Tag Archives: New England Patriots

Saxon, Mike



Cards: Fleer 1990, Score 1992, ProSet 1992
Acquired: In Person 1990, 1992, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Mike Saxon, (hailing from Arcadia, Ca) was originally an 11th round draft choice of the Detroit Lions in 1984.After not making the roster, he’d try out for the Arizona Wranglers of the USFL.  Unable to make the team he would end up on the Tom Landry Cowboys in 1985.  Saxon would become one of the underrated punters in Cowboys’ history, pinning more teams inside their own 20 than any other punter during his time on the Cowboys from 1985-1992. Mike would earn a Super Bowl ring with the team in 1992, completing the circle from worst to first with the team, but the team considered his position a ‘budget’ position, so he’d play one season in 1993 for the New England Patriots- where he’d have 3 blocks, contributing to his release from the team. Saxon would finish out his career playing two more seasons for the Minnesota Vikings in 1994 and 1995. For a guy two teams didn’t want, Saxon made it count for the 14 solid and serviceable seasons he was in the NFL. Since football Mike has been involved in roofing and construction for commercial and residential markets and is also involved with Savant Energy providing green alternatives to the market. He occasionally also makes appearances at Dallas Cowboys games as well.

Punts 813   Yds 33887  Avg   41.7    Blk 7

Singleton, Chris

Cards: Topps Stadium Club 1992, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The New England Patriots

Chris Singleton was drafted in the first round of the 1990 draft by the perpetually (at that time) rebuilding New England Patriots. A dominating force for the Arizona Wildcats, he played the first three years out of college for the team but injuries would limit his contributions to the Patsies throughout his tenure. In 1992 he’d return an interception 82 yards for a touchdown against the Colts. Singleton would play 8 games for the Patriots in 1993 and then head over to Miami. He’d provide valuable depth for the Miami Dolphins defense for the next 3 seasons starting 39 games. Singleton is perhaps best remembered as a hero for donating bone marrow to save his twin brother after he contracted leukemia in 1990- and that’s probably worth more than any football accolade.

G/Gs 91/65    Tac 287    Sac 7    Fum 2   Int 2    Yds 85    Avg 42.5   Td 1   lg 85t

James, Craig

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: In Person 1994, Houston Oilers Training Camp

Craig James went to Southern Methodist University back in the 1980s and was the running mate to Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson where they formed the “Pony Express”. He’d be drafted by the Washington Federals of the USFL and play there from 1983-1984 rushing for 823 yards and 4 touchdowns but would be released unceremoniously as the Federals were financially insolvent. Craig would sign with the New England Patriots in 1984, (who drafted him shrewdly in the 8th round in 1983,) where he’d go on to be named offensive player of the year in 1985 going to both the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl that season; However, he’d be dominated by the Chicago Bears holding him to 1 yard on 5 carries. James would earn the nickname in some circles of “The Last Great White Hope” being the last white running back to run for 1000 yards (until that streak was broken in 2010 by Peyton Hillis).  James notably played runningback in 1984 and then fullback from 1985 on to his quiet retirement in 1988 due to injuries.

James’ career since football has been just as busy. Despite the dissolution of the SWC that he set conference records in, James’ legacy has grown a substantial amount. He has been able to parlay his personality and playing career into broadcasting where he remains to this day handling college and pro games on the radio and television.

G/Gs 52/33   Att 585  Yds 2469   Td 11  Lg 73t  |
Rec 81    Yds 819   Avg 10.1   Td 2   Lg 90t