Tag Archives: Tennessee Titans

NFL, University of Texas

Kirkendoll, James “JT Kirk”

Card: UT UD 2011
Acquired: In Person 2012, Rudy’s RibFest

I pretty much set my mind on going to the Rudy’s in Round Rock after hearing Kirkendoll’s name was among those confirmed to attend along with Jeremy Kerley who was an added bonus. Easily identifiable by his dreads, James really liked the card and piece of memorabilia I asked him to sign. In fact he took a photo and was extremely excited to see his card since it was the first time he’d seen it. He asked me if I had a copy, so I agreed to send him an extra to the Titans facility for him to keep. I was touched when he told me he was going to put it up in his locker. In the meantime he looked me in the eye and wished me luck and gleefully signed the card and the photo memorabilia that I provided.

James Kirkendoll is a wide receiver that played for the Longhorns from 2007-2010 after going locally to Round Rock High School. where he earned the nickname “JT Kirk”.  As a Senior for the Longhorns in 2010, he led the team in receptions with 52 catches for 707 yards and 2 TDs. At the end of his career James ranked 9th all-time at UT with 121 receptions. A burner, Kirkendoll ran track, recording 100 meters in 10.8 seconds. He’d be signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Tennessee Titans after the 2011 NFL draft, and has managed to find a roster spot as a developmental player on the squad.

It should be noted that this is the first time that I have been able to get an autograph to stick well to one of these Upper Deck UT Cards. While I was at my local card store, (Card Traders of Austin,) one of the owners advised me that the best way to get the autographs to stick is by using talcum/baby powder on the surface of the card to prep it. Rubbing the powder gently into the surface and then scraping away all the residue, will do the trick, and that it did as the card absorbed the autograph with little fade.

Arena, NFL

Jenkins, Deron

Autograph Memorabilia
Stampede Inaugural Magazine Austin Wranglers
Acquired: Gift 2004

My cousin got me a game program full of autographs back in 2004, that I found recently when digging through some boxes.

Deron Jenkins was a defensive back with vast NFL experience that joined the Austin Wranglers in 2004 after taking 2 years off from football. He’d be inserted right into the starting lineup and record 63.5 tackles and 2 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. The Wranglers in 2005 decided to overhaul their roster so Jenkins joined the Nashville Katz and had 85 tackles and 4 interceptions. After a short season in 2006 Jenkins would retire.

Originally a 2nd round choice of the Baltimore in 1996 out of Tennessee, Deron started 30 games recording 202 tackles and 2 interceptions for the Ravens over 4 seasons.  With great speed, a smooth backpedal and good man to man fundamentals, the knock on Jenkins was his run support skills and his size at 5’11”, 185.  Still regardless he was a long jump champion coming out of high school and he picked off a dozen passes in 3 years in college. He’d move over to the West Coast in 2000 and play for the Chargers, recording 55 tackles and a pick starting 14 games. As a free agent in 2001, Jenkins would play for the Titans starting 6 games and recording 41 tackles, before joining the Wranglers in 2004.

NFL

Bush, Frank

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: 2009, Texans Blitz

Linebacker Frank Bush was a 5th round choice of the Oilers in 1985. He played admirably in his rookie season and was named to numerous all-rookie teams. Unfortunately in 1986 Bush would be diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal- a career ending prognosis. The Oilers would immediately bring him onboard with their coaching staff starting as a scout where he’d stay on board through 1994. In 1995 he moved to the Denver Broncos- winning two Super Bowl rings serving in a variety of capacities for the team including linebackers coach, and secondary coach. Bush would stay there through 2003, leaving to coach linebackers and be assistant coach to Dennis Green in Arizona. The Texans new coach in 2005, Gary Kubiak wanted to bring Bush on board as his defensive coordinator, but was unable to wrest him from the Cardinals staff. Bush would be hired by the Texans in 2007 and serve initially as a defensive assistant under Richard Smith. With Smith relieved of his coaching duties in 2008, Frank would get his chance at defensive coordinator. That season the team would blitz aggressively and the defensive unit would improve steadily through the season against the run and pass after an incredibly rough start. 2010 would not be so fortunate. Starting an extremely young secondary the team would give up 24 points in 14 of 16 games, allowing opposing quarterbacks post over a 100 average QB rating. The team would finish a disappointing 6-10 and Bush would be relieved of his job. He wouldn’t be out of a job long and caught on quickly with the Tennessee Titans where in 2011 he is now serving as their linebackers coach.