Category Archives: NFL

College Football HoF, NFL

Kinard, Terry

Card: Score Supplemental 1990
Acquired: In Person 1990, Houston Oilers Training Camp

Terry Kinard was a highly regarded safety coming out of Clemson in 1983. A top 10 selection of the draft, he was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for the New York Giants. A two time first team All American, Kinard has more interceptions (17) in his career than any other player in Clemson history. (He is the only player in the history of the school that was a two time selection.)

A solid defensive back during his time with the Giants, Kinard would have 3 picks his rookie season.  In 1985 he’d have a career high  5 interceptions for 100 yards and a fumble recovery. He’d tie these numbers again 2 more times during his career, -in 1987 when he had 5 picks for 163 yards and a td, and in 1989 when he lodged 5 picks for 135 yards and a td as well.  Over his time with New York, Kinard would start 99 games and make 27 interceptions and play in one Pro Bowl (1988). In his final season, Terry would sign with the Houston Oilers via Plan B.  Kinard in his final season would have 4 interceptions for 75 yards and a fumble recovery for a 75 yard touchdown.

Named to Clemson’s Centennial team in 1996, the #3 player in Clemson’s history, Clemson’s HoF in 1992, and Sports Illustrated’s College Football Centennial Team in 1999. Terry Kinard was also inducted into the College Football HoF in 2001 and the South Carolina HoF in 2002.

G/Gs 121/115     Sac  3.0   Tac   N/a   Fum 7    Int    31       Yds   649    Avg  20.9     Td  2    Lg 70t

NFL

Morgan, Stanley


Cards: ProSet 1989, Score Supplemental 1990
Acquired: TTM, C/o Home 2011
Sent: 10/15       Received: 3/7   (143 days)

The Patriots drafted late in the first round of the 1977 draft, but at #25 they were fortunate enough to get Stanley Morgan out of Tennessee. With good hands and alarming speed for the era (sub 4.3), Morgan holds the all purpose yardage records for the Volunteers with a bit over 4600 yards.

Stanley would average over 20 yards per reception his rookie season. A feat he’d repeat  for the next 5 seasons. In fact he’d average a whopping 24.1 ypc in 1978 on 34 receptions, and in 1981 when he’d have 23.4 ypc. From 1979-1981 Morgan would lead the NFL in yards per reception. He’d earn his first Pro Bowl nod in 1979, followed by nominations again in 1980, 86 and 87.  In 1987 Morgan would have a career high 1491 yards and 84 receptions, logging 9 100 yard games that season. While injuries would begin to pile up on Stanley over the next two seasons,  by the end of his career after 13 seasons with the Patriots in 1989, Morgan would hold the Patriots’ records for receiving yards (10,352), receiving average (19.4), receptions (534), and touchdown receptions (67).

Stanley’s speed was a strength but his greatest asset was his longevity, where he managed to play 14 seasons. Although his final few were on the downward slope, he still managed to contribute even in his final season with the Indianapolis Colts where he played a final season in 1990 quietly logging 23 receptions, 364 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Morgan is another one of these players who was way ahead of his time. Playing primarily in a rush first offense from the 1970s, you have to wonder if Morgan would have received more notice by the NFL HoF for his work, or how he would have fared in one of the pass happy offenses of the 90s. (At the time of his retirement Stanley was ranked 20th all time in receptions.) I think he’s one of these players that was at the upper echelon and quietly racked up great numbers but just played at the wrong time, only appearing once in a Super Bowl (XX)  and will never be noticed by the hall. While appearing in Tecmo Superbowl, Morgan’s abilities and speed would not be represented correctly in the game.

Since retirement Morgan has retired back to Tennessee where he resides in Memphis and participates in charity events helping impoverished African Americans go to college, plays a lot of golf and keeps up with the Patriots. He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as the 12th member in 2007, was named to the team’s All-time 1970s and 1980s team, and the Patriots 35th and 50th Anniversary teams.

I sent Morgan 3 cards in the mail back in October and had definitely given up on this one. I think it had just been a while since he checked his PO Box or maybe because it’s close to tax time because I noticed a lot of people around the web receiving autographs back from him about the same time. I was happy to get these back but disappointed he did not sign my Action Packed Rookies from 1990. Regardless you can’t look a gift horse in the mouth and these two action shots of him from the ProSet 1989 and Score Supplemental 1990 set were quite nice.

G/Gs  196/180     Rec  557        Yds   10716       Avg   19.2     Td  72     Lg  76t

NFL

Stephens, Calvin (1967-2010)

Card: ProSet 1991
Acquired: Patriots Blitz 1992

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.