Topps Fire 2015, #18Panini Contenders Draft Picks, #96
NOTES:
After he smudged one of the cards I wanted him to sign that I had previously sent to him, I waited a year and gave him another shot on two more cards. He did however return that Upper Deck College Legends in almost record time in just 4 days flat.
Topps really had come a long way over the years, and their Fire branded entry was really high end stuff. When I got this card, I knew I wanted to eventually get it signed. Tony appears in most of the Panini stuff, and I still need to possibly go back and get him on one last card or two, but who knows if he will still be signing by then as CTE has really taken its toll on the former stalwart back.
Wes Chandler WR at Florida from 1974 to 1977 posting 93 receptions for 1994 yards and 22 TDs.
Also moonlighted rushing the ball 61 times for 353 yards and 6 TDs in his Senior campaign, finishing 10th in Heisman voting.
Selected 3rd overall in the first round of the 78 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Had 1069 yards on 65 receptions, including a career long 85 yard long the following year.
Traded during the 1981 season to San Diego.
Chandler finished out the year with 1142 yards on 69 receptions.
In 1982 led NFL during strike shortened season with 1032 yards and 9 TDs in just 8 games.
Had career high 1199 yards and 10 TDs in 1985.
After the 1987 season, joined the 49ers for final year in 88 playing in 4 games.
Has seen extensive time coaching in a variety of leagues including the Orlando Thunder, UCF, Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, Berlin Thunder, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, New York Sentinels, and the California Golden Bears.
Briefly served as the commissioner of the MLFB before it reorganized in 2017.
CAREER ACCOLADES:
Earned Pro Bowl Honors in 79, 82, 83, and 85
First Team All Pro 1982
San Diego Chargers 40th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers 50th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Chandler has been overlooked by the Pro Football Hall of Fame numerous times, primarily due to the fact that he played during the dead ball era.
Card: Ultimate World League 1991 Acquired: TTM 2020, C/o Prison Sent: 5/9 Received: 5/18 (9 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Eric Naposki played college football at UConn where he excelled as a hard hitting outside linebacker.
In 1988, as a street free agent, he literally slipped onto the Patriots, by sneaking a number from a registration table, getting a tryout and then later making the final cuts.
Appeared on special teams in 3 games, but injuries derailed his career from continuing forward.
Eric went on to sign with the Colts Cowboys and the Jets, but did not see significant playing time.
Experienced his greatest success after joining the Barcelona Dragons of the World League of American Football in 1991.
In his first season with the team, Naposki recorded 51 total tackles, an interception for a TD, 2 forced fumbles, and 7 sacks.
Was arguably one of the most popular players on the team and even had his own fan club thanks in part to his Spanish fluency.
Upon returning stateside injuries again prevented him from moving forward, although he was in camp with the Washington Redskins.
Returned to the Dragons in 1992 but the league reorganized after the season.
Retired later that year after injuries continued to dog him, this time in camp with the Seattle Seahawks.
After a few years off, Naposki returned to the Dragons in 1996, winning World Bowl 97.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
N/a
16.5
N/a
1
27
27.0
1
27t
ACCOLADES:
Barcelona Dragons Hall of Fame
NOTES:
As this was a first for me, it should be noted, that yes, I wrote Eric in prison for his autograph. While this may seem wrong to many, I do not presume to give fame to him or the crimes that were committed in regards to this case- rather my solicitation for his signature is an attempt by me to frame a certain time in our lives when things were more simple and innocent.
Eric wrote me a long and impassioned letter on multiple slips of paper talking to me about the time he played in the World League. He also included a copy of these copies of his accomplishments from his playing days, and thanked me for writing him. Erik was convicted of murder in 2012, and received life without parole. The case itself is not without its warts, as he was convicted on purely circumstantial evidence, and a loss of exculpatory evidence, partially due to a delay in the prosecution of the case. -He has always maintained his innocence. Currently his case is under investigation by a 501 nonprofit legal organization
that is committed to exonerating individuals who claim to have been wrongly convicted. From what I understand he also passes the time working as a member of the California Wildfire Inmate team.
I am not sure if Eric’s card is an error card or not as it spells his name Erik, and so does the Barcelona Dragons article above, however in most media it is spelled Eric.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
