Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Duhe, A.J.

Cards: Topps 1985, Topps 1979
Acquired: Canton Aquisition 2012

AJ Duhe was a defensive end drafted in the first round out of LSU by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th pick of the 1977 draft. His rookie campaign netted him AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors that season where he started all 14 games and forced 2 fumbles, recorded 7 sacks, and 83 tackles. After another solid season in 1978, AJ was moved to linebacker in 1979 and played there the rest of his career. You see during that period, offensive linemen were really starting to get bigger, and Duhe was about 20 pounds too light to be at defensive end.  Things paid off for him and the Dolphins by 1981 where AJ was named to the AFC All UPI team at linebacker, recording 84 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He’s probably best known for helping the Dolphins reach the 1983 Super Bowl, by making 3 interceptions against the Jets in the AFC Championship Game that season. One of his interceptions set up a crucial score and the second pick he returned for a touchdown. (In Dolphins history AJ’s Championship performance remains one of the team’s greatest single player defensive efforts in a game, outside of Jake Scott in Super Bowl VII.) Injuries over the final 18 months of his career to his knee, ankle, and shoulder finally ended it in 1984.

Duhe is considered an LSU legend. Over his time at the college he averaged over 72 tackles a season and earned All SEC Honors in 1976 at defensive tackle. He makes appearances from time to time for the college to sign autographs for fans. AJ is also an avid cook and outdoor grill artist. He’s also done some small bit acting including an episode of “Miami Vice” from the 1980s.

 

G/Gs 109/89    Tac N/a   Sac  N/a   Fum 6
Int 3   Yds 18  Avg 6.0  Lg 11

NFL, WLAF

Gabbard, Steve

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: TTM 2012, C/o Home
Sent: 7/6  Received: 7/28  (22 days)

Steve Gabbard played collegiality at Florida State as a defensive tackle, but his 6’3″, 293 frame screamed offensive line to coaches in the NFL. The Eagles signed him as a free agent in 1989, and moved Gabbard to tackle, stashing him on their practice squad. In 1991, the World League of American Football was just getting started and the London Monarchs used their first offensive line pick on him. It would prove to be bountiful for the Monarchs, as their line yielded only 10 sacks on the whole season.  Along with Steve, teammates Doug Marrone, and Paul Berardelli were named first team All World along the offensive line helping pave the way for an offense that averaged 380.6 yards per game.  After the season, Steve signed with the Green Bay Packers where he appeared in 4 games for the team.  He signed his lone WLAF card for me and wrote ‘God Bless!’, On the envelope. Really a nice find.

 

NFL, ufl

Arrington, JJ

Card: SP Authentic 2006
Acquired: Target Authentic Memorabilia 2012

A surprise diamond in the rough from originally College of the Canyons and then later at Cal, JJ Arrington ran for at least 100 yards in every game for the Golden Bears in 2004 piling up 2,018 yards.  The yards were be the most since Marcus Allen, and this earned Arrington All-American Honors.  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2005 draft and immediately penciled in as the team’s starter at tailback to replace retiring Emmitt Smith. It was rough for Arrington to adjust to the pro game. He ended up splitting time with Marcel Shipp and started only 5 games, but gained 370 yards on 112 carries and scored 3 TDs.  JJ got moved to kick returner the following season as the team’s infatuation with free agent runningbacks shifted to Edgerrin James. Arrington saw little time in the backfield. Still he had a banner season as a returner with 67 returns for 1520 yards, a 22.7 average and a 99 yard touchdown. As Arrington finally saw a breakthrough taking the #2 slot behind James in 2007, the team used him sparingly and primarily as a 3rd down back/ kick returner recording 29 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown. He’d have his best season in 2008 as a kick returner, only returning 36 kicks for 923 yards- but was relegated again to 3rd string behind Tim Hightower. He’d make good for a 25.6 yard average and a 93 yard touchdown. Arrington again caught 29 balls for 255 yards and a TD, helping the Cardinals reach their first Superbowl. When the season concluded, JJ was cut by the Cardinals after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee.

In 2009, the Denver Broncos took a chance on Arrington signing him to their backfield. He’d be an ideal fit for their system- but failed his physical due to the knee, and was cut. JJ signed with the Broncos again in 2010,  and looked good in camp, so good that Denver traded him to the Eagles, but he’d be released prior to the beginning of the season. JJ played for the  Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL in 2011 but after a lot of buzz on the signing, he was cut by the team. Currently he remains a free agent.