Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991
Acquired:  In Person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1992

Ronnie Lot scared the hell out of me. A large and intimidating force, I guess he’s what we’d almost call, -a method actor for football. Ronnie Lott was an amazing defensive player for the University of Southern California under head coach John Robinson. Drafted in the first round of the 1981 draft by the 49ers, Lott started his career as a cornerback and returned 3 thefts for touchdowns in that season alone. (He would finish #2 to Lawrence Taylor for the RotY honors that year.) His flexibility and speed in the secondary allowed Lott would move to Free Safety in 1985, – a position he’d remain at for the majority of his career. A ferocious hitter, Ronnie had a nose for the ball and went over 100 tackles 3 times in his career. He was equally adept at intercepting the pass. As a rare ‘total package’ he led the league in interceptions twice in his career. With the advent of free agency in 1991 he bolted for the Silver and Black where he played an additional two seasons playing for the Jets and signing with the Chiefs before signing a 1 day contract with the 49ers to retire.

Lott was a 10 time Probowler at the time of his retirement, 8 time first team AP, 4 time Superbowl champion, part of the 80s and 90s NFL teams, and the NFL 75th anniversary team. After retirement he has been involved in NFL telecasting both in the booth and as a commentator and a private equity management. He was inducted into the Pro Football HoF in 2000.

I got Ronnie’s autograph when the Raiders visited the Cowboys training camp in 1992. Josh and me found out where the Raiders hotel was so we went and staked it out. The players once they got off the bus would go and change in their minuscule dressing room that resembled a storage barn and then go inside. It was in transition between the hotel and the dressing room that Josh and I would haul in a virtual smörgåsbord of Raider players and talent. Ronnie came out and walked towards us undeterred. I approached Ronnie and said, “Mr. Lott, can I trouble you for an autograph.”  He responded to me with his trademark furrowed angry brow football growl, “Didn’t I sign one for you already?” In response I stuttered, “N-n-no sir.” He then sort of growled at me and signed the card and kept going. Josh then revealed he had gotten one from him earlier in the week and I had taken the heat for him because apparently we looked alike.

Games 192     Tac  1113       Sac 8.5       FF 17
Int 63        Yds 730        Avg  11.6          Td  5         lg 83t