CARD: Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: EBay, 2023
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Gene Upshaw played OL for Texas A&I from 1963-’66.
He was selected by Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 1967 draft.
Considered one of the finest OL to ever play, was a fixture at OG for the Raiders for 16 seasons.
Has numerous distinctions on resume, including being the first player to appear in a Super Bowl in 3 different decades, and most consecutive starts to begin NFL career (231).
Offensive team captain for 9 seasons (1973-’81).
Was a firsthand witness to many of the NFL’s most memorable games such as the Ghost to the Post, The Sea of Hands, and the Holly Roller.
During NFL career became extremely active in union activity with the NFLPA, eventually ascending to Executive Director.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
All Pro 1970, ’74, ’77
Second Team All Pro 1971-’73, ’75
Pro Bowl 1972-’77
All AFL All Star 1968
NFL All Decade Team 1970s
Byron Whizzer White Award 1980
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame
1982 A. Phillip Randolph Award
NOTES:
Gene had long passed by the time I got around to this set, so I thought it’d be a challenge to get any of the deceased players. Much to my amazement his autograph showed up a few years ago on EBay on this exact card- but I forgot to place a bid and missed out on it. I was kicking myself for quite a while on it until this one popped up at the same time Willie Davis appeared. I pulled the trigger on both and was able to add both of them to my collection.
It should be noted that Gene’s autograph… is upside down.
EPITAPH:
9/20/2008- Gene passed away suddenly from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by friends and family at the Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA. He was 63.
After his passing his family established a foundation in his name, and an annual golf tournament to help cover patient and family costs, at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.
Haven Moses played WR for Los Angeles Harbor Community College from 1964-65.
Joined San Diego State under offensive guru Don Coryell, playing there in 1966-67.
9th overall pick of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
A dangerous deep bomb threat, Haven amazingly never failed to average below 15.8 yards per catch in any of his 14 seasons.
A feat that’s even more amazing considering he played during the entire Dead Ball era of the 70s.
In 1969, caught 39 passes for 752 yards, and 5 TDs.
Traded during the 1972 season to the Denver Broncos.
Caught 28 passes for 518 yards and 8 TDs in 1973.
In 1979 had a career high 943 yards (54 catches), and 6 TDs.
Retired after the 1981 season.
ACCOLADES:
Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
AFL All-Star 1969
Pro Bowl 1973
College Number 25 Retired- San Diego State
Colorado Sports Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Haven Moses doesn’t get the acclaim he deserves as the Broncos only appeared in one Super Bowl in the 70s- And his stats are muted because he played during the Dead Ball era. He’s another player that should garner more Hall of Fame consideration, considering his insane yards per catch, but is buried beneath a growing roster of players from more pass happy eras.
I got Roger many, many years ago in person at Cowboys training camp, but over the last few years there was a few cards I added to my collection from sets I really wanted to get signed. Staubach was kind enough to sign 1 of 2, but also sent a note back saying not to write to him again.
Staubach was also one of these players whose fee and signing habits changed wildly over the last 20 years. There was also a rumor that he had a ghost signer. While I couldn’t verify whether or not that was true, this autograph is certainly different than the one I got in person back in the 90s.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
