Tag Archives: gameday 1992

Novacek, Jay (2)

scosup90 novacekphomem novacek

sky92 novaceknovacekCards: Skybox 1992, GameDay 1992, Photo Memorabilia, Score Supplemental 1990
Acquired: IP, Bass Pro Shop Grand Opening 6/10/15
See Also: Jay Novacek

gday92 novacekAs far as tight ends go, Jay Novacek was one of the best to play for the Cowboys. He continues to draw decent crowds to autograph signings he attends. I had not been able to get Jay since early in- I guess 1992 training camp. I heard he was appearing at the Bass Pro Shops Grand Opening with Tony Stewart and a few other rodeo and outdoors/ firearms specialists.  It was an absolute zoo. I got there about an hour early and it was a hassle just to park. From there, we were all herded into the hot parking lot- with no water, and promises from an annoying woman that the store opening was at 6PM.  Beyond that we were told that the autograph signing was on the right as we entered the front door. Well when we finally got in, it wasn’t until after the grand opening ceremony that ended at 630. None of us were perepared for the ensuing chaos. I got directed not once- but three times to different lines, before I actually got in the right one.  It then took 2 hours to get to Jay.

He was nice enough to sign three cards and throw in a photo. When I asked him if he was ever going to grow back his mustache, he looked at me like I was a crazy person and said, “Why would I ever do that?”

Butler, Kevin “Butthead”

gday92 butlerCards: ProSet 1989, ProSet 1990, Action Packed 1990, Fleer 1990, GameDay 1992
Acquired:  TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent: 7/30      Received: 8/8    (9 days)

Kevin Butler. The name probably still brings a smile to the face of Georgia Bulldogs faithful fans, as Butler ranks near the top of many of UGA’s career and game charts.  Among the most noted memories is when Kevin kicked a 60 yard field goal to beat the Clemson Tigers. It was said that the ball sailed another 5 -10 yards over the goal post after hanging a clear 6 seconds in the air. A kick made from your own 49 1/2. It sounds the stuff of legend and Tecmo, but it is absolutely true. Butler at the time of his graduation was the all-time leading scorer at UGA with 353 points and made over 50% of his kicks (11 of 21) from over 50 yards.

ap90 butlerKevin was selected in the 4th round of the 1985 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears.  The pick was questionable actually. The Bears were strong, and already had a pretty decent kicker in Bob Thomas, but the GM at the time  Jerry Vainisi, felt that he was the best player available in that round, and Vainisi was not wrong.

After winning the kicking job in camp, Kevin went on to set the NFL record for the most points scored by a player during their rookie season- with 144, easily besting the previous record held by the venerable Gale Sayers. Butthead was well liked by his teammates as he made 11 tackles on special teams his rookie season.  Of all the Super Bowl memories, Butler is one of the most unique, as he was forced to postpone his wedding to play in the game.

flr90 butlerButler matched the Mike Ditka Bears persona, even going so far as to looking the part. He sported the one bar helmet throughout his career (that slowly went out of vogue in 1986, until it was banned in 2004), and had uncharacteristically large biceps for a kicker. He had a fight and a bite to him.  Kevin was the kicker that the Bears sometimes bland offense could lean on – and he’d make those points, even at frigid Solider Field.  Butler made 110/119 field goals of 20 to 29 yards. Talking about automatic. In 1986 Kevin led the NFL with 41 field goal attempts.

pset90 butlerAfter a prolonged off-season contract dispute with the franchise in 1991, Butler had a rocky season hitting a career low 64.5% of his field goals. He’d rebound back to form the following season, and kick for the Bears through 1995. Butler was cut right before the final preseason game of the season by head coach Dave Wannastedt in favor of Carlos Huerta. The sudden change of kickers angered the Bears fanbase- but the deed was done. At the time of his release, Kevin was the Bears all time leading scorer with 1,116 points. Even more impressive when you consider that Butthead made 16/42 field goals of greater than 50 yards.  He was also the last member of the Chicago Bears ’85 Super Bowl team to play for the franchise.

pset89 butlerKevin was not out of work for long. He’d spend the next two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. While he’d continue to add to his legacy, Butler’s foray to the desert lands of Arizona was the last thing I’d have expected. It’s just one of those forgettable jersey moments since he was so intimately associated with the Bears.

Butler was a huge part of my offense in the original Tecmo Bowl as one of the best kickers in the game (probably second only to Biasucci), you could hit a 60 yarder with Kevin with practice, and with such a great last name, how could you hate a Butler?   After retirement, Butler became the first and only kicker inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, in 2001. He has also been inducted by the University of Georgia and Florida-Georgia (rivalry) into their respective halls as well.  He remains a super fan of the Bulldogs to this day, and does radio as well.

G/Gs 184/0       XPA 426      XMP 416        PCT 96.9%
FGA 361       FGM 265        PCT  73.4%

 

Pritchard, Mike

stpics91 pritchardscosup91 pritchard
Cards: Score Supplemental 1991, Action Packed Rookies 1991, Star Pics 1991, GameDay 1992.
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent:  3/10    Received: 6/16    (98 days)

When Mike Pritchard hit the field for the Colorado Buffalos he was a virtuouso on offense, displaying excellent athetic prowess playing runningback, wingback, tailback, and wide receiver on offense.  He’d also handle some kick return duties as well along the way. He’d finish his career for the Buffs, with 47 receptions for 1241 yards, and 10 touchdowns, along with 30 kick returns for 693 yards. Despite playing only one full season at wide receiver, Pritchard finished 3rd in school history in career receptions and 2nd in touchdowns. An All-Big 8 1st team selection and team MVP in 1990, Mike had 28 catches for 733 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also stood in for Eric Bieniemy one game and surprised the Volunteers rushing for 217 yards.

gday92 pritchardMike’s versatility and speed were attractive to NFL personnel. Jerry Glanville‘s Run ‘N Gun offense took him in the 1st round of the NFL draft with the 13th pick in 1991. Mike had 624 yards and 2 TDs in 50 receptions in a respectable rookie campaign.  He’d then have 2 70+ catch seasons back to back in 1992 (77, career high) and 1993 (74).

Expected to make a big free agent splash, Pritchard joined the Broncos in 1994, but injuries limited him to just 3 games. He’d return in 1995, starting 13 games and posting 33 receptions for 441 yards and 2 TDs, ending his tour with Denver.

aprks91 pritchardMike joined the Seattle Seahawks in 1996 reviving his career. Pritchard’s 1997 campaign resulted in 843 yards and 2 TDs- his best since 1992. In 1998, Mike went deep again for 742 yards on 58 receptions. After the 1999 season, he’d retire just eking a bit over 5,000 career receiving yards.

As of 2014, Pritchard lives in Nevada. He does play by play for ESPN and does color commentating for Nevada-Las Vegas Football games.

G/Gs 127/94    Rec 422     Yds  5187     Avg  12.3     Td  26    Lg 61