Topps Fire 2015, #18Panini Contenders Draft Picks, #96
NOTES:
After he smudged one of the cards I wanted him to sign that I had previously sent to him, I waited a year and gave him another shot on two more cards. He did however return that Upper Deck College Legends in almost record time in just 4 days flat.
Topps really had come a long way over the years, and their Fire branded entry was really high end stuff. When I got this card, I knew I wanted to eventually get it signed. Tony appears in most of the Panini stuff, and I still need to possibly go back and get him on one last card or two, but who knows if he will still be signing by then as CTE has really taken its toll on the former stalwart back.
Wes Chandler WR at Florida from 1974 to 1977 posting 93 receptions for 1994 yards and 22 TDs.
Also moonlighted rushing the ball 61 times for 353 yards and 6 TDs in his Senior campaign, finishing 10th in Heisman voting.
Selected 3rd overall in the first round of the 78 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Had 1069 yards on 65 receptions, including a career long 85 yard long the following year.
Traded during the 1981 season to San Diego.
Chandler finished out the year with 1142 yards on 69 receptions.
In 1982 led NFL during strike shortened season with 1032 yards and 9 TDs in just 8 games.
Had career high 1199 yards and 10 TDs in 1985.
After the 1987 season, joined the 49ers for final year in 88 playing in 4 games.
Has seen extensive time coaching in a variety of leagues including the Orlando Thunder, UCF, Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, Berlin Thunder, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, New York Sentinels, and the California Golden Bears.
Briefly served as the commissioner of the MLFB before it reorganized in 2017.
CAREER ACCOLADES:
Earned Pro Bowl Honors in 79, 82, 83, and 85
First Team All Pro 1982
San Diego Chargers 40th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers 50th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Chandler has been overlooked by the Pro Football Hall of Fame numerous times, primarily due to the fact that he played during the dead ball era.
Card: Upper Deck College Legends 2011 Acquired: 2020, EBay
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Charles White played for runningback USC from 1976 to 1979.
He dominated the college charts rushing for personal highs in yardage each year.
His efforts culminated in winning the Heisman trophy in 1979 when White rushed for 2050 yards and 19 TDs on 332 carries.
White’s was selected late in the first round of the 1980 draft by the Cleveland Browns.
His first 5 years in Cleveland were middling, as he rushed for 942 yards on 276 carries, losing his entire 1983 campaign to an injured ankle.
Charles battled drug abuse (specifically cocaine) throughout his college and pro career.
In 1985 he joined the LA Rams and was reunited with his college head coach John Robinson.
After getting clean, 1987 would be a bellwether year for White as he rushed for a career high 1374 yards and 11 TDs on 324 carries as the immediate beneficiary of the Eric Dickerson trade.
Retired in 1989, but returned to USC to coach RBs from 1993-1997.
ACCOLADES:
1979 Heisman Trophy
1987 NFL Rushing Leader
1987 NFL Rushing TD Leader
1987 Comeback Player of the Year
1987 Pro Bowl
1987 First Team All-Pro
College Football Hall of Fame
USC Jersey Retired (12)
RUSH
YDS
AVG
LG
TD
780
3075
3.9
58
23
REC
YDS
AVG
LG
TD
114
860
7.5
36
1
NOTES:
Over his career, Charles White’s 3075 yards seems a bit more impressive considering a season completely sidelined by injury, was riddled by drug abuse, and the fact he only started just 40 games.
EPITAPH:
Charles White, legendary RB who still holds the career rushing record for the USC program, died today at the age of 64, due to complications from liver cancer.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
