Tag Archives: ttm autograph

NFL

Dieken, Doug

Cards: Topps 1979, Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 4/26 Received: 5/1 (6 days)

Playing at Illinois as an under-utilized TE, Doug Dieken had to wait until the 6th round of the 1971 NFL Draft to hear his name called by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, recognizing his talent as an end sealing blocker, decided that Dieken was a better fit for offensive tackle. After learning the ropes for his rookie season, he moved into the starting lineup fulltime- a position he’d hold down for the next 12 seasons. Over that period Doug started a mammoth 193 consecutive games (while consecutively appearing in 203 games). At 6’5″, Dieken excelled as both a run and pass blocker, towering over opponents he faced on the line.

In 1983 Doug was recognized for his charitable work, earning the Byron Whizzer White Award. After retiring in 1984 Doug moved into the broadcast booth, and is considered one of the iconic players of the Browns franchise.

Doug really didn’t have any cards that stuck out- other than this post-career issued Whizzer White card, which really knocks it out of the park. Action Packed really nailed it on archival images, but unfortunately they only produced a few sets that dabbled in that. I just love the shot and the excess of grime and dirt on Dieken. It screams football.

NFL

Pinkett, Allen (2)

Cards: Action Packed 1990, Topps 1990, ProSet 1991, Pacific 1992
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 11/18 Received: 12/2 (14 days)
Failure: TTM 2017, C/o Home
See Also: Allen Pinkett

Allen had some incredible cards over the year and as an Oilers fan I had wanted to get back around to getting these cards signed. I tried back in 2017- but for some reason I did not receive anything back from the usually reliable Pinkett. Luckily I had duplicates for many of the cards that I wanted autographed and just reloaded and waited.

I was also inspired by recently watching his titanic efforts over again in the historic 1988 Houston Oilers v Cleveland Browns playoff showdown. The game- between coaches Jerry Glanville and Marty Schottenheimer, while highly contested, with the Oilers eventually advancing, sealed Schottenheimer’s fate in being unceremoniously fired by the Browns.

The game turned out to be one of Pinkett’s finest moments, as he ground up 82 yards on 14 carries and a TD, as well as 2 catches for 24 yards and a TD. – Come to think of it, his 1992 Pacific entry could be from that game. Anyway it’s worth it if you can still find the game online somewhere to look at as you will also see NBC in all its broadcasting greatness with Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy behind the mic.

After sending out to Pinkett that first time TTM back in 2010, I gave myself a hearty headslap that I left out his ProSet 1991 entry. It’s a dynamic and beautiful card of Allen, where his expression can clearly be read along with his running style.

While I really liked the shot of Allen off to the races in his Pacific entry, his Action Packed card was a classy shot. In one of those rare Topps entries, Allen can been seen catching a pass in a near profile view, however I suspect this was probably during warm ups like many of Topps cards during that period.

AAF, NFL

Odom, Chris

Card: Topps AAF 2019
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o The Atlanta Falcons
Sent: 4/18 Received: 6/20 (63 days)

Chris Odom played defensive end at Arkansas State from 2013-2016. Also renowned for his special teams prowess, Chris had quite the penchant for blocking field goals during his career. He’d finish with 87 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 4 forced fumbles.

Chris signed with the Atlanta Falcons, after not being selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. A final cutdown candidate, Chris was claimed by the Packers and spent a year with the team logging 6 tackles. Later in 2018, he’d sign with the Salt Lake City Stallions of the AAF. Chris played in 8 games for the stacked Stallions defensive front. He’d post 10 total tackles and 2.5 sacks.

After the dissolution of the Alliance, Chris re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons. The next morning I dashed this card out the door that he signed in about two months. Chris was the first player in a 12 responses to request a copy of his trading card from me.

He’d join the Redskins practice squad in early September, and later be promoted to the active roster, where he saw action during Week 13.
In 3 games he had 2 sacks, 19 total tackles, and 1 forced fumble. Currently he’s a free agent.