Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Nelson, Jordy

pla09 nelsonCard: Playoff Prestige 2009
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o  The Green Bay Packers
Sent: 12/2/13    Received: 1/16/14   (45 days)

Jordy Nelson played wide receiver for the Kansas State Wildcats of the Big 12. As with all Bill Snyder coached teams, Nelson was a member of a talented and underrated team led by quarterback Josh Freeman. A local product, Jordy was not only a quarterback and defensive back, but a basketball star and track and field athlete. Recruited like many multi-talented quarterbacks are these days- as a defensive back, he was shifted to wide receiver by Snyder during his Sophomore campaign, and responded by becoming the first Wildcat to catch a TD in the first seven games of a season, and lead them in virtually every receiving category that year.

The 2008 draft is notable as no wide receiver was taken in the first round. Beginning in the second though a small run on them began as the Rams took Donnie Avery (33) and the Redskins nabbed Devin Thomas (34).  The Packers were looking for a compliment to All-Pro Receiver Greg Jennings and luckily found Jordy still there with the 36th pick. His rookie season was not incredibly ground breaking, and neither was his 2009 season. In 2010, he’d lead all receivers in the Super Bowl with 9 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, but lose out on MVP honors to Aaron Rodgers. It’d be in 2011 that Jordy finally had a breakout season with 1,263 yards on 68 receptions and 15 touchdowns.  The team realizing the value of their investment, reupped their contract on Jordy. After the departure of Greg Jennings to Minnesota as a free agent in 2013, Jordy became the #1 receiver starting his first full 16 game slate. He’d post career highs again with 1,313 yards and 85 receptions.

I had gotten this patch card a while back when I got a value box at Target back in Pasadena. I thought it’d make a nice card to eventually get autographed. Although I had originally intended to get this and a Score 2009 (with the same photo) signed, Jordy kept to his observed tradition of keeping any multiples. I was fine with this, as novelty cards such as these have grown on me over time.

NFL

Brazile, Robert “Dr. Doom” (2)

to81 brazilleto76 brazille

Cards: Topps 1976, Topps 1981
Acquired: In Person 5/19,  Houston 610 Fan Fest 2013
See Also: Robert Brazile “Dr Doom”

Robert Brazile is another guy who was clearly ahead of his time and warrants merit into the Hall of Fame. Brazile was the forerunner to such guys that terrorized the scene of the 80’s, like Andre Tippett. He embodied everything that a 3-4 linebacker could do, playing the pass, run, and rushing the quarterback with frightening efficiency. He’d set the NFL on fire his rookie season, earning Defensive RotY honors in 1975. A cornerstone of the Oilers defensive front, Brazile was relied heavily upon by the team to put pressure up front during the Luv Ya Blu’ heyday of the franchise. He played 10 seasons for the team, contemplating retirement, but ultimately decided to do so after the sudden passing of his wife in 1984.

Brazile had probably the longest of all the lines at Fan Fest in 2013. I am sure that surprised him that so many people remembered him, and I’m sure he enjoyed that immensely. He loved it when I called him Dr. Doom, but he also told me that he hasn’t played tennis in a few years when I asked him about it. A bit disappointing, but I could find no card of Robert with him in an action pose. Every Topps card printed during this period was either a profile shot, him standing on the sidelines or sitting on the bench.


NFL, ufl

White, Dewayne

poff04 DeWhite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Card: Playoff Contenders 2004
Acquired: Box Breaker 2013, Target Autograph Memorabilia Pack

white FRA very inspiring story of overcoming long odds and tragedy, Dewayne White  overcame the loss of both his parents, two fires that destroyed family homes, and a serious knee injury during his senior year of high school. He went to school collegiality at Louisville, where he established himself as one of the nation’s most formidable pass rushers at defensive end, with an NCAA leading 27 sacks from 2000-2001.

He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with their 2nd round pick in the 2003 draft but did not see significant playing time that year. In 2004, White began to come into his own with 6 sacks and 23 tackles. In both 2005 and 2006, he recovered 3 fumbles in each season with increased playing time. 2007 was a change of scene for Dewayne, as he headed up to Detroit. In both 07 and 08 he had 6.5 sacks, but an injury plagued 09 season, in which he didn’t even register a sack, combined with an upcoming million dollar bonus, prompted the Lions to cut White early in 2010.

Dewayne was made the overall #1 pick of the Omaha Nighthawks in the 2010 UFL Draft. He finished the season with 5 tackles, a sack, and 2 pass defensed that season. I did a custom card of him, but since the league folded I never got a chance to get it signed.