Wade Phillips comes from strong football bloodlines as his father Bum, was a coach at the pro level.
Was a 3 year starter at LB at University of Houston from 1966-’68.
Immediately went into coaching where he began his trek up to the pro ranks as a graduate assistant at Houston.
Moved into the pros with his father in 1976 as a positional coach with the HOUSTON Oilers.
Became the defensive coordinator for the Saints in 1981.
In 1985, served as interim HC when his father abruptly retired during the season.
Worked with the Eagles (1985-’88), and Broncos (1989-’92) as each team’s defensive coordinator- respectively.
He was coach of the Broncos from 1993-’94.
Then was quickly snapped up by the Bills to be DC from 1995-’97.
Served as HC for the Bills from 1998-’00.
After a brief hiatus, was back at it again in 2002 as DC for the Falcons through 2003.
Served as interim head coach briefly for Atlanta, then was off to San Diego to be the DC from 2004-2006.
Became head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-’10.
Claimed to know how to fix the Houston Texans defensive woes and was signed as DC in 2011.
Turned around defensive unit and was key in identifying JJ Watt.
Served through 2013 as the DC, and briefly as the interim head coach.
Returned to the Broncos in 2015 as DC- helping the team win Super Bowl L.
Joined the Rams in 2017 and helped team reach Super Bowl LIII.
After not having his contract renewed following the 2019 season, Wade decided to coach in the XFL in 2023.
As HC of the Houston Roughnecks he led the team to a 7-3 record.
When the UFL and XFL combined following the season, Wade and his staff moved up the street to San Antonio.
Rebuilding the team from the ground up Phillips guided his team to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the first UFL Championship Game.
NOTES:
You know, I didn’t really believe Wade at first that he was going to build a dynamo in San Antonio that we’d be proud of. Then they went to work and just like that by the beginning of that first game, I thought the Brahmas were walking quietly and carrying a big stick.
Wade is well known in circles for being able to make seismic cultural and defensive changes quickly to football franchises. He also hasn’t seen a sniff of an NFL HC job since his time in Dallas- which could be attributed to ageism, as his reputation and resume say otherwise.
I got this custom card done just in time to give it to him at the season ticket holders event. He probably has seen his share of custom trading cards- so he really didn’t bat an eye.. which did surprise me. Over his high profile level of coaching for the past 40+ years, he has never had a trading card in circulation.
Wade has been a HC for more franchises than any coach in NFL history (including interim titles).
Randal Hill converted from DB to WR in college playing for the Miami Hurricanes from 1988-’90.
He caught 107 passes for 1643 yards and 11 TDs, while also returning 54 kickoffs for 1169 yards.
A first round choice of the Miami Dolphins in 1991.
Traded to the Phoenix Cardinals early on during the season for a first round pick in 1992.
Had a career high 58 catches for 861 yards and 3 TDs in 1992.
After 1993 season, signed with the Miami Dolphins, playing for them through 1996.
Played a final season in New Orleans in 1997, catching 55 passes for 761 yards and 2 TDs.
Caught career long 89 yard game winning TD against Chicago in ’97 .
Signed with Chicago in 1998 but didn’t make the squad and opted to retire.
Worked in law enforcement after retirement, and dabbled in politics.
Star Pics 1992, #17
NOTES:
Randal had been on my list for years and I sent out to him in 2017. Never getting him back, I tried again 3 years later and got him on three set needs: Action Packed Rookies 1991, ’92, and his Gameday card. I assumed that the mail gods had eaten my previous attempt back in ’17.
Well lo and behold to my surprise waiting for me at my in-laws house was this envelope. Among them was two more Action Packed Rookies cards and the original Star Pics card from 2017.
Earlier this year Paxton Lynch took the number two spot on my longest waits, and now it looks like this one dethrones it by a little over 100 days.
Alex Barrett played DL for San Diego State from 2013-’16.
He appeared in 44 contests, posting 165 total tackles, 39 TFL, 18.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions.
Signed as an UDFA by the Detroit Lions following the 2017 NFL Draft.
Spent a good portion of 2017/’18 on and off the practice squad.
Opted to sign with the San Diego Fleet of the AAF during the tail end of 2018.
In 8 contests, he had 15 tackles and 2.0 sacks.
Quickly signed with the Raiders following the end of the AAF in 2019.
Released with an injury settlement in September of that year.
Joined the 49ers in November of 2019.
Has spent time on and off the team’s practice squad and active roster through 2024.
NOTES:
I tracked down Barrett and was lucky enough to get his autograph on his AAF card, but because of the date it must have gotten lost in the shuffle of the new year. Although not an action shot of Barrett, it’s still a really nice card, and the color really stands out on it, showcasing his lanky frame.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
