I had been waiting for the right cards and the right time to send to Chuck. After finding this Marquee Matchup card with him and Sims, I knew I had to get the combo card signed. -Well worth it it’s beautiful in all its glory. Chuck thanked me for writing him such a nice letter as well.
The detail in the Upper Deck Legends 97 card is exquisite. I love how nearly every person’s face is captured in this photo, even a kid and other people seated over near the sideline. Oddly it looks as though post process the referee’s face was blurred out.
Defensive Tackle who played both ways while at college for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1961-1963.
Selected in the first round of the 1964 Draft by the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL and the Buffalo Bills of the AFL- but opted to sign with the Vikings where he was used at Defensive End.
Famed member of the Minnesota Vikings front four, “The Purple People Eaters”.
Had a career high 15 sacks in 1969 and 1977.
Had a run of 7 seasons with 10 or more sacks.
Finished his career in Minnesota as the franchises’ all-time leader in sacks with 130.5.
Played one final year in 1979 for the Seattle Seahawks, adding 3 more sacks to his career total.
Carl played in a total of 225 games (starting 209).
ACCOLADES:
NFL Pro Bowl 1968-1971, 1973, 1974
1st Team All-Pro 1968-1971, 1973
2nd Team All-Pro 1967, 1972
College Football Hall of Fame 2006
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2004
Vikings 40th Anniversary Team
Vikings 50th Anniversary Team
Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
NFL Defensive Player of the Year 1971
North Carolina Sports HoF
NOTES:
Carl after football spent time as a substance abuse counselor and has worked championing human rights for people of color.
A simply beautiful card here of Carl proving there was no shortage of short supply of great sports action photography during the 70s. Instead of dropping $20-30 dollars on a certified autographed card, I opted to send directly through him instead for a fraction of the cost.
Charlie played his college ball for Minnesota (66/67) recording 21 receptions for 276 yards and 2 TDs in his Senior Season.
3rd round draft selection of the Detroit Lions who quickly established himself as the premier TE in the NFL.
Sanders recorded a career high 42 receptions for 656 yards and 2 TDs in 1969.
During dead ball era, he managed to put up between 400 and 600 yards in 9 of 10 seasons played, and 30 or more receptions in 7 of 10 seasons.
Sanders led team in receptions in 6 of his 10 seasons with franchise.
ACCOLADES:
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2007
Lions All-Time Team 2008
M Club Hall of Fame 2013
Michigan Sports Hall of Fame 1990
North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame 1997
Guilford County Sports HoF (NC) 2005
NFL All-Decade Team 1970’s
NFL Pro Bowl 1968-1971, 1974-1976
NFL All-Pro 1969-1971
NFL All-Time Team 100th Anniversary Finalist
‘Pride of the Lions’ Ring of Honor
NOTES:
After his playing days concluded, Sanders continued to be involved with the Lions organization as a color man for local broadcasts and later as a WR coach and scout. Charlie was heavily involved in charitable activities, providing college scholarships to people in need, and started his own celebrity golf tournament.
While getting his knee replaced, a malignant tumor was discovered. Sanders passed away in 2015 after battling cancer.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
336
4817
14.3
31
54
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
