Tag Archives: star pics 1991

Arena, NFL, NFLE

Agee, Mel “Big Bopper” (1968-2008)

Card: Star Pics 1991
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The Indianapolis Colts

Widely regarded as one of the best defensive lineman to come through the University of Illinois at 6’5″, 300,  Mel Agee was a stand out player while playing for the Fightin’ Illini notching 15 sacks. With a nice burst and a good first move off the line, the Colts made the “Big Bopper” their 6th round draft choice in 1990, and he’d make the roster of the team making 29 tackles and a forced fumble mainly on mop up duty and starting in just one game his rookie season.   His 1992 season was pretty much lost in the lineup or injured as Mel suited up for one game but did not make a tackle.

1993 saw a shift of addresses to Atlanta for the Bopper. He’d have his best season playing in Atlanta’s 3-4 set up, making career highs with 43 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 7 starts.  1994 and 1995 would see Agee slide into the background again, and by the end of that season he’d retire.

In 1998 his number was dialed up by the Frankfurt Galaxy of the NFLE and Agee made 2 sacks before returning stateside to play for the Arena Football League. Over a 5 year career with the Tampa Bay Storm Mel made 8 receptions for 51 yards and 5 TDs. He’d also make 25 tackles, 9 pass blocks and 3 fumble recoveries before finally retiring in 2002.  Tragically, in 2008, Mel passed away of a sudden heart attack.

NFL

Jackson, Steve

Cards: Score 1991, Playoff 1992, Star Pics 1991, ProSet 1991
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1992, Houston Oilers Training Camp.  TTM 2010, C/o The Washington Redskins
Sent: 3/26/10    Received: 1/26/2011  (324 days)

So far, Steve Jackson takes the prize for the longest wait now at a whopping 324 days (not that I don’t have ones pending that have been out there longer at the moment); However, well worth the wait I’d say. Part of my Oiler blitz of cards I sent out in 2010, I’ve got to say the former members of the squad have been highly responsive with 11 out of 16 from that blitz have responded now. Jackson’s Playoff card remains one of my favorite. With bright colors and a definite contrast between the players it just makes them pop off the background.

Steve Jackson was one of the Oilers ‘Young Guns’ drafted in 1991 when the team went gangbusters for defensive backs in that draft. Taken in the 3rd round out of Perdue, Jackson was an excellent man to man defender, with good size, speed, and among his best attributes- not afraid to tackle. (Steve reminded me a lot of recently retired Oiler defensive back and Autograph Hall of Fame member Steve Brown.)  Jackson felt like the happy middle between Mike Dumas and Darryll Lewis taking a completely different path than the two other Young Guns.

Starting only two games his rookie season Steve would play backup to Dishman and Lewis, making 34 tackles a sack and 2 fumble recoveries. It was impressive enough that by 1993, Jackson would start 12 games for the Houston Oilers on their last good squad and playoff run. He’d make 5 interceptions and 55 tackles. In 1994 he’d also serve as secondary kick returner for the team returning 14 kicks for 285 yards. After the season he’d return to the bench providing valuable depth starting 11 games over the next 6 seasons. Jackson would also win the team’s comeback player of the year award in 1998 after he returned from a ruptured tendon making 72 tackles. He’d transition with the franchise to Tennesee and appearing in the Traitor’s SuperBowl in 1999 and would retire.

Jackson headed over to Buffalo and served as safeties coach for the team from 2001-2003. Jackson thereafter joined the Redskins after the conclusion of the 2003 season, and has served in the same capacity for them as the Bills for the last 7 seasons with distinction.

G/Gs  118/26     Tac  280    Sac  9   Fum  4     Int 13        Yds 74       Avg  5.6     Td  1        Lg  22

NFL

Russell, Derek

Card: StarPics 1991
Acquired: In Person 1995, Houston Oilers Training Camp

Speedy track and field athlete Derek Russell was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1991 draft out of the University of Arkansas. His rookie season would be respectable enough as he’d pull in 21 catches for a whopping 15.7 yard average. He’d make his first touchdown grab in week 3 against the Chiefs, helping the Broncos win 19-16. In 1992, Derek would be less of a factor making only 12 receptions and suiting up for 11 games. He’d rebound in 1993 to lock in a career highs with 44 catches, 719 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Although 1994 would still have him grab 25 catches, Russell be made a free agent at the end of the season. Derek would sign with the Oilers in 1995, where I’d get his autograph at training camp that year.  He’d play with the Oilers through 1997 making 70 catches for 883 yards and 3 touchdowns.

G/Gs  88/48     Rec 172   Yds 2401    Avg 14.1     Td 8     Lg  57