Tag Archives: detroit lions

NFL

Reeves-Maybin, Jalen

Card: Playoff Contenders 2017
Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker

Jalen Reeves-Maybin was a standout linebacker for the Tennessee Volunteers from 2013-2016. After his Freshman year playing primarily on special teams, Reeves-Maybin posted 240 total tackles, 27 TFL, 8 sacks, 4 passes defended, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles.  He was selected in the 4th round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions after an injury plagued Senior season sent his draft stock plummeting. Considered a low risk, high upside coverage linebacker, Jalen has been brought along slowly by the Lions. He started no games his rookie season, but made an impact, finishing the year with 30 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and .5 sacks.

NFL, University of Texas

English, Doug

Cards: Topps 1980, UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck ATA 2011
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Work
Sent:  12/12   Received:  12/24    (12 days)

Doug English is an under-recognized defensive lineman out of the University of Texas. Over the years he’s known for being a member of the Detroit Lions Silver Rush Defense, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, Longhorn Hall of Honor, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Wearing the number 74 in honor of his favorite player Bob Lily, English went out and wrecked havoc on opposing defenses during his time in the SWC from 1972-1975. With explosive quickness, tenacity, size, and smarts, Doug parlayed his dominance into a second round selection by the Detroit Lions in 1975, who used him alongside Bubba Baker. English spent his entire career in Detroit, sans a one year retirement in 1980 due to injuries and a lack of passion for the game. Over his career in the NFL, English garnered 4 Pro Bowl appearances and one All Pro Nomination (1982).

Doug was named the Lions defensive MVP In 1979, after recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, His unofficial count of 59.0 sacks ranks 6th all-time on the Lions charts- and he is considered the franchise leader among interior linemen. His best season came in 1983 when Doug had a career high 13 sacks, helping the Lions claim the 1983 NFC Central Division title. He shares the NFL record for most career safeties (4), and is one of a select few players to record 2 in a season. He retired in 1986.

Doug currently resides in Texas where he has business ventures. I was able to get his autograph on these 3 cards.  His All-Time Alumni card is quite heroic, and I am surprised that with his accolades he was not selected for an Upper Deck Legends card or something of the sort.

G/Gs  131/114            Tac  N/A          Sac 59.0           Fum  9
Int 0          Yds   0            Avg -.-       TD 0         Lg   -.-

 

 

NFL

Swanson, Travis

sa14 swansonCard: Sage 2014
Acquired: 2015, Box Break

Travis Swanson played for the Arkansas Razorbacks.  He moved to Center (from Tackle) and took over as the starter at the position for the program in 2010.  He’d anchor the Hogs line as it set school offensive season team records as he started the next 50 games.
Swanson really fit the mold of a zone blocking lineman going into the pros, and as there were not that many highly touted centers coming out of the draft so this made Swanson an excellent value find.

The Detroit Lions selected him with the 12th pick of the 3rd round of the 2014 NFL Draft.  He fit in well with their scheme, and started 5 games in his rookie year. In 2015 Travis was given the starter’s nod, and after 14 starts, ended his season on IR due to a shoulder injury.  Since then Swanson has demonstrated versatility in the Lions offense to play both guard and center, and has started 23 contests over the last two seasons.