Tag Archives: Houston Texans

NFL

Manning, Danieal




Cards: Leaf Rookies & Stars 2006, Upper Deck 2006.
Acquired: In Person 2012, 1300 The Zone Texans Draft Party

With Danieal Manning’s autographs on these two cards, I officially went over 1,000 autographs on cards. He jokingly balked at signing the cards originally when I produced them stating, ” Aww, man these are Bears cards! I thought you were a real fan!” I then produced these additional photos, which he was more than happy to sign and then did an about face on these cards telling me it was just a joke. He was able to tell me exactly where these photos were from, and the “Shhhh…” is from the Baltimore after he made a pick. He also was cool enough to take a photo with me as well.

Manning dominated at the college level for tiny Abilene Christian. In 3 years there, he compiled 159 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 11 interceptions for 99 yards. In 2003 alone he’d record six of those picks, putting him on the national radar. Danieal, earned two All-American Selections in 2004 and 2005 for the Wildcats. A dangerous return man with breathtaking speed, Manning recorded 6 special teams touchdowns.

He’d hop to the NFL for the 2006 draft and the Bears took Danieal with the 42nd pick that year.  Manning created quite a stir, as fans weren’t expecting him to be as talented at returning kicks as the dynamic Devin Hester, but they were in for a surprise, when Danieal did full-time duties in 2008. He’d return 36 kick offs for 1070 yards and a touchdown. His whopping 29.7 yard average led the NFL and he’d be named All-Pro after the season, despite starting only half the season. A strong pass defender and run enforcer, Manning made 9 picks, and 32 pass defensed in 6 seasons with Chicago from the Free Safety position to go along with 324 tackles and 7 forced fumbles. He’d get lost in the shuffle of Chicago’s defense in 2010 by breaking his foot, and was allowed to leave as a free agent for 2011 after rejecting an extension.

The Houston Texans were remaking their NFL history making worst pass defense in history from 2010. After being rebuffed by N’Mandi Asomugha, the Texans decided to go with a 1-2 combo of signing Johnathan Joseph from Cincinnati and Danieal Manning from Chicago. Manning and Joseph provided the Texans with an excellent combo for Wade Phillips to reshore Houston’s porous defensive alignment.

Initially I was still sore about the team allowing vocal defensive leader Bernard Pollard go. He really came in and contributed to the team in 2009, but had just a subpar 2010, exposed in Frank Bush‘s defensive scheme. It didn’t take long for Manning to make an impression on the defense for me, and I knew they were in good hands with him protecting the backside.

Starting 13 games in 2011, Manning recorded 52 tackles, 2 picks and a fumble recovery. Houston recorded a remarkable turn around on defense, moving from 4th most points allowed for 4th least points allowed. Manning also performed kickoff return duties with 13 KR for 356 yards and a 27.4 yard average.

I had to really fight to get to the 1300 the Zone event downtown this time. It was the first event I had attended something in the Warehouse District in some time. The area has changed quite a lot. Dotted with expensive parking lots and shoddy attendant rules and prices, it was frustrating, but in the end worth it. I found a lot that charged 5 bucks and after getting change was able to jog a block to the event with about 30 minutes to go. Rod Babers greeted me at the door with a big smile and when he yelled out my name, all the fans in the room looked at me. It was odd being surrounded by all these old and new Texans fans. I had gotten used to cheering on the Texans during their darker days alone at restaurants, biting my tongue and savoring the small victories. Now it appears everybody wants a piece. Everybody has been a fan since day one. I’m not going to chide them. It’s nice to have a team that people like now, and I hope the Texans can keep up the positive vibes and good seasons to establish some brand loyalty with them. This event was a great start.

 

 

NFL, University of Texas

Thomas, Sloan

Card: Leaf New Generation Certified Materials 2004
Acquired: 3/20/2012, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

Sloan Thomas played collegiately at the University of Texas and was one of quarterback Major Applewhite‘s favorite targets (at 6-2, 201). He’d finish 10th in career receptions at the school with 88 and seventh in touchdowns with 15. The Houston Texans drafted Thomas in the 7th round of the 2004 draft along with first round picks Dunta Robinson and Jason Babin. Slowed by injuries during the preaseason and faced with a do or die situation to make the roster, Thomas came out in the final contest and singed the Buccaneers for a 72 yard touchdown, but it was too little too late and he’d be released in the final cutdowns. The Texans just didn’t have enough film on Sloan to go on.

Sloan signed with the Titans in 2005. He’d spend one season there and be claimed off of waivers by the Jets in 2006, and then finally head over to the Seahawks later that season and retire after the 2007 season. Thomas immediately afterwards jumped at the opportunity to help establish the football program for the University of Texas- SA where he is the associate director of development for athletics. He also spends a lot of his time doing volunteer work for football camps as well with other former Longhorns and currently lives in the San Antonio area.

NFL

Daniels, Owen (2)


Card: Prestige 2010, Score 2010
Acquired: In Person 12/6/2011, Go Texans Store
See also: Daniels, Owen

While I was in Houston getting Mario Williams and JJ Watt at the Community Player of the Month event, I figured if I might be able to square away another name while I was down there. It came down to Owen Daniels and Jacoby Jones, but with me having frozen to death outside for JJ and Mario, I opted for Owen knowing that the line would be queued inside the store.  Following another fan to the Go Texans store in Reliant Stadium during rush hour I got to the store a few minutes after the event began and surprisingly was able to get him twice.

The first time I came around I was a bit too starstruck and just honestly didn’t know what to say to Owen. The event was definitely more intimate than the cattle call of the Whataburger event and it was just an awkward exchange. I told him I’d come around again, and when I finally did  I told him that I was happy the team was able to lock him up for a few years, and that I consider him bionic because of his 3 knee surgeries. Daniels was very gracious and looked me in the eye after knocking on wood (about the knee surgeries), and thanked me for driving from Austin to visit him that day.

Looking at these cards, I liked where Score was going with their look from 2009 to 2010, but they totally lost it in ’11. Still the thing I can appreciate most about this set is its level of coverage of players as there seems to be a nice balance of offense and defense. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about the lineup of Prestige cards. The Texans’ logo looks like it’s about to attack Owen’s shoulder and the metal look has been done and over done along with that annoying fade. I do however like this card in particular as it seems well suited for the set, especially Owen’s pose silhouetted against the design and certainly the autograph took well enough.

Daniels in 2011 is off to his best season since 2008 when he recorded 70 receptions. After a slow week 1, Owen has recorded at least 3 receptions in each contest through week 13 of 2011.  He’d have season highs in week 5 against the Raiders with 7 receptions for 89 yards.  An integral weapon to the Texans play action system, Daniels also serves as the team’s emergency quarterback.