Category Archives: NFL

NFL, usfl

Newton, Nate “The Kitchen”

Cards: Action Packed 1992, GameDay 1992, Fleer 1990
Acquired: In Person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1990, 1992, 1997

Nate Newton. In the age of gigantic offensive linemen, Nate Newton certainly set the tempo. It seemed like every training camp that you’d hear about Nate showing up 15-30 pounds overweight- and the media would eagerly report it. A man whose personality was almost as big as his girth, you could count on Newton to have a great media soundbyte or something to say back to fans as he signed cards. His nickname “The Kitchen” was also a humorous poke at his weight and the fact that he was as big as a kitchen.

Originally from Florida A&M, Newton would sign in 1984 with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the USFL. After not being drafted in the USFL dispersal draft in 1985, Nate would be signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys where after a few years became a refined and imposing tackle protecting Troy Aikman and clearing holes for Emmitt Smith. Playing  for the Cowboys Newton would go to the ProBowl 6 times, was named AP twice, and won 3 SuperBowl rings during his career through 1998. He’d finish out his tenure in the NFL playing one final season in 1999 for the Carolina Panthers.

Since retirement, “The Kitchen” has experienced a rocky road. After spending some time in prison for having 175 pounds of marijuana in his car, Newton has played it on straight and narrow. He isn’t apologetic for what he did, but he has claimed to have reformed going as far as becoming a regular church man. He has also spent some time working as an offensive coordinator for a football clinic near Dallas. Newton’s weight earlier this year dangerously spiraled out of control and was over 400 pounds, but he has since lost over 175 pounds.

Newton’s cards are interesting. At the first training camp in 1990, Newton signed the front of the card. After that, he made a habit of signing the back. Whether this was some unconscious acknowledgement of his weight or a way of scratching it out remains to be seen but because of his behavior and despite his stellar football career, Newton will probably never see the NFL Hall of Fame.

NFL

Bell, Nick

Cards: StarPics 1991, Action Packed Rookies 1991, GameDay 1992
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1993 Dallas Cowboys training camp

Nick Bell was drafted from Iowa by the Los Angeles Raiders in the second round of the 1991 draft. At 6-2, 255 he was a bruising powerback with highly deceptive speed and a vicious stiff arm. His rookie season would be limited to 9 games due to a bum hamstring. He’d start only one game but in garbage/ backup time Nick would still manage over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns. A whole season in 1992 would still not allow him to break the starting runningback lineup of the Raiders starting only one game again but this time making a bit over 350 yards. Named starting runningback  Bell would be chomping at the bit to perform in 1993, but nagging injuries including an ankle injury suffered in training camp would continue to dodge him and give creedence to durability as a major problem for the young back.  He’d start a career high 3 games, but averaging 2.7 yards a carry probably combined with the mounting injury concerns ended his career prematurely at the end of 27.

Information of Nick’s whereabouts since retirement are sketchy. He has done some coaching in Cedar Rapids as a minor league football coach and a highlight video of him has recently appeared on YouTube.

G/Gs 35/5   Rush 226      Yds 853      Avg 3.8     Td 7    Lg 66   |
Rec 21     Yds 213     Avg 10.3    Td 0    lg 24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui2g99ByNBI

Arena, NFL, XFL

Sabb, Dwayne “Big Saab”

Card: StarPics 1992
Acquired: Patriots Blitz 1993

Drafted out of tiny New Hampshire in the 5th round of the 1992 draft by the New England Patriots to play linebacker, Dwayne Sabb has had quite an interesting and lively career. He’d play for the Patriots initially through the 1996 season. A good backup for the team, he’d start 24 games over 5 seasons making 7 sacks, 3 picks, 92 tackles and 3 fumbles. After he left New England he’d sign with the Chargers for the 1997 season, but not make the squad. In 1998 he signed with Buffalo and had the same result.

Sabb would sit out a few seasons until the XFL arrived. He’d sign with the New York/New Jersey Hitmen in 2001 and would be one of the league’s leaders in sacks before it folded at the end of the season. He’d finish the season with 26 tackles and 4 sacks for the team. Dwayne afterwards would spend the remainder of his career in the Arena leagues playing fullback and linebacker for the New Jersey Gladiators in 2001 and 2002. After a moderately successful time there, he’d play one season for the Buffalo Destroyers (2003) and Philadelphia Soul in 2004 before retiring.