Tag Archives: Houston Texans

NFL

Weary, Fred (OG)

mem fred weary

Acquired: Houston Texans Kickoff at Kemah 2014, Houston Texans Draft Party 2015.

wearyOddly  Fred Weary does not have any football cards, even though he was drafted in the 3rd round by the Texans in the 2002 draft.  He’d start 12 of 16 games that rough rookie season, blocking up front alongside Chester Pitts for David Carr– who went down an NFL record 76 times.  He’d play in 20 games over the next 2 following seasons before a new regime came in.  Playing in a new offensive system for Gary Kubiak in 2006, Fred started 12 games. In 2007, Fred was putting together a solid campaign when he broke his leg in a contest against the Titans. The Texans opted to place him on IR for the 2008 campaign to continue rehabilitation, but he was released by the Texans in October of that year.  Fred signed with the Browns for 2009, but was released with an undisclosed injury settlement. In 2013 or 2014 Fred joined the Houston Texans Ambassador program, and makes appearances for the team at functions for meet and greet and autographs.

mem weary2I was not prepared for Fred, so I had him sign the team ‘post card’ included in the Upper Deck 2002 Inaugural Texans set.  It was a wet and soggy affair, but still worth it to nab him and a few other players. Since it was pouring rain they completely moved the event inside to the parking lot. It worked out well despite the humidity, and the lines were not too long.

When I saw him later at the 2015 Draft Party, I had him sign the Texans blank that they provided. A cheap alternative to actually having a card or photo, I appreciate it nonetheless.

NFL

Graham, Garrett

sco10 ggrahamCard: Score 2010
Acquired: In Person 12/15/2015, Whataburger Community Player of the Year

Garrett Graham is another member of the Wisconsin connection to the Houston Texans. Oddly 3 members of the Texans at one point played TE at Wisconsin for the Badgers- Graham, Owen Daniels, and DE JJ Watt within the last 10 seasons.

With Owen Daniels injuries creeping up on him, the Texans decided to draft Graham in the 4th round of the 2010 draft. As a Senior, Garrett had a career high 51 receptions for 624 yards and 7 TDs for the Badgers- leading the team in touchdown catches, and ranking second in both receiving yards and catches.

The Texans love their tight ends, and with Daniels and Joel Dreesen in the fold, Garrett had his work cut out for him to climb into the lineup. He didn’t see significant playing time until 2012, when he became the 2nd string TE behind Daniels, after Dreesen signed with the Broncos. Daniels during the regular season went down with an injury so Garrett got his chance to start. He finished 2012 with 28 receptions for 263 yards and 3 TDs.  Daniels signed with the Ravens in 2013 clearing the way for Graham as starter. Garrett responded with a solid outing in 2013,  posting career highs with 49 receptions for 545 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Texans in the meantime fired longtime head coach Gary Kubiak, who ran a very heavy tight end oriented offense.  Multiple offense coach Bill O’Brien was brought in to run the show. Graham’s numbers slid to 18 receptions for 197 yards and a TD in 2014.  He made 4 catches in 8 games in 2015, but was passed on the depth chart by Ryan Griffin upon his return from injury.

Graham was the last player on the table at the Whataburger Community Player of the Year event. While his attitude appeared laconic, he quickly warmed up when I came to the table. I told him that he had some really, really ugly cards, and the ones of him in his scouting combine duds were among the worst. He and I caught a good laugh about it before I wrapped up my haul.

On March 3rd, 2016 the Houston Texans cut Garrett Graham.

NFL, University of Texas

Studdard, Kasey (2)

tntcol studdardmem studdard 3 phoCard: TNT College, Photo Memorabilia
Acquired: IP 4/16/2015, Sam’s Wholesale Lakeline Grand Opening
See Also: Kasey Studdard ‘Studly Stud’

I was really surprised that nobody had made a card of Kasey Studdard. The well decorated Texas offensive lineman culminated his career blocking for Vince Young in the Rose Bowl victory over #1 USC. He was later selected by the Texans in 2007 and later briefly played in 2013 for the Titans. While the former Longhorn only started 13 games over his career, his years of service in the NFL has definitely allowed him to pursue his dreams and personal hobbies.  An avid outdoorsman, Studdard currently dabbles in Sunday morning radio, spends plenty of time working the charity circuit, while he plays golf.  Kasey really liked this custom I did of him. In fact- I think he liked the poster I did of Vince Young more than VY did too.