CARDS: Gameday 1992, Skybox 1992, Action Packed 1991
ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home
SENT: 4/21 RECEIVED: 5/6 (15 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Gene Atkins played defensive back at Florida A&M.
• He was a 7th round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1987.
• A big hitter with tremendous speed, Gene also handled kick returning duties averaging 21.2 yards per return (71 returns) over his career with the Saints.
• Played Strong Safety and was a solid find for NO, posting 3 interceptions his rookie season and 4 in 1988.
• Converted to Free Safety in 1990, replacing Dave Waymer in the lineup, posting 5 forced fumbles.
• Best season arguably came in 1991 when Gene recorded 5 interceptions for a league leading 198 yards, along with 4 forced fumbles, and 75 tackles.
• Signed with the Dolphins in 1994, finishing his career there after 1997.

ACCOLADES:

• All Rookie Team 1987

NOTES:

Gene’s son, Geno played DT most notably for the Bengals. It is said that Gene suffers from early onset dementia due to concussions sustained from playing football. A fairly rare signer, I felt very fortunate to get Gene’s autograph.

I felt like Gene should’ve gotten a Pro Bowl nod for his titanic 1991 season, but with a logger jam of great safeties out there, he didn’t get in. He had some great cards over the years and also makes an appearance in Tecmo Super Bowl.

TAC	SAC	FUM	INT	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
614	8.0	15	25	348	13.9	0	79