Zach Mettenberg was a prototypical pocket passer with a strong arm who played at Butler Community College (2010) and LSU (2011-13).
Over time with Tigers, threw for 35 TDs and 5783 yards on 407 completions.
Selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 6th round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Mettenberger played at an interesting transitional time for the Titans, at the tail end of the short Jake Locker epoch and the beginning of the Marcus Mariota era in Tennesssee.
During his rookie year, Zach took over for Locker at QB throwing for 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and 1,412 passing yards.
Most memorably, Mettenberger had a short running feud with Houston Texans DE JJ Watt.
Mettenberger spent his second season backing up new starter Marcus Mariota.
Again stepping into the starting lineup in injury relief for Mariota, Zach threw for 4 TDs to 7 INT.
Spent 2016 on the rosters of the Chargers and Steelers but didn’t see any action.
After a year off from football, played in the Spring League in 2018 during their Austin showcase.
Later during the league’s QB draft in 2019, was the final selection off the board by the Express.
Joined a crowded QB room, but made the roster behind Christian Hackenberg and Brandon Silvers.
Started 4th game of the season against the San Diego Fleet, completing 18 of 25 passes for 174 yards, leading the team to its first win of the year.
The next week, was sacked multiple times and injured during the contest against the Salt Lake City Stallions.
Wasn’t selected in the 2020 XFL draft and returned to the Spring League.
Went into coaching and in 2022, joined the staff of Alabama as an analyst.
NOTES:
I had been waiting to pounce on Zach for sometime since his days in The Spring League. During that game that I saw him play in, a cold front came in dropping the temperatures at the outdoor event by 30-40 degrees. It was bitterly cold. The crowd treated the game more like a scrimmage. Hardcore fans like myself enjoyed the experience, but the majority of the crowd was dead silent and Mettenberger made sure to make a show of it screaming and yelling and having an insanely good time. I was too intimidated to ask him for his autograph. Also of note, sitting nearby and incognito was former Dallas Cowboys’ QB Babe Laufenberg that I missed out on. -I’m still kicking myself about that one.
Nate Lewis came a long way to get to the professional ranks, playing WR at 3 different colleges.
Began college career at Oklahoma A&M, before transferring to Georgia for his Sophomore and Junior Seasons.
After being dismissed from the football team for academic reasons, Lewis ended up at tiny Oregon Tech.
A leg injury caused Nate to miss a significant portion of the season, but he still managed 27 catches for 434 yards and 2 TDs.
Still there was enough tape to impress scouts, and with sub 4.5 speed, Nate was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the 7th round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
Made the roster of the San Diego Chargers and saw 3 starts in his rookie season, moonlighting on kick and punt return units as well.
First career TD came on a 63 yard punt return against the Seahawks during his rookie year.
Played 4 seasons for the Chargers, posting 450+ yards from 1991-93.
Had a memorable 95 yard kick off return for a TD against the New Orleans Saints in the Chargers 24-21 win in 1991.
Finished out career playing 2 additional seasons for the Bears (94-95)
NOTES:
I really liked Nate’s Skybox Premium and his Gameday too. Unfortunately he switched out the Gameday for this Bowman. Ah well, at least he was nice enough to sign them and replace the other card too.
For a 7th round pick, Nate had some great cards over his career. Besides the ones mentioned above, he slid in on Action Packed (1992), Score, Proline, and Topps Stadium Club among others.
Homegrown Jon Runyan played right OT and G for the Michigan Wolverines starting a total of 34 contests.
He capped his career for the Wolverines in ’95 earning All-Big 10 honors and a variety of other accolades.
The Houston Oilers selected Jon with in the 4th round of the 1996 NFL Draft.
Jon made the roster and with the team made the transition to Tennessee.
Started first 16 game slate in 1997 at Tackle.
Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing with the franchise through 2008.
Played one final season in San Diego in 2009.
Spent some time dabbling in politics, even serving in Congress.
Can be found sometimes putting around Philadelphia as an Uber driver.
ACCOLADES:
Philadelphia Eagles HoF
Pro Bowl 2002
Second Team All-Pro 1998
Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
NOTES:
Fearsome, nasty, fast, and large, Jon was a true road grading offensive lineman who struck fear into opposing defenders. Considered one of the dirtiest players of his era- he fit right in with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jon was also remarkably durable, despite his 6’8″, 299 frame, he started 190 straight contests. His son followed in his footsteps and was drafted by the Packers in 2020.
At the time of his retirement in 2009, Jon was the last remaining player who had played for the HOUSTON Oilers franchise.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
