Category Archives: NFL

NFL

Joyner, Seth

Card: Action Packed 1992
Acquired: In Person, Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp 1993, West Chester, PA.

I got Seth’s autograph on my trip to Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp back in 1993 at West Chester, PA.

A dominant linebacker who could enforce the run as well as play the pass, Seth Joyner was drafted in the 8th round of the 1986 draft and played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos over a 13 year career.  A three time Pro Bowl selection (1991,93, and 94) he was also runner up for the AP NFL defensive player of the year in 1991, and the SI NFL player of the year that same year. After winning Superbowl XXXIII with the Denver Broncos he retired as a member of 20/20 club. A rare breed of linebacker that has at least 20 picks and 20 sacks in their career. (Rickey Jackson, a member of this club was just inducted into the HoF in 2010.) Since retiring to Arizona Seth has become an avid golfer and does NFL analysis work for a variety of networks on the radio and on TV and continues to be beloved by the Eagles’ faithful.

NFL

Peguese, Willis

pset90 pegueseCard: ProSet 1990
Acquired: In Person, Houston Oilers Training Camp 1991.

Willis Peguese was drafted by the Houston Oilers from the University of Miami with their 3rd round pick. The Oilers on their previous draft selection had selected Jeff Alm DT from Notre Dame, so this pick came with some surprise because the Oilers had a  few more pressing needs. Defensive coordinator Jim Eddy envisioned Willis as their solution at right defensive end, but instead Peguese found himself buried on a very talented depth chart. Things only got worse when the Oilers traded for Lee Williams from the Chargers. Willis would rarely get playing time beyond the preseason and was cut in 1992. He signed with the Colts and played with them for 2 seasons, notching 2 sacks and retired soon thereafter. Currently Willis runs Pro Player Protection Inc, out of the Palm Beach/ Miami Florida area.

 

NFL

Favre, Brett

Cards:  Action Packed Rookies 1991
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The Green Bay Packers

Brett Favre is the definition of a gunslinger and has left a lasting legacy on the NFL with an inhuman 285 consecutive starts. He played his best statistical season (2009) with the Vikings almost returning to the Superbowl. Favre at the time of this post (2009 season) is #1 in wins (181), completions (6083), passing yards (69329), passing touchdowns (497), and also notably interceptions (317). He triumphed over injury (intestinal injury from car wreck) before being drafted in the second round by then Jerry Glanville of the Atlanta Falcons (-who actually thought Brett was crazy) from Southern Mississippi where he played with wide receiver Michael Jackson. After his rookie season in 1991, the Falcons traded him to the Packers (as Glanville claims) to sober him up. The change was good for him, as he quickly took over for local legend Don Majkowski, and never relinquished the starting role until he was traded to the Jets in 2007. In his career with the Packer faithful, Brett led them to two consecutive Superbowls (XXX, XXXI) winning Superbowl XXXI, being named NFL MVP 1995-1997, 9 Pro Bowl nominations and a variety of achievements along the way.  Brett has a cannon for an arm, (breaking 8 different fingers on receiver Antonio Freeman’s hands,) a love for the game, and an insatiable desire to win.

Favre however, battled inner demons most of his Packer career. Over his playing time, he was wracked by alcoholism, painkiller addictions, hurricane Katrina destroyed his family home, his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and his father who had a strong influence on his life passed away during the 2003 season. His wife recovered and somehow he made it through all of these personal tragedies. Favre retired regrettably and prematurely in 2007, creating an uncomfortable rift between him and the Packers, when Brett returned to camp unexpectedly. Brett was traded to the Jets and played one subpar season with them in 2008 and then retired again, but was coaxed out of retirement for another run with the Minnesota Vikings, riling the Packer faithful. He played his best season in his career in 2009, having his best statistical season and leading the Vikings to the NFC championship game. Brett Favre announced his retirement again on August 3rd, 2010, (at the age of 40) possibly due to a lingering ankle injury that he felt had not fully healed. He promptly unretired after a visit from players at his home on the 17th of that month, ending his 4th and shortest retirement from football, but would retire finally once again after the 2010 season.

Brett is a character and has many memorable moments and interesting trivia about his career. Once he bet Jerry Glanville 100.00 that he could throw the football into the upper deck of Fulton County Stadium. (Brett won.) He missed the team photo in 1991 because as Brett claimed, “There was a car wreck.” Jerry Glanville responded,”You are a car wreck.”  When the Falcons traded him to the Packers, the Packers could have failed Brett’s physical, as he was diagnosed with the same hip condition as Bo Jackson, but Ron Wolf, (Packers GM) overruled. Brett completed his first career pass- to himself. The ball was deflected and he caught it for a -7 loss. He was actually booed by fans during first home contest who started chanting for Ty Detmer, (Favre’s backup) to come into the game. Favre has thrown an interception in his final attempt for every team he has played for (Vikings, Packers, Falcons, and Jets). Brett has a penchant for butt slapping- extremely hard- to motivate players.  Brett in early 2010, became the first ever grandfather in the NFL.

I sent off for Brett’s autograph after hearing Ron Wolf talking Brett up on the radio as the team’s QB of the future. The request represents the epitome of what methodology I used at the time of collecting autographs at the time- to draft my own future prospects. To show my friend Josh what a fiend I had become collecting autographs through the mail, I had Brett sign two cards, and return one to Josh TTM also. Favre is a great example of somebody who’s autograph has changed over the years, as his ‘B’ and ‘E’ have become more detached, looped, and more stylized.

Games 289    Att 9811      Comp 6083        Yds 69329
Td 497       Int 317         Rat 86.4