Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Donaldson, Ray

Card: Pro Set 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, Colts Blitz

After an impressive career at Georgia, Ray Donaldson was originally a second round choice of the Baltimore Colts back in 1980.  He would take over the starting duties at the postion in 1981 and saw the team through the final years in Baltimore, the Eric Dickerson years and up through the beginning of the Jeff George era. He’d play for the Colts franchise through 1992, earning a Pro Bowl Nod from 1986-1989.  In 1993 Ray signed with the Seahawks playing for the team through the end of the 1994 season. He’d then sign with the Dallas Cowboys, replacing departed Mark Stepnoski playing two additional seasons. Ray would experience a late career renaissance and return to the Pro Bowl in 1995 and 1996 before retiring with 17 seasons under his belt.

In 2006, Donaldson was honored with an induction into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.  His 184 games started ranks 4th on the Colts all time list and 1st among linemen for the franchise. A 6 time Pro Bowler Ray Donaldson lives in Indianapolis and is currently a high school football coach. He holds the odd accomplishment of being the first African-American football player to play center.

NFL

Johnston, Daryl

Card: Topps 1990
Acquired: In Person 1990, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

The Cowboys made some shrewd moves during their first draft with Jimmy Johnson, drafting fullback Daryl Johnston out of Syracuse at the top of the second round in 1989. A sound and accomplished blocker and a tough inside runner with nice hands, Johnston is one of the most unsung members of the Dallas Cowboys’ dynasties of the 1990’s.

His rookie season would be impressive for a fullback. Johnston made 16 receptions including 3 touchdowns, while running for 212 yards (which would turn out to be a career high). Johnston got some due, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1993, while making a career high 50 receptions for 372 yards, and 1994 when he made 44 receptions for 325 yards. Frequently utilized as a short yardage back, Johnston was frighteningly effective, whether it was as a receiver or rusher in the Cowboys offense.

Affectionately nicknamed “Moose” by teammate Babe Laufenberg, anytime he touched the ball you could hear fans cheer his nickname. Daryl played for the Cowboys through 1999, but as neck injuries and concussions took their toll on the selfless fullback, he’d be forced to retire.

Johnston jumped right into the broadcasting booth working both College and Pro games. Daryl has a workmanlike efficiency to his broadcasting and unlike other commentators doesn’t grate on the nerves.  

A humanitarian, Johnston has been quite active in charities- but at this time may never be considered for the statistically driven Pro Football HoF, and has yet to be inducted into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Johnston is credited as being the ‘first’ fullback to be named to the Pro Bowl, as before 1993 the position didn’t exist as an electable category.

G/Gs  151/122   Rush 232     Yds 753   Avg  3.2     Td 8    Lg  18  |
Rec 294  Yds 2227   Avg 7.6     Td 14    Lg  28

NFL

Bono, Steve

Cards: Score 1992, GameDay 1992
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 6/14     Received: 6/20  (6 days)

Another near record signature from another former 49er, -Steve Bono was a local UCLA graduate that was the 3rd quarterback taken in the 1985 draft. Considered one of the weaker quarterback classes, he’d be one of only 3 quarterbacks taken in 6 rounds. Signed by the Minnesota Vikings, Bono would play behind Tommy Kramer and Wade Wilson. Staying there through 1986, Steve moved to Pittsburgh, backing up Mark Malone and fought it out with Bubby Brister for 2nd string from 87-88. It’d be in 1989 when Steve would return home to California and sign with the 49ers, to back up Joe Montana and Steve Young. With injuries ailing Montana and Young, Steve would step into the starting lineup in 1991 leading San Fransisco to a 5-1 record. This would ignite a brief quarterback controversy between the two signal callers when Montana was traded to Kansas City- but that eventually was squelched by Young’s outstanding play. Bono continued to back up Young through the 1993 season.

In 1994 ironically Bono was traded from the 49ers to the Chiefs- again to back up Joe Montana under head Marty Schottenheimer. After the 1994 season concluded, Montana retired and Bono was given the keys to the franchise. The following two seasons of 1995 and 96, became the most prolific of his Steve’s career. He’d lead the Chiefs to a 13-3 record, throwing for 3121 yards, 21 touchdowns and only 10 picks in 1995, earning a ProBowl nomination at the end of the season.  In 1996, Bono would go 8-5 in a largely down season with 12 touchdowns to 13 picks. After the 1996 season, Bono signed with the Packers backing up Brett Favre for 1997.  He’d then move on to St. Louis in 1998, ending his career after the 1999 season  as Steve Beuerlein‘s back up in Carolina.

Bono was one of the best 3rd string quarterbacks in the league, posting a 28-14 career record over 14 seasons. He also had a 76 yard touchdown run in 1995 which was an NFL record at the time (since eclipsed by Kordell Stewart’s 80 yard gallop). It’s even more amazing because Bono was a career 2.1 yards per carry rusher. Currently Steve is a financial advisor, and is a golf nut. He also volunteers his time with the National Kidney Foundation.

G/Gs  88/42      Att  1701    Comp 934       Yds 10439         Pct   54.9      Td 62      Int 42      Rat   75.3   |
Rush  125   Yds 257     Avg 2.1    Td 7      lg  76t