Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Blanton, Robert “RJ”

leaf12YS blantonCard: Leaf Young Stars 2012
Acquired: 2013, Box Breaker

A tall, lanky Safety/Corner at 6’1″, 208, Robert Blanton played collegiality at Notre Dame, where he was one of the most coveted defensive backs coming out of High School. A steady producer, Blanton is coveted for his hybrid ability to play both safety and corner, especially in zone packages, or up tight against the run game. With an underwhelming 40 time, Robert makes up for it with good instincts, athleticism, and an impressive jam at the line of scrimmage. He also displayed some skill in the return game as a punt returner adding a touchdown to his resume. RJ finished with his best season in 2011 as a Senior posting 70 tackles, 1 sack, 2 picks, 1 FF, and 6 pass breakups for the Golden Domers.  Leslie Frazier and the Minnesota Vikings nabbed Blanton in the 5th round, feeling that he fits what they do in the Tampa-2 up there.  The Vikings officially penciled him in as a safety, and he saw his first playing time in the NFL against Tennessee (10/7), finishing with 13 total tackles (10 solo, 3 ast) in 2012. In 2013 RJ moved into the starting lineup and recorded a career high 13 tackles in the Vikings season finale over the Detroit Lions. He wound up with 60 tackles for the year but his first career interception continues to elude him.

NFL

Downs, Michael

to87 downsCard: Topps 1987
Acquired: In Person 2013, 12/28 Cowboys Rally Day

Always underrated, it seemed fitting that Cowboys safety Michael Downs followed up HoF defensive back Mel Renfro at the Rally Day. Many of the fans there in line didn’t know who he was or when he played for the Cowboys. I had remembered him from the early days when I watched the Landry Cowboys, and this card, that Josh dropped on the floor, that fell beneath the metal shelves I owned. As the boxes moved around my room, this card kept popping up, so I took it as a sign, and integrated it into the general collection. It has seen a lot of abuse over the years, bent edges and all, so it’s fitting that I’d remember it enough to get it signed when I had the chance.

Michael Downs wasn’t drafted out of Rice in 1981, so he signed with his hometown Cowboys anyway. He’d make the squad and start the first game as an injury substitution at free safety. Tested early and often, Downs quickly established himself as a feared enforcer with a nose for the ball. He made 7 picks his downsrookie season, but was snubbed for the Pro Bowl, finishing second on the team to fellow rookie free agent Everson Walls. Still he captured All-Rookie honors from the league, and consistently led the defensive secondary in tackles. Again in ’84 Downs had a fine season with 3.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 2 FF, but did not earn Pro Bowl honors. He’d be passed up again in 1986 after a 6 pick season. As the Cowboys slumped and Landry was removed after the 1988 season, Jimmy Johnson cut Downs almost outright from the team. Michael signed with the Cardinals where he finished out his career after the season. No hard feelings in the long run I’d guess, as Downs lives in the Dallas area, attended the demolishing of Cowboys Stadium, where he talked about his fond memories of his time with the ‘Boys, and makes appearances at Rally Days.  In media, he also made an appearance in the original Tecmo Bowl.

G/Gs  121/116    Tac   N/a      Sac  8.0        Fum 14
Int 35      Yds 470    Avg 13.4    Td 1      Lg 37

NFL

Treadwell, David

Card: Score 1993
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

David Treadwell was an excellent kicker for the Clemson Tigers.  Amazingly he started as a walk-on with an academic scholarship, who had only played soccer during High School.  He began his college career in 1984, as a backup to All-American kicker Donald Igwebuike, then took over full-time from 1985 to 1987.  Dave made 47-of-66 field-goal attempts over his playing career, including 18 of 22 in ’87 when he was an All-American.

The second time would end up being a charm for David, who had been in the Broncos 1988 training camp. Released before the season, he signed with Phoenix, which traded him back to Denver for a draft choice before the 1989 training camp. That season David was named to the All-Rookie team and the Pro Bowl that season, finishing with 120 points.  His 27 field goals that year, tied a 27 year old team record. He played with the Denver Broncos through the 1992 season posting well above 70% field goal completion while he played for the franchise. After the season he’d following head coach Dan Reeves with other loyalists to the New York Giants, and continue his solid kicking duties through the 1994 season. (Denver in the meantime found Jason Elam.) While he was dead on from short and medium range, Treadwell was not utilized from long range, nor on kickoffs. Rather the Giants carried an extra kicker (Brad Daluiso) for those capacities. This probably partially contributed to Dave being cut after the season by the Giants as a Salary Cap casualty. True to form, a closer look at his career stats reveals only 2 FGs attempted over 50 yards.

Treadwell was immortalized on the Broncos roster of Tecmo Super Bowl. He is retired in the Denver area, and is a real estate lawyer, sports agent, and sports radio personality.

G 93      XPA 188   XPM 182         FGA 175    FGM 135     PCT 77.1%