominant 1991 season. I have two fond memories of his time in Houston. The first was against Cincinnati in Riverfront Stadium. The Bengals always had the Oilers number at home, but the Oilers would come out and crush the Bengals from the opening whistle. To seal the victory Lamar would have a critical interception he’d return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He’d also slam the door on Sammie Smith‘s career with a forced fumble he recovered at the 1 yard line against the Dolphins. Later on in the season the Oilers would play host to the Cowboys in overtime when Lamar stripped Emmitt Smith (fellow 1990 draftee) of the football. The Oilers were able to drive the other direction and score the game winning field goal. (Josh never forgave me for that game.) Lamar would play for the team through 1994 (at outside linebacker and defensive end) until Jack Pardee was fired as coach. With Jeff Fisher in place- the Oilers would go in a different direction and Lathon would sign with the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
He’d have his best statistical years since 1991 with the Panthers, as Dom Capers 3-4 blitzing defenses really suited Lamar’s speed. 
He’d rack up 8 sacks in 1995 and in 1996 have 13.5, and was named to the Pro Bowl. He’d play only two games in 1998 and then retire from a fractured right knee and was released. In 2001 he attempted a comeback (citing a burning desire to play) and had tryouts and physicals with the Cowboys, Colts, and 49ers, and Giants but was not signed by any squad. Since football Lamar has dealt with some setbacks and minor run-ins with the law.
I really wanted to get Lamar’s autograph (on his Score and ProSet 1990 Rookie cards as they look downright intimidating), but have not heard back from him. I’ll probably try him again once I get a good address or a confirmation of a recent success.
G/Gs 115/92 Tac 414 Sac 37.5 Fum 8
Int 4 Yds 78 Avg 19.4 Td 1 Lg 52t
With a cannon for an arm Jeff George is one of the most prolific passers to come out of the University of Illinois. Almost coming out of nowhere in to lead the class of 1990, George had the Colts salivating to get him. The problem was, the Falcons held the #1 overall pick. Led by crafty coach
The Falcons era of George’s career was impressive. Jeff was allowed to blossom into a gunslinger in the Red Gun offense under coaching guru 
Al Davis loves himself his speed. He also loves gunslingers- and George fit this bill to the T. Embraced by the Raiders George came out and had one of his finest seasons leading the league with 3917 yards passing, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, a 91.2 qb rating, but was sacked again a league leading 58 times. He’d throw 500 or more attempts for the 3rd time in his career. I’d get his autograph in training camp that season where he signed my Action Packed 1992 card. A cool guy, he signed stacks of cards for fans. 1998 would be an injury plagued season for George, and he’d be bounced after the season.
He’d sign a free agent contract with the Vikings in 1999 and again reinvent himself under Dennis Green with another fine season, throwing 23 touchdowns and a gaudy 14.7 yards per throw (to up and coming wide receiver Randy Moss) in 10 games. He’d sign with the Redskins the following year as a backup, but would see starting time through the season as starter Brad Johnson would either be injured or ineffective. In 2000, he’d be named the defacto starter under new head coach 
George has not officially retired, and at this time remains in ‘playing shape’, ready to take the reins up to play quarterback at the ripe age of 42. I suggested to him playing a season in the UFL to prove his worth to a team but did not receive a response from him. He continues to make occasional radio and TV appearances, and has from time to time received attention from the league in tryouts but has been unable to secure a roster spot on a team. In the meantime he remains active with his charity for women’s awareness for breast cancer and has made an appearance on Spikes “Pros Versus Joes” . Below are his statistics and a few videos on George, including an amazing workout circa 2009.