Category Archives: CFL

CFL, NFL, WLAF

Buddenberg, John

Cards: Ultimate World League 1992, Jogo 1994, Jogo 1995
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 8/29 Received: 10/8 (40 days)

A three year starter at the University of Akron at tackle, John Buddenberg clocked in at 6’5″, 279. He’d be selected in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and then later spent time on the rosters of the Minnesota Vikings (1989) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1990). During his time in the NFL, Buddenberg was shifted inside to play guard.

In 1991 John was selected by the Sacramento Surge of the World League of American Football. A stalwart member of the Surge’s offensive line front, he played in all 20 regular season games for the franchise over the lifetime of the World League (1991-1992), earning first-team All-World League in ’92. For both years he’d return to the NFL and was on the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.

After the World League reorganized following the 1992 season- the Sacramento Surge jumped to the CFL and became the Goldminers. John joined the franchise and played both guard and tackle for Sacramento in 1994, and (for the franchise when it moved to San Antonio and became) the Texans in 1995.

John currently lives in Ohio. He responded with a nice note and two extra autographed cards (the Jogo ones) thanking me for being a fan of the World League.

CFL, NFL

Slaton, Steve (3)

Cards: Playoff Prestige 2009 Xtra Points, Topps Lettermen 2009, Upper Deck 2009 Black (2/25)
Acquired: 2019, Future Considerations
See Also: Steve Slaton, Steve Slaton (2)

Runningbacks have always held a special place in my heart- especially after the Texans took center stage for me. After Dominick Davis/ Williams knee gave out- Slaton stepped in for the Texans and really carried that rock- but just like Davis- he suffered a similar injury changing moment to his career when he injured his neck. I loved Steve. He was a little guy who did it all- and like Davis looking back he’s one of the players I missed graphing in person, because I didn’t really come back to the hobby until 2010.

The Upper Deck Black card? – Now that- that is a piece of art and the gold autograph really compliments it well. If I was Steve I would’ve told them to give me a copy of this card blown up for his wall. It’s that nice. I love the subliminal laurels there on the card.
Everything about it is framed perfectly and the legibility and delivery is spot on.

Panini Prestige 2009 is a bit over dressed- but I am okay with that. It is a great action shot of Steve, with very vibrant color. Otherwise there’s nothing too amazing about it.

The Topps Letterman card- I’m not sure what is going on. The patches are nice, even if it isn’t authentic material, but the placement of everything around it feels slap-dashed from the imagery on either side to the autograph itself on a sticker sorta thrown on top.

I got this friend that I’m helping with autographs up in NY, much like Deadhorse and Lance. Since I get a few more events and things going on here, I spot him from time to time, and he in return looks out for me. These were bonuses for helping him out on a few Longhorn autographs he needed- even though there are still some big fish out there I am looking for.

Arena, CFL, NFL, WLAF

Dickson, Wayne

Card: Ultimate World League 1992
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 9/6 Received: 10/28 (52 days)

Wayne Dickson played in college for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1986 to 1989. He jumped from linebacker to defensive end in 1988, and then in his Senior year, Wayne was an All Big 8 Honorable mention.

After going unselected in the 1990 NFL draft, Wayne signed with the San Diego Chargers but did not make the squad. He quickly found a home in the CFL with the British Columbia Lions, and then in 1991 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders where he recorded 2 sacks.

Dickson then be selected by the Orlando Thunder of the WLAF and slotted in at left inside linebacker. He’d lead the team in sacks with 5, and was actually the team leader in tackles- before an injury ended his season. Wayne returned to the Thunder in ’92, and added 2 more sacks to his resume as Orlando played in World Bowl II. Following the reorganization of the World League, Wayne joined the Arena Football League, seeing a stint with the Orlando Predators in 1994. In 1995, Wayne was briefly on the radar of the Dallas Cowboys- attending training camp and honing his skills alongside Charles Haley. He then played one final season in 1996 for the doomed Texas Terror Arena franchise posting a sack, before hanging up his cleats.

I wish they (WLAF/NFL) had given us the 5 year time table that they had originally promised!

– Wayne Dickson

A spirited return from former linebacker and Orlando Thunder player Wayne Dickson, as he wrote me a full page response and thanked me for writing. In it he detailed a small bit of trivia: That his first name was ‘Elvis’. (Little did he know, this was how I found him to begin with!) A great card of Wayne here. I just love how his fingers are wrapped in playing tape.

CFLTACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
12252000-.-0-.-
WLAFTACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
N/A7.0000-.-0-.-
ARENATACSACFUMINTYDSAVGTDLG
14192100-.-0-.-