Tag Archives: baltimore ravens

Patrick, Allen

bow05 apatrickCard: Bowman Sterling 2008
Acquired: 2013, Box Breaker

Allen Patrick joined the Sooners in 2005 and quietly was converted into a runningback by Oklahoma. In 2006 Allen found himself in the national spotlight after incumbent runningback Adrian Peterson went down with a season ending shoulder injury. Patrick made the best of his opportunity, running for 766 yards and 4 touchdowns on 170 carries that year. After Peterson departed, Patrick took over the starting job for the Sooners, where he put up a very respectable 1009 yards on 173 carries splitting time with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown.  At 6’0″, 190 Allen was considered a bit small by many of the draft pundits, and the 2008 draft was stocked with many, many quality RBs. Singled out for his excellent Special Teams play and considered an interesting change of pace back, Patrick was taken in the 7th round by the Baltimore Ravens. He’d spend his rookie season on the Browns practice squad though, before heading on to be a camp back for the Giants (2009), Jaguars (2009-2010), Colts (2010), and Rams (2010).

Huff, Michael

ult10 huffCard: Ultimate 2006
Acquired: 2013, Target Autograph Memorabilia
See Also: Mike Huff

Michael Huff is another member of DBU (The University of Texas), to make it to the NFL. Among colleges, UT ranks #1 in defensive backs who have been drafted to or played on NFL rosters. A track and football star in High School, it was a no brainer that colleges coveted Huff’s speed and athleticism. He signed with the University of Texas and played there from 2002-2005. A key cog of the UT defense that stymied USC from winning its 3rd consecutive National Championship in 2005, Huff also won the Jim Thorpe Award after the season concluded. He finished his college career at UT with

The Raiders drafted Michael with the 7th overall pick of the 2006 NFL draft.  Since then Huff has experienced some extreme highs and lows during his NFL tenure. A carousel at head coach, constant changes in defensive staffs, and changing positions didn’t help Huff very much. He’d be named starter at strong safety his rookie year and respond with 78 tackles. Moved to free safety in 2007, Huff had a rough transition and was benched. He’d split time going forward through the end of 2009. Michael in 2010 earned his first AP nomination for his solid season, recording 94 tackles, 3 picks, 3 FF, and 4 sacks. In 2011, Huff was best remembered for his game ending interception of quarterback Matt Schaub in the endzone that preserved the Raiders victory over a furious Texans comeback. (The game is notable as it was the first game played by the Raiders after owner Al Davis’ death.)  Injuries beset the Raiders during the 2012 season. An already weak secondary prompted Huff’s move to cornerback by the team. He’d be cut after the season by the team primarily in a cost cutting move. Michael signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, replacing Ed Reed, but found himself by the end of the season on the roster of the Denver Broncos. He did not return to the franchise in 2014 and is a free agent.

Sams, BJ

leaf05 samsCards: Leaf Rookies & Stars 2004 Ruby Red (047/199), Upper Deck 2004 (667/999)
Acquired: Future Considerations, 2014

BJ Sams played collegiately at McNeese State, where in 2003 he caught 63 balls for 889 yards and 7 touchdowns, while rushing for 299 yards on 38 attempts.

He signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004, where he’d do all his damage in the return game as a dangerous speedster. BJ led the NFL in punt returns (55), punt return yardage (575), and TDs (2) in 2004. On kick returns he’d have 59 returns for 1251 yards.  The Ravens saw fit to give him the designation of a runningback, and Sams would run 4 times for 19 yards and a TD.  In each of his subsequent seasons, his numbers dropped nearly across the board and during the 2007 season while playing against the Bengals, BJ tore his anterior cruciate ligament- ending his season. Due to the timing of the injury, his size, being used primarily as a return man, and his decreasing numbers in the return game, the Ravens saw BJ as expendable. He signed with the Chiefs in 2008 playing for the franchise for 3 games.

UD04SS SamsBJ moved on and signed with Dennis Green’s California Redwoods of the UFL in 2009 as a wide receiver.  The team utilized him in the return game, where he led the league with 350 kick return yards on 22 attempts. Despite the presence of cannon armed quarterback Shane Boyd, Sams was rarely utilized in the passing game. He’d not be retained by the team after the season effectively ending his playing days.

Lance really came to the rescue on this one. He told me that BJ had retired to the area and was coaching the local High School team, so I made a deal with Lance to send him a few cards to get signed for he and I.  I immediately fell in love with the Leaf Rookies and Stars 2004 Ruby Red Longevity card, so that was a given. What does ‘future considerations’ mean. I think much like the pros it means that if I stumble onto anything that he needs that I can get, I might be able to return the favor. While I am aware that I he’s already returning a favor I bestowed upon him, I am one who prefers to keep the party exchange going as long as I can with the least amount of strings attached.

G/Gs 46/1   KR 147         Yds  3341        Avg  22.7       Td 0          Lg  87
PR  128       Yds 1378       Avg  10.8       Td 2         Lg 78t
Rush 4         Yds  19      Avg 4.8         Td 1       Lg 8
Rec 1            Yds  2        Avg 2.0         Td 0      Lg 2