Chester Pitts was a 2nd round choice of the Houston Texans inaugural draft in 2002. He was one of 2 remaining ‘original’ Texans (Kris Brown being the other) remaining on the team roster as of 2009 and started 114 games in a row for the franchise first as a left tackle and then settling in at left guard. On a horrendous offensive line, Pitts provided key stability, consistency, and flexibility, in a variety of offensive systems playing for the Texans. Unfortunately in 2009 Pitts was playing in the final year of his contract. In the third game of the season he suffered a catastrophic knee injury and was unable to return to the lineup for the remainder of the season. The Texans took a wait and see approach to Pitts rehabilitation, but despite his efforts at rehabilitation, elected not to resign him where as he hit the free agent market and signed with the Seahawks before training camp in 2010. Pitts was the focus of a Superbowl XLII commercial relating to how his career began which starred him and Ephraim Salaam, (who takes credit for ‘discovering’ Pitts bagging groceries at a local Ralph’s supermarket). Pitts is incredibly strong, and is a world class shotputter holding still many records at his alma matter San Diego State. He is also an accomplished oboest.
Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Star Pics 1991.
Acquired: TTM c/o San Diego Chargers 1993.
Stanley Richard was an All-America free safety from the University of Texas that was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers. Shooting up the draft boards, he was drafted at #8, which was too high in retrospect, and was given a rap as a bad tackler. Blessed with soft hands and good speed for his position, “The Sheriff” (as Richard was nicknamed for laying down the law in the Texas secondary) had a respectable career averaging about 3 picks a season and was named second team All-Pro in 1994. After 4 seasons with the Chargers, Richard signed with the Redskins where he played through 1998 and retired.
Games 124 Tac 592 Sac 2 Fum 5
Int 21 Yds 352 Avg 16.7 Td 2 Lg 99T
Cards: Pro Set WLAF 1991.
Acquired: In Person, 1992 Preseason game San Antonio Riders v Ohio Glory
Drafted originally in the 7th round by the Green Bay Packers in 1988, Gary Richard checks in at 5-10 and only 173 pounds. Richard countered his small size with tenacity and great leaping ability. After being cut by the Packers, the Riders drafted him in the second round of the Riders 1991 positional draft, where in his rookie season he had 15 pass breakups, 37 tackles and notched a safety when he blocked a punt against the Skyhawks. In 1992, Richard notched 3 picks, including returning a theft 53 yards to seal the 17-0 victory over the Ohio Glory in the infamous hail storm game in San Marcos, Texas on 4/20/1992.
After I got my Pro Set World League 1991 cards, I caught some Riders in the parking of Bobcat Stadium leaving after the preseason game against the Glory back in 1992 that they won 33-7. (The same parking lot I got Alonzo Highsmith back in 1988). They all stopped and started clamoring around my cards to see who I had. Gary Richard went nuts when he saw mine and gleefully signed my card. The other defensive backs were disappointed, but eventually they’d all get cards in other sets.
Games 20 Tac N/a FF N/a Int 3 Yards 53 Avg 17.0 Td 1
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
