Tag Archives: pittsburgh steelers

NFL

Johnson, Gus

sage15 gjohnsonCard: Sage 2015 (#61/250)
Acquired: 2016, Hobby Box Break

Gus Johnson was an intriguing prospect out of Stephen F. Austin. In 2014, he added the Southland Conference Player of the Year honors to his impressive resume, which also included being a 3 time All-Southland Conference selection. A bowlegged and stout runningback (5’10”, 215), Gus was a gritty player who has a nice, deceptive burst at the second level.  He finished his career with the Lumberjacks with 631 carries for 3892 yards and 51 TDs. Gus also had 57 receptions for 417 yards and a TD. He went unselected in the 2015 draft.

After a brief stay on the Falcons, Gus signed with the  Dallas Cowboys.  The Cowboys were reloading at runningback after the sudden departure of DeMarco Murray. Gus led the Cowboys in the preseason in rushing, but confident in the stable of Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, and Lance Dunbar, they opted to cut Johnson.  He was signed to the practice squad, and then cut later in the month. Gus quickly signed with the Atlanta Falcons and was placed on their practice squad. He remained with the Falcons through mid-2016. Afterwards Gus has spent time on a variety of rosters around the league including the Chargers, Falcons (2nd time), Chargers (2nd time), and finally the Steelers. He is currently a free agent.

NFL

Biasucci, Dean

Card: Topps 1990
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent: 12/14/16      Received: 1/9/17     (23 days)

Dean Biasucci is a Tecmo Bowl legend. As the strongest kicker in the game, he could kick a field goal from his own 45. This came in handy especially when you were piloting the Colts anemic offensive playbook.

A barefoot kicker out of Western Carolina University, Biasucci was originally signed by the Atlanta Falcons in 1984.  Cut in camp, Dean was picked up in week 2 by the Baltimore Colts, who needed an injury replacement to Raul Allegre. After bouncing off  in 1985 and back onto the roster in 1986,  Dean would go on to eclipse many Baltimore/ Indianapolis Colts records. He kicked an NFL record 6 50+ yard field goals in 1988, and a career long 56 yarder in 1991. Late in his career with the Colts, he’d take over as the franchise’s top kicker in history in field goal percentage and points.  Dean was signed by Pittsburgh in 1995, but was cut when the team brought in fellow veteran Norm Johnson.  He wouldn’t be out of work for long as he played the final 8 games of the year with the St. Louis Rams.

After retiring from football, Biasucci spent 9 years or so pursuing an acting career, garnering small roles in movies and TV.  He’s also been involved in building apartment complexes and communities.

Well Dean threw me for a loop. I sent him a slew of really nice cards to sign, thinking that a kicker would love to sign his cards, but instead he sent me back one card, and it was his worst one at that. At least he was nice enough to sign one…

G 163       XPA 275        XPM 268       PCT 97.5%
FGA 262        FMG 185       PCT 70.6%       LG  56

NFL

Lloyd, Greg (Sr)

to91 lloyd sco90 lloyd
Cards: Topps 1992, Score 1990
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent:  4/2/13      Received: 6/12/15    (801 days)

Greg must have liked the Action Packed and Skybox cards I sent him, because he switched them out for these cards-  not that I am totally complaining. I was happy to get back these two anyway since it took over 2 years.

Greg Lloyd was another one of these sneaky defensive prospects who went to Fort Valley State.  A 3rd round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1987, Lloyd lost his entire rookie season after a devastating knee injury. It was so bad, he took the field for only 9 games (starting 4) in 1988.  In 1989 he was entrenched as a starter at right outside linebacker. A well balanced defender, Lloyd could tackle, blitz, or cover a receiver out of the backfield- evidenced by his 92 tackles, 7 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He continued to build a head of steam through his career, beginning in 1991, when he earned his first ProBowl honor with 76 tackles, 8 sacks, and a whopping 6 forced fumbles.

In 1993 former LA Ram Kevin Greene joined the Steelers, turning the Pittsburgh defense into Blitzburgh. Greene ran rampant on opposing team’s defenses, thanks to Lloyd who had to always be accounted for. Greg earned his first AP nomination after the season, a year in which he had a career high 111 tackles, to go along with 5 FF and 6 sacks. Greg got the nod again in 1994, when he had a career high 10 sacks, and finally in 1995, when he accounted for 3 intereceptions and 88 tackles.  He tore his patella in the season opener against the Jags in 1996- ending his season.  In 1997 he returned to form but suffered a serious ankle injury that turned into a staph infection- essentially ending his career as a Steeler.  He finished his career playing for the Panthers in 1998 adding another 48 tackles and a sack to his impressive resume.  A Pittsburgh legend, and an intense competitor, Greg has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and loves to teach the martial discipline.

G/GS 147/139      TAC 707       SAC 54.5       FUM 35
INT 11         YDS 189      AVG 17.1    TD 0       LG 52