Category Archives: NFL

NFL, WLAF

Stephens, Richard “Shake”

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v Sacramento Surge

At 6″7′, 308, Richard Stephens was considered one of the WLAFs top 10 prospects. A strong drive blocker from the University of Tulsa, Stephens was taken in the 9th round of the 1989 draft by the Bengals. He’d also see time in the training camps of the Redskins and Jets before being drafted in the 2nd round of the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the Sacramento Surge.

Richard would play two seasons for the Surge at tackle and help the team win World Bowl II blocking for All World runningback and future CFL HoFer Mike Pringle. He’d go on to play in the NFL starting one game for both the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993 and  the Oakland Raiders in 1995.

NFL

Slaton, Steve

Card: Donruss Rookies and Stars 2009
Acquired: Texans Blitz 2009

Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2007 draft, the Texans were looking for some help at runningback after the sudden retirement of team career rushing leader Dominack Davis, and found it in the dimunitive package of Steve Slaton. At 5′ 9″, 197,  Slaton was slotted in to share time with Chris Brown as a 3rd down back, but with Brown injured, Slaton assumed the starting runningback duties full time. Steve would have an impact rookie season for the Texans, helping the team achieve their first non-losing record at 8-8. Extremely dangerous out of screen plays, he led all rookies in rushing yardage with 1282 yards rushing and 377 yards receiving.

Everybody saw bigger and brighter things for the young Steve Slaton in 2009 but some talked about the ‘sophomore slump’. Whether or not it was true, Slaton suffered a down year dogged by injuries and 7 fumbles. Slaton would admit himself that he was suffering from incredible neck pain and then it was discovered he had fractured a vertebra. After 11 games, Slaton would go on injured reserve. Still Steve did manage to catch 44 balls, for a career high 417 yards, but his effective yards from scrimmage were halved.

In the meantime the Texans discovered Arian Foster buried on their depth chart and by the start of the 2010 season, Steve faced a much different backfield than he was leading in 2009. In fact, the Texans drafted Ben Tate, and then they grabbed Derrick Ward via free agency. With Tate injured early on Slaton would be ensured a spot on the roster. He would do what he could as the team’s starting kick returner. Steve would average 19.7 yards a return on 39 kicks and finish with almost 1000 yards from scrimmage in 2010.

Steve’s situation in Houston remains cloudy. I really like the kid, and think he can perform in an Eric Metcalf sort of way provided he’s given the 3rd down back potential to do so, but at this time he remains buried on the depth chart. Rumors as of this date continue to swirl around him being traded and as a possible landing spot, -Washington has surfaced.

I was dismayed that one of my friends beat me to the punch and drafted him in my fantasy football draft in 2009, but luck shined my way and I ended up with Chris Johnson who had a 2000+ yard season and led me to a fantasy championship.

 

NFL, XFL

Pearson, Drew “Mr. Clutch”

Cards: Topps 1978, Topps 1981, Autograph Memorablila
Acquired: In Person 1992, 1993.  Lenscrafters Opening, Barton Creek Mall. South Austin Card Convention
See Also: Drew Pearson (2)

I’ve gotten Drew’s autograph twice during the heyday of the Dallas Cowboys involvement with Austin, Texas. The first time he appeared with Ed Jones at a Lenscrafters opening at Barton Creek Mall. My friend Josh and I would get their autographs after waiting about 2 hours in line, and then get lost trying to leave the mall. The second time we’d hear about a card convention in South Austin and pay 5 bucks for an autograph. We also got Harvey Martin‘s signature as well.

After graduating from Tulsa University in 1972, Pearson would sign a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 1973. After a typical rookie season with 22 receptions for 388 yards,  Drew’s career would take off in 1974 as he’d make his first 1000 yard season on 62 receptions.  He’d make at least 700 yards the next 4 seasons, and again break the 1000 yard barrier in 1979 tying his career high with 8 touchdowns receiving. As the 80s rolled around Pearson’s statistics would slowly spiral down until his retirement after the 1983 season.  Among his accomplishments are 3 SuperBowl appearances and one victory. Known to fans as “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to make big plays when they counted, Pearson also caught the infamous ‘hail mary’ in the 1975 playoffs against the Vikings. A 3 time Pro Bowl and AP, Pearson is a member of the NFL 1970s All Decade Team.

Drew briefly served as the General Manager of the XFL New York/ New Jersey Hitmen during the 2001 season and has worked as a sports broadcaster since retirement and is CEO of his own company that manufactures sports hats. He’s been quite successful off the field and has won the NFL Alumni Career Achievement Award for this.

Dallas fans will always claim that Pearson not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is an injustice and while I do see some merit to the argument, if you base it off of SuperBowl appearances- his statistics do not. There are many NFL wide receivers who have not made it into the HoF who had bigger numbers and a Super Bowl appearance or two. Despite this Pearson should at least be in the Cowboys Ring of Honor however as of this date he has not been enshrined due to a public feud with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over the Cowboys logo and Pearson’s athletic gear.

G/Gs 156/ n/a     Rec  489      Yds  7822    Avg  16.0       Td  48     Lg  67

UPDATE: 8/19/2011- Jerry Jones today announced that Drew Pearson, along with Charles Haley, and Larry Allen, would be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor this year.