Tag Archives: Arizona Cardinals

NFL, WLAF

Brown, Ivory Lee (2)

phomem ibrownCard: Wild Card WLAF 1992
Acquired: IP 2015, Adrian Peterson Day, Palestine,Tx.
See Also:  Ivory Lee Brown
Failure:  TTM 2011, C/o Home

I had tried- and failed to acquire the bell cow of the Riders offense TTM a few years ago.  Knowing that Ivory Lee Brown was Adrian Peterson‘s uncle, I hoped to track him down at the Peterson event.

wcwlaf92 ibrownI got Adrian early, but Ivory arrived in style- late. There were intermittent downpours in which I’d get soaked, and then dry out long enough to baste, but it was totally worth it. Ivory was really nice and gave me his autograph on this card and photo that I had.  He’s the same giant man mountain- maybe a bit more reticent and quiet from his playing days; However, he flashed that clever smile when I asked him about his gaudy yards per carry from his college days at Arkansas Pine Bluff. He also very much liked when I brought up how he was the World League’s leading rusher in 1992.

The photo he signed was from a set given away in Central Texas’ HEB Super Markets promoting the Riders 1992 season. The 1992 Wild Card WLAF card was the only issued card that featured him in a San Antonio Riders uniform. I got it many years after the league disbanded and had him pen the card at the event.

From what I understand, he still lives in the Palestine area.

NFL

Branch, Alan

UD08p BranchCard: Upper Deck 2007 (43/99)
Acquired: 2014, Target Autographed Memorabilia

A dominating run defender in college for the Wolverines, that clocked in at a space eating 6’6″, 325, -Alan Branch was a second round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2007.  Coveted for his positional flexibility, Branch could play defensive tackle, nose, or defensive end (in a 3-4 alignment). In 35 games for Michigan, Alan had 56 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, a pick and 3 forced fumbles.

Branch had trouble cracking the Cardinals starting lineup, and did not see very much starting time until his final season with the team in 2010. During that year, Alan started 3 games and posted 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 27 tackles. In 2011, Alan signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and moved into the starting rotation for the squad.  His stop with the team yielded his best 2 seasons of his career, as he posted 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 37 tackles, for Seattle as a defensive tackle. He’d sign a contract with the Bills and kick out to defensive end, collecting 21 tackles in 13 starts. He re-upped with the team for 2014 but was arrested for DUI. As many teams in the NFL have taken a very hard line approach to any transgressions, the Bills immediately cut Branch. Alan found a home with the New England Patriots later that year and looks to assume a greater role in the defense in 2015 with the departure of Vince Wolfork.

NFL

Martin, Kareem

leaf12 kmartinCard: Leaf Draft 2014
Acquired: Box Breaker, 2014

Kareem was considered one of the nation’s top defensive end talents entering the 2014 draft. At North Carolina, the Tar Heel had 11.5 sacks (8th) and was an imposing force against the run (23rd).  For his efforts he was an All-ACC First Team selection.

Martin’s combine really showcased what a physical specimen and athlete he is posessing the frame and straight speed that many teams look for. His size allows him to kick inside on passing downs, while his impressive arm and leg strength compensate for his lack of fluidity tackling ball carriers. He was also a tempting prospect as a left end in a 4-3 alignment.  The Arizona Cardinals drafted Martin in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft.  He was penciled in at defensive end, and made 8 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble that season in the Cardinals’ stout defensive line rotation.