Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Johnson, Rudi ‘Auburn Rambler’ (1979-2025)

CARD: Score 2009 Gold Zone Certified
ACQUIRED: eBay, 2025
FAILURE: TTM 2020, C/o Home

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • After honing his skills at RB in Junior College at Butler CC in 1998 and 1999, Rudi played in 2000 at Auburn.
  • He blew the barn doors off the SEC rushing a conference leading 324 times for 1567 yards (and 13 TDs).
  • A surprising 4th round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001.
  • Rode the bench primarily his first few seasons behind incumbent RB Corey Dillon.
  • Rudi stepped up after Dillon got injured in 2003 and never looked back.
  • Rushed for a career high 43 times for 182 yards and 2 TDs against the Texans that year.
  • Dillon was traded to the Patriots before the 2003 season clearing the way for Rudi to start in 2004.
  • He’d rush for 1454 yards on a career high 361 carries and 12 TDs.
  • Then in 2005, Johnson had a career high 1458 yards on 337 carries, again scoring 12 TDs.
  • And to finish the trifecta in 2006, Rudi ran 341 times for 1309 yards and another 12 TDs.
  • The 1000+ carries Rudi had over the last 3 seasons finally caught up to him, as in 2007 he spent 5 games on the bench due to injury.
  • Unable to find a trading partner, Rudi was cut at the end of camp by the Bengals who were making way for new blood at RB.
  • Rudi signed with and played his final season with the Detroit Lions running for 237 yards and a TD in 2008.
  • Johnson lived a private life and was involved in the community through his foundation post football, however he struggled mightily with the weight of mental health.

ACCOLADES:

  • Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame
  • Pro Bowl 2004
  • NJCAA Hall of Fame

NOTES:

A punishing runner who never shied from a hit, I’ve always wanted Rudi’s autograph on a card, and even though he’s most fondly remembered as a Bengal, I’ll take a certified on a set need from the Lions.

EPITAPH:

9/23/25- Rudi Johnson ended his life tragically at his own hands at the age of 45. He struggled with mental health after his playing career ended and it has been suggested that he was suffering from CTE.

In his final message to his fans via Youtube, Rudi encouraged everyone to, “Never give up.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health please contact the Nation Mental Health Hotline at 1-866-903-3737.

NFL

Smith, Jason (OT)

CARDS: Donruss Rookies & Stars 2009 Dress for Success, Donruss Rookies & Stars Freshmen Orientation, Score 2009 Certified Inscriptions
ACQUIRED: Ebay, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Jason Smith played OT at Baylor from 2004-’08.
  • Over that time there he bulked up to 6’5″, 308, and became a darling at the combine, recording impressive and quick numbers for a big man.
  • He’d be selected number 2 overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2009, and was slated immediately in to start seeing action at both tackle positions.
  • Quietly he’d be beaten out in camp in 2010.
  • Traded to the Jets in 2012 in exchange for T Wayne Hunter.
  • Signed with the Saints in 2013 but did not make the squad.
  • Rejoined the Jets but was released a week later, effectively ending his playing career.
  • Jason has transitioned into coaching where he’s worked at North Texas and Abilene Christian.

NOTES:

I like this era of football cards and the subsets Dress for Success and Freshman Orientation were really great looking cards. It was nice to find these patch certified autographs at such a bargain.

NFL

Zander, Carl

CARD: Pro Set 1989, Pro Set 1990, Score 1990
ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home
SENT: 2/21 RECEIVED: 5/12 (80 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Carl Zander played LB for the Tennessee Vols from 1981-’84.
  • He led the team in tackles as a Senior with 167 and finished second on the team as a Junior.
  • A second round choice of the Bengals in 1985.
  • Became a starter in last 1/3rd of season and had 60 tackles, a sack and recovered fumble in his rookie season.
  • Fast and physical, Zander had 97 tackles and 3.5 sacks in ’86.
  • Followed that up with 61 tackles in 1987.
  • Continued to play with the Bengals through the 1991 season.
  • At last glance was on the off-season roster of the Colts in 1992.

NOTES:

Carl doesn’t get enough respect, and was the team’s defensive signal caller and captain for much of his career. Bengal fans remember him well for the game winning goal line stuff of Stump Mitchell during Cincinnati’s 1988 Super Bowl run.

Classy and great cards of Zander here. I was very happy to add him on these three cards.