Tag Archives: topps 1992

NFL

Kozerski, Bruce ‘Mr. Versatile’

Topps 1992, #138

CARDS: ProSet 1989, Topps Stadium Club 1992, Topps 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home
SENT: 2/7 RECEIVED: 3/7 (28 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Bruce Kozerski played C at Holy Cross.
  • Selected in the 9th round by the Cincinnati Bengals (1984 NFL Draft).
  • Played all over the line during his career, and as a bonus was the team’s long snapper on placekicks.
  • Stared at RG in ’86, eventually settling in a C by ’88 helping anchor one of the league’s leading offenses.
  • During the ’91 season, was pushed around the line due to injuries playing all 3 positions on the line.
  • Retired after the 1995 season, after 172 games, and 138 starts.
  • Coached at the HS level for sometime, leading his team to a 2A State Championship in 2011.
Pro Set 1989, #519
Topps Statdium Club 1992, #253

NOTES:

Bruce was extremely underrated and underappreciated during his tenure playing for the Cincinnati Bengals. He had some great cards over his career, including this Pro Set card, but for once, Topps NAILED it with their 1992 card. Just a great and inspiring shot of Bruce.

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

NFL

Duncan, Curtis (2)

ud91 cduncantosc92 duncansky92col duncanpset91 duncanflr91 duncanto90 duncanmem cduncanCD and Jeffires

Cards: Upper Deck 1991, Topps Stadium Club 1992, Skybox ‘Colors’ 1992-1993, ProSet 1991, Photo memorabilia, Fleer 1991, Topps 1990
Acquired: IP, 10/21/14 GMC NFL MNF Tour
See Also: Curtis Duncan

A great example of planning ahead, I didn’t miss a beat when they had a last second cancellation of Ernest Givins for the GMC Event in Katy, Tx. With Curtis Duncan in the fold as Givins replacement, I merely went out to the car and dug around in the Houston Texans Ambassador box I had until I located the extra cards. I am fond of the Skybox ‘Colors’ set. I stopped collecting roughly about the time that this set came in. On all the cards that I have of Curtis, he is never smiling- but he was just all that at the Monday Night Football event. From what I could gather, Curtis had not seen Haywood in some time.

CD and meAgain, just with Haywood, there wasn’t too much of a demand and since the gatekeepers were so weak I just used my ‘Jedi autograph collecting mind tricks’ to get all of these signed items from Curtis. I recited most of his bio correctly, and then talked to him about being one of the most underrated receivers  and one of the best late round finds (10th round) in league history. He asked me about my hat, which I clarified was classic and not vintage, because I was the original owner from 1992. When he signed all my cards I disappointingly looked at him and said, “Why didn’t you sign it with a Bible inscription, like you do through the mail?” Curtis’ eyes widened and he got up from behind the desk with a giant smile on his face. He said, “Oh man! Well let me sign this,” Handed me the photo and continued, “Tell me, did you ever think you were going to get those back from me? It’s always good to meet one of my real fans.”  He took this great photo with me and said, “Take care of that awesome hat Lee!” It was an awesome experience and I will definitely go out of my way to see Curtis again.