Category Archives: NFL

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

 

NFL

Barber, Dominique

Card: SP Rookie Authentics 2008 (1256/1399)
Received: TTM 2009, Texans Blitz

After playing college football for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and recording 191 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 46 games, Dominique Barber would be drafted in the 6th round by the Houston Texans of the 2008 Draft. Barber’s assets coming out of the draft were a great work ethic, a nose for a ball, and that he is a run enforcer. Critics pointed out though that Barber has average speed and is limited in his pass coverage skills.

Dominique did not start a game his rookie season in 2008, but made his first career sack and a pass defensed. In 2009 he started 6 games, before he was placed on injured reserve. He finished the season with his first career interception, made 4 pass deflections, and 33 tackles. Currently, he is best remembered for his performance in the season opener against the Jets when he was lateralled an intercepted pass from a teammate that he promptly returned for a touchdown.

2010 was a difficult season for the Texans defense- and Dominique would start only one game making 6 tackles, but once again lose the majority of his season on injured reserve.

As we enter 2011 and the defense of the Texans is being reshuffled under new coordinator Wade Phillips, it is unknown if Barber figures into the overall scheme of things. His father and brother have also spent extensive time in the league.

I think this is a pretty ugly card. Not only is Dominique in his warmups, -something I can’t stand,  he looks awkward coming to the line of scrimmage. I certainly wouldn’t call this an action pose. I’m not really sure what this compass circle dealy is in the background, and there’s that strange ridge that pops up from the bottom that really has no purpose. The worst part about it is the cursive lettering. It makes me feel like I’m going to a lowrider car show. Just a horrible card, but it was the only one I could get on the cheap of Barber at the time.

G/Gs  33/7    Tac  54      Sac 1    Fum 0       Int   1      Yds   3     Avg  3.0   Td  0     Lg  3