Tag Archives: cleveland browns

Kessler, Cody

sage16 ckesslerCard: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Hobby Box Breaker

Although scouts are not in love with Cody Kessler’s size or physical attributes, he had an impressive resume playing at USC for the Trojans. A 3 year starter who earned Pac 10 Honorable Mention in all 3 years, he finished his college career with 10,339 yards with 88 touchdowns to only 19 interceptions in a pro style offense. What’s even more impressive is that Cody played for 5 coaches over that tenure.  The knock on Kessler is that he is almost too comfortable taking the 2 or 3 yard dunk, rather than taking a shot downfield, and scouts did not like his downfield touch. While scouts mention that Kessler reminds them much of Aaron Murray, his tape really reminds me of Matt Schaub, right after he returned from his Lins Franc injury, (before teams full caught on to his read progression). Kessler is tabbed as a 5-6th round pick that I’d love to see the Texans make a move for and select in the 2016 draft.

Wow. This was an absolute stunning surprise. The Cleveland Browns (where all quarterbacks go to die) selected Cody with their supplemental 3rd round pick at the back end of round 3. He is expected to compete with RGIII for the starting job.

Stams, Frank

pset89 stamspset90 stams

Cards: ProSet 1989, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent:   12/9         Received:  12/18           (9 days)

A high motor outside linebacker and defensive end out of Notre Dame,  Frank Stams originally started as a fullback for the Fighting Irish. They’d convert him over to LB where he’d be named MVP of the Fiesta Bowl in 1989. In his Senior year, Frank was named first-team All-American as he led the team with 7 sacks and finished 5th on the team with 51 tackles.

The Los Angeles Rams tabbed Frank in the second round of the 1989 draft. He’d be thrust into the starting lineup as injuries decimated the Rams linebacking corps. Stams beat out Fred Strickland at ILB in 1990 and finished second in tackles with 78 in 13 games.  Stams battled injuries most of 91, and then signed with the Browns in 1992. He’d play with the franchise through 4 games into the 1995 season and a final game with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Stams lives in the Cleveland area and is an ambassador for the team.

G/Gs  82/31    TAC 178       SAC  2.0      FUM  1
INT  1      YDS 20      AVG 20.0      TD   0     LG  20

Birden, JJ

flr95 birden poff92 birden

gday92 birdenCards: ProSet 1992, Gameday 1992, Gameday 1993. Fleer 1995, Playoff 1993, business card.
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent: 10/13     Received: 10/31     (18 days)

A walkon on the Oregon Ducks football team in 1984, JJ was used sparingly until his Junior season, when he caught 20 balls for 257 yards. He’d record 19 more receptions for 399 yards and his first touchdown in his senior season.  Over his 4 years at Oregon, JJ had 45 receptions for 739 yards and a TD.

gday93 birdenBirden was drafted in the 8th round of the 1988 draft by the Cleveland Browns. JJ was shocked to be drafted because he was known primarily as a track man at Oregon.  He’d be injured in camp and spend his entire rookie season on IR. In 1989, he spent time on the Browns, and later the Cowboys practice squads.

It all began to come together in 1990 for JJ. He’d sign with the Chiefs, reuniting him with former Browns head coach Marty Schottenheimer.  Although Birden started no games during the season, he finally got on the field, contributing 15 receptions for 352 yards and 3 TDs.  In fact it wasn’t until 1992 that he finally was able to crack the starting lineup.  1993 would be his best season as a pro, starting all 16 games at receiver. He’d catch 51 balls for 721 yards and 2 TDs. Birden played one more season for the Chiefs in 1994, before signing with the Falcons. JJ played 2 more season for
Atlanta, retiring after the 1996 season.

mem15 birdenpset92 birdenJJ is a fighter through and through. Displaying toughness, grit, and heart, Birden fought uphill to make it on NFL rosters throughout much of his early career. He was also frequently tasked with taking on players that were sometimes 100 lbs or more to block. Since football he has continued to demonstrate this through his commitment to his family and in business. He specializes in Network Marketing

A solid and reliable TTM signer, JJ signed 5 cards for me and threw in a signed business card as well.  Some great cards her of JJ, it’s hard to single out one that I like the best, but the Gameday cards are among my favorite. If you want to read more, you can visit him at his website at www.jjbirden.com .

G/Gs 93/62     Rec 244      Yds 3441    Avg 14.1     Td  17      LG 90t
PR 15    Yds 115     Avg 7.7     Td 0    Lg 22
KR   1     Yds 14        Avg 14.0   Td 0    Lg 14