CARDS: Pro Set 1989 ACQUIRED: 2021, Future Considerations
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Scott Norwood played kicker at James Madison from 1978-’81.
He was also a talented soccer player as well.
Signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 1982 but did not make the roster.
Joined the USFL playing for the Birmingham Stallions from 1983-’84.
Was 38 of 39 on XP and 28 of 38 on field goals, scoring 122 points.
After the collapse of the USFL, Scott signed with the Buffalo Bills in 1984.
In 1988, kicked a league leading 32 field goals and had 122 points.
Led the NFL in extra points in both 1990 and 1991.
Released after the ’91 season in favor of Steve Christie.
At time of retirement was the team’s all time leading scorer with 670 points.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1988
All Pro 1988
NOTES:
I’m not sure if it’s true or if it’s an urban legend but it’s said that the song ‘Stuck in a Moment’ by U2 from their album ‘Beautiful Day’, was inspired by Scott’s struggles after missing the game winning kick in Super Bowl XXV. The video certainly hints to that as it takes place in a football stadium.
I really feel for Scott. He really took a beating in the media after missing the kick and the Bills unceremoniously dumped him after the 1991 season. Even after his career long ended, he was subjected to autograph hunters that wanted him to sign memorabilia that had to do with the kick, or personalize it with ‘wide right’. How can you move on when you are constantly reminded of it?
Scott obviously really doesn’t sign TTM, so when my friend Rick said he had an extra to give me, I was more than happy to take this off his hands.
A 5th round pick by the San Fransisco 49ers in 2009, Nate Davis played QB at Ball State.
Played 3 years for the Cardinals from 2006-’08 setting multiple school passing records.
Finished college career with 9,223 yards passing, completing 678 of 1,124 attempts, with 74 TDs to 22 picks.
Davis had a solid enough preseason in 2009 to make the squad as the emergency QB.
He didn’t see any playtime in his rookie season.
Spent 2010 on the ‘9ers practice squad.
Briefly saw time on the off-season roster of the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts in 2011.
It was at this point Nate became a hot prospect in the Spring indoor football system.
After two quick stints with the Kansas City Command and the Orlando Predators in 2012, Nate joined the Amarillo Venom of the LSFL.
Completed 212 of 381 attempts for 2,967 yards and 65 TDs.
The San Antonio Talons acquired his rights in the Arena Football League in 2013, but he refused to sign.
Instead Davis continued to play for the LSFL- this time with the Rio Grand Valley Sol in 2014.
He then resigned with the Amarillo Venom and played with the franchise from 2015-’19.
Signed with the Duke City Gladiators of the IFL, and spent 2020-’23 with the franchise, setting multiple passing records for the league.
In 2021, he passed for 2,901 yards and 79 TDs (10 INT), on 232 of 362 attempts.
Traded from Duke City to the San Diego Strike Force in 2023.
In 2024, Nate passed for 2,751 yards and 66 TDs for the Strike Force.
Threw a controversial TD against the Arizona Rattlers in the 2025 IFL playoffs as time expired lifting San Diego to a win.
ACCOLADES:
Ball State Cardinals Hall of Fame 2021
LSFL Offensive MVP 2012 (tie)
IFL Offensive Player of the Year 2021
NOTES:
I had been eyeballing Nate’s cards for a while. He had some really nice looking ones and after seeing the brouhaha about the Strike Force’s win over Arizona, I felt no time was better than this one! I actually had a Dress For Success Donruss ’09 patch auto coming to me, but unfortunately it got lost in the mail.
CARDS: Action Packed Rookies 1992, Star Pics 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home SENT: 12/26/23 RECEIVED: 1/16/24 (21 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Phillippi Sparks played DB for Arizona State from 1990-91, after starting his college football career at Glendale Junior College.
He tabulated 129 total tackles and 3 interceptions for 20 yards playing for the Sun Devils in 20 contests.
Selected in the second round of the ’92 Draft by the New York Giants.
After his first two seasons were marred by injury and being buried on the depth chart, Phillippi Sparks career began to take off in 1994, with 3 interceptions and 47 tackles.
His most complete season came either the year later or in ’97 both of which when he had 5 interceptions.
In his ’97 campaign he had a FF, a sack, and 74 tackles as well.
After 8 years in New York, he played one final season with the Cowboys in 2000.
In 12 starts he posted 5 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and 55 tackles.
NOTES:
Nice grab here as Phillippi signs only sporadically from time to time and I got him on a majority of my set needs right here out of the gates.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
