NFL

Solomon, Freddie (1953-2012)

Upper Deck Legends 1997 Certified, #AL-167

CARD: Upper Deck Legends 1997
ACQUIRED: EBay, 2022

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Freddie Solomon played college ball at Tampa.
  • He was a virtuoso as QB, RB, or WR.
  • Over his college career he accumulated 1573 yards passing and 10 TD passes, 2009 yards from scrimmage and 20 TDs on 366 touches.
  • Selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
  • Caught 22 passes for 339 yards and 2 TDs his rookie year.
  • Also played on special teams, racking up 348 KR yards, and 26 punt returns for 320 yards and a 60 yard TD.
  • Although not a factor in the Dolphins passing game the following two seasons either, he was a devastating punt returner, posting a 79 yard TD in ’76, and 11.4 yards per return overall in Miami.
  • After a 252 yards from scrimmage against the Bills and 3 TDs, San Fransisco’s interest was piqued.
  • Traded to the 49ers in 1978 along with safety Vern Roberson, and first and fifth round draft picks for RB Delvin Williams.
  • The 9ers saw Freddie’s potential and gave him plenty of opportunities at WR.
  • Set the franchise mark for longest TD grab at 92 yards in 1980.
  • Freddie had a career high 59 catches for 969 yards in 1982.
  • He’d also do PR duty as well, returning 2 for TDs in 1980.
  • A key member of SF’s early Super Bowl runs, Freddie played 8 seasons for San Fransisco, posting 310 receptions for 4,873 yards and 43 TDs.
  • Freddie retired after the 1985 season.

ACCOLADES:

  • 1975 All Rookie Team

NOTES:

I waited this one out for about 3 years, until the market started collapsing. I gambled that since Freddie was considered a lesser star, I would be able to get him at a pretty decent price.

EPITAPH:

Freddie passed away February 13th, 2012 after a 9 month battle from liver and colon cancer. He was just 59.

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