Tag Archives: Denver Broncos

Myles, Godfrey (1968-2011)

Cards: ProSet 1991, StarPics 1991
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1992, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Godfrey Myles was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who considered linebacker a budget position. A poor man’s guide selection running up before the draft, Myles played elephant (safety linebacker) in the Florida defense and was team captain. Unsure of his true position- Godfrey, (6-1, 245) like Darren Woodson was a hybrid safety who had the size, speed and strength to play outside linebacker. The Cowboys would move him to linebacker where he’d play for the Cowboys providing valuable depth and special teams skills. 1995 would be his season, as he’d come in and start 11 games, making 55 tackles, FF, and a pick. Surpringly fast and agile for his size, and relatively cheap, Myles would win 3 SuperBowl rings before he ruptured his Achilles in SuperBowl XXX. The Dolphins attempted to lure Myles out to play for them in 1997 under Jimmy Johnson, but he opted to sign with the Denver Broncos instead.  He would be cut before the season began and retire soon thereafter, possibly due to lingering effects from his Achilles injury.

I got Godfrey’s autograph in training camp on his StarPics and ProSet cards. Godfrey had some really great cards. I missed out on his Stadium Club card and his Fleer Ultra card, (as I’ve always been slightly partial to orange anyway), but regardless his ProSet card is a great profile card, and his StarPics seems to highlight his unusual build.

G/Gs 76/11     Tac 111      Sac 0     Fum 1      Int 2     Yds 28     Avg 14.0       Td 0    lg 15

UPDATE 06/11/2011 Sadly, on Wednesday, June 8th Godfrey Myles suffered a massive stroke in Miami, Florida and passed away the next day. He was just 42.

Reed, Andre

 

Cards: Action Packed 1992, SkyBox 1992, Pinnacle 1993
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 2/13   Received: 2/24  (11 days)

A real fast turn around from a big name.  I was really excited to get this one in the mail, especially considering that it is from such a fleet receiver as Andre Reed. He signed all 3 cards and also included a business card with his email and address for his new line of BBQ sauce.

Andre Reed is needless to say, Kutztown Pa College’s most prestigious’ football player to ever play in the NFL. Drafted in the 4th round by the Buffalo Bills during the 1985 draft, he’d be the second most prolific receiver behind all-time great Jerry Rice. This draft in particular was incredibly stocked at receiver with names such as Jerry Rice, Eddie Brown, Al Toon, Reggie Langhorne,  and Eric Martin, coming out of this draft. Andre is considered by all points and purposes one of the great finds of this draft. I’m not sure if he’s considered a steal, because nobody knew who he really was. He was a small town find by the Bills staff.

Andre’s career started off anonymously enough with a respectable rookie season lodging 637 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a meaty 13.3 yard per catch. Notably his yard per catch would become almost a signature of Reed’s career. Over a 16 year career- he’d only have 3 seasons under 13 yards a reception. (A particularly salivating number in today’s pass happy NFL world.) Andre would build off of his rookie season as his receptions and yards would increase through 1988, culminating in his first of 7 Pro Bowl appearances that would last through 1994. In 1989 he’d have a career high 1312 yards, and post career highs in touchdowns with 10 in 1991. Reed in 1993 would have a whopping 16.4 yards a catch and over that period would play in 3 SuperBowls, finishing 3rd in the big game in yards and 2nd in receptions. An injury would sideline him in 1995, but he’d make a full recovery in 1996, logging his 4th 1000 yard season. From 1997 through 2000, Reed’s career would slowly transition downwards, and in 2000 he signed with the Broncos. Unable to make a contribution to the team, he was released and played his final season with the Redskins before retiring.
Reed’s career statistics, when looking at them year over year can be deceptive. While not a perennial 1,000 yard receiver, Andre was an integral part of the no huddle Bills offense in conjunction with Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. His overall career numbers in yardage at the time of retirement were top 10 and his receptions were third all time. Andre Reed has been eligible for the Pro Football HoF since 2006, but has missed the final ballot on every shot. With a large group of receivers who are becoming eligible for the HoF nomination, it is cloudy to say whether or not Andre will get his true due as a member of the yellow jacket club.  Andre was inducted in the meantime into the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame in 2006.

He’s also started his own line of BBQ sauce as previously mentioned, called “Over the Middle”. Part of the proceeds of the sale of his sauce go to impoverished children. I am told that it is quite good, and may give it a shot here in the near future. In addition Reed has done occasional commentary on NFL games for Fox and appeared in “Pros Versus Joes” on Spike TV. In 2011, he was honored with announcing the Buffalo Bills 2nd round pick.

G/Gs  234/217     Rec 951     Yds 13198     Avg  13.9     Lg  87t    Td 83

 

Humphrey, Bobby

Cards: ProSet 1989, Score 1990, Action Packed Rookies 1992
Acquired: TTM 2010, C/o Home
Sent:  10/15   Received:  11/12    (27 days)

Okay now Bobby I had been after for a while and the Harvey Meiselman list hit the spot on this one for me. Bobby has some fabulous cards, -most notably the ProSet 1989 and Score Ground Force 1990 were exceptional. (He also had a great ProSet 1990 as well as a Topps 1000 yard club card among others but I didn’t want to overdo it.) Anyway Bobby was the recipient of one of the most vivid hits I ever remember in sports history from linebacker Gary Reasons of the New York Giants on a cold and snowy day in Denver way back in 1990 or 1991. The hit even made a card or two and was featured as Gary Reasons’ Action Packed card for 1990.

Bobby Humphrey was an immense talent coming out of Alabama where he’d set many rushing records for the Crimson Tide during his tenure there. The Broncos would make him their #1 supplemental draft choice in 1989, – a wise choice considering Bobby fit right into the Broncos offensive game plan as he was a  great ‘slasher’ runningback which is ideal in a zone blocking system. He’d rush for 1151 yards, and if not for Barry Sanders outstanding rookie year, probably would have won the award himself. Humphrey was a machine and followed up his 1989 debut with a 1200 yard performace in 1990, but seeking more money in 1991 he’d hold out. The Broncos, unwilling to play games with Bobby refused to bargain and went with another option (Gaston Green) until Humphery showed up in week 14. The Broncos would trade Bobby to Miami in the offseason straight up for troubled Sammie Smith, in 1992. He’d respond with almost 1,000 yards from scrimmage (471 rushing, 507 receiving) but being that Miami at that time was still the place were ‘runningbacks went to die’, his 1993 season would be spent on injured reserve and he’d retire.

After football Humphrey has dabbled in coaching at one point being head coach of the Birmingham SteelDogs of the AFL for 5 seasons.  Bobby Humphrey, the runningback, should not be confused with former New York Jet and San Antonio Rider  Bobby Humphery who played in relatively the same era.

G/Gs  51/27     Rush 695     Yds 2857     Avg 4.1     Td 15   lg 40     |     Rec 100    Yds 815    Avg 8.2   Td 2  Lg 26