I mean, it’d been some 12 years since I TTMed Ray, and in that period he’s been off and on the TTM bandwagon, signing now albeit slowly for fans. I had developed set needs during that time- namely the Action Packed and Gameday sets, but I had also liked his Fleer as well. Seeing that I’d be lucky to get two, I decided to pack these two away and see what would happen. Among players I’d like to still meet from those yesteryears, Ray is still pretty high up there, due to him being probably my favorite Oiler on the DL.
The Stars & Stripes cards are among my least favorite sets, but my friend was taking a break from the hobby and was having a hard time. He couldn’t find a buyer so I offered to take a bunch off his hands. I didn’t really care what he sent me because I knew he was hard up and needed help. Getting a Childress was a bonus.
Big (6’6″, 357), man-mountain Lincoln Kennedy was an outstanding lineman for the Washington Huskies from 1988-92.
First team All-American in his senior campaign, earning player of the game honors 7 times that year.
Started originally as a defensive lineman, but was quickly moved to OL after redshirt freshman season, deployed effectively at both G and T.
First round pick (9th overall) of the Atlanta Falcons in 1993.
Had a rough transition to the NFL and by ’95 was traded to the Raiders for a 5th Round pick.
Moved to right tackle and solidified himself as an upper echelon player, playing for the Raiders for the next 7 seasons.
Joined the NFL Network in 2004 on NFL Total Access.
Toyed around with a comeback in 2005 with the Dallas Cowboys, but failed his physical.
Played in the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm from 2007-’08 and 2010.
Currently is in radio, working for Fox Sports.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 2000-02
All-Pro 2002
College Football HoF 2015
NOTES:
Kennedy was a great player who quietly flew under the radar until his retirement for me. I love his love for the sport, and how after he retired he decided to come back, so much so he opted to play in the Arena League to keep it sated.
CARDS: Pro Set 1991 Lombardi Award Winner, Action Packed Rookies 1991, Gameday 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o The Zorich Group* SENT: 9/22 RECEIVED: 10/4 (12 days) FAILURE: TTM C/o Home, 2012, 2020, 2021 * Fee enclosed
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played for Notre Dame from 1988-90 at NT/DT.
Posted 219 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 6 fumble recoveries over college career.
Looking to reload an aging defensive line the Chicago Bears drafted Zorich during the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
Playing in a rotation, Chris didn’t see significant starting time until the following year, posting 53 tackles, 2 sacks, and a fumble recovery.
Best year came in 1993, posting 121 combined tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in first full 16 game slate.
Had 5.5 sacks and 72 total tackles in 1994.
In final full season in Chicago had 58 total tackles, and a sack.
Split final half year in 1997 between Chicago and Washington, retiring after season.
Action Packed Rookies 1991, #25Pro Set 1991, #33
ACCOLADES:
Lombardi Award 1991
Pro Bowl 1993
NOTES:
Well as you can see here, I tried Chris quite a few times. The first time I tried him back in 2012, I was unaware he’d just been sentenced for tax evasion to prison. I tried again when he resurfaced as an athletic director at Chicago State but again got burnt. Finally I closed in during 2021- where he sent a buckslip requesting a fee. I jumped at the shot to finally get Chris after 3 previously unsuccessful attempts and added him on pretty much all my set needs to close the book on this one. He got back all the cards to me at a quick clip, sent me a personal certification of his autograph, and typed form letter thanking me for being a fan.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
321
16.5
6
0
0
-.-
0
-.-
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
