In a card that looks good but is obviously staged you had to wonder who this man mountain was. Calvin Stephens was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the New England Patriots out of South Carolina. Considered the Gamecocks best blocker over his career there, Calvin would start 39 games while at SC at both guard and tackle. Although he was undersized at 6’2″, 285, he made up for his lack of height with incredible strength (510 pound bench press) and teammates remarked of his persona which was that of a gentle giant. He’d earn a degree in criminal justice, be All-American Honorable Mention, and play in the Blue Gray All-Star Game.
Unfortunately, Calvin’s 1991 season with the Patriots would be completely lost to injury from a torn tricep. He’d return in 1992 for the Patriots and played in 11 games, starting 1 along the way as an injury substitute against Miami. With new management coming into New England for the 1993 season, Stephens would be amongst the final cutdowns of the preseason along with Tom Hodson.
He’d retire from professional football after 2 seasons and return to South Carolina, where he passed away unexpectedly on June 11th, 2010 at the age of 42.
Linebacker Frank Bush was a 5th round choice of the Oilers in 1985. He played admirably in his rookie season and was named to numerous all-rookie teams. Unfortunately in 1986 Bush would be diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal- a career ending prognosis. The Oilers would immediately bring him onboard with their coaching staff starting as a scout where he’d stay on board through 1994. In 1995 he moved to the Denver Broncos- winning two Super Bowl rings serving in a variety of capacities for the team including linebackers coach, and secondary coach. Bush would stay there through 2003, leaving to coach linebackers and be assistant coach to Dennis Green in Arizona. The Texans new coach in 2005, Gary Kubiak wanted to bring Bush on board as his defensive coordinator, but was unable to wrest him from the Cardinals staff. Bush would be hired by the Texans in 2007 and serve initially as a defensive assistant under Richard Smith. With Smith relieved of his coaching duties in 2008, Frank would get his chance at defensive coordinator. That season the team would blitz aggressively and the defensive unit would improve steadily through the season against the run and pass after an incredibly rough start. 2010 would not be so fortunate. Starting an extremely young secondary the team would give up 24 points in 14 of 16 games, allowing opposing quarterbacks post over a 100 average QB rating. The team would finish a disappointing 6-10 and Bush would be relieved of his job. He wouldn’t be out of a job long and caught on quickly with the Tennessee Titans where in 2011 he is now serving as their linebackers coach.
Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Birmingham Fire
John Holland was part of the staunch defensive secondary of the Birmingham Fire that helped them make the playoffs both years of the WLAF.
Originally a member of the British Columbia Lions after graduating from Cal State Sacramento in 1989, Holland was drafted by the Birmingham Fire in the 4th round of the player allocation draft. Nicknamed “JR” and “Hollywood”, Holland during the 1991 season would make 38 tackles, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery- good enough for second team All World Honors. He’d return again to the Fire for the 1992 season and make another interception.
As the league WLAF restructured, John caught on with San Fransisco 49ers and played with them in 1993. Later that year he’d sign with Edmonton of the CFL and play with them for the next 3 seasons. (He’d also undergo a name change at some point and begin going by Robert.) In 1994 Robert would make 8 interceptions and be named to the Canadian All Star team. He’d play again for British Columbia and Saskatchewan in 1996, before returning one more time to BC to close out his career in 1997.
G/Gp 20/20 Tac N/a Sac N/a Fum N/a
Int 4 Yds 55 Avg 12.7 Lg 17 Td 0
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