Card: Berlin Thunder Burger King 2000 Acquired: 2021, Future Considerations
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
East German born soccer player who played throughout Germany with FC Hansa Rostock, Hertha BSC, Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart and FC Basel between 1985 and 1998.
He opted to give American Football a try, kicking for the Berlin Thunder of the NFLE from 1999-2003.
Thanks to some unique NFLE rules, Axel Kruse scored PATs, because the rules required that anything shorter than 30 yards should be taken by the national player, rather than an NFL allocate.
Axel’s best season came in 2003 when he finished 28 of 29 on extra points, and 6 of 7 on field goals for a career high 46 points.
XPA
XPM
PCT
FGA
FGM
PCT
PTS
113
109
96.4
23
20
86.9
169
NOTES:
Axel has also spent time working as a pundit for German TV Sport 1.
This card has very little to identify itself by as there is no copywrite information contained on it or a brand, therefore it’s assumed that this was created in house possibly by the Thunder to promote the team. The backs of the cards have no numbers on them either other than the dates of the upcoming games and the players baseline information, so in this case this card is identified by its promoter brand, Burger King.
Card: VGF NFL Europa Frankfurt Galaxy 2007 Acquired: TTM 2021, C/o Home Sent: 2/12 Received: 4/14 (51 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Anthony played four years at Eastern Michigan from 2002-2005.
The runningback ran 635 times for 2888 yards, 26 TDs, and caught 76 passes for 576 yards and 2 TDs.
His best year came in 2003 when he plowed ahead with 338 carries for 1531 yards and 12 TDs to go along with 44 receptions for 304 yards and a TD.
Was not selected by in the 2006 NFL draft, but made the Lions as a member of their practice squad.
Played in 2007 for the Frankfurt Galaxy of the NFLE logging a gaudy 5.3 yards per carry on 34 carries, while returning 1 kick for 23 yards.
Named NFLE Offensive Player of the Week in Week 2 for his 102 all purpose yards in Frankfurt’s 18-13 win over Cologne.
Was the NFLE’s leader in rushing- but broke his leg during Week 3 of the season.
Spent time briefly in the CFL with the BC Lions.
NFLE
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
34
179
5.3
0
21
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
8
62
7.8
0
16
NOTES:
When I received these cards from my friend, I really wanted to get Anthony’s autograph on this card and he didn’t disappoint. When I got the envelope back, in very small writing he asked me for a copy of this card.
Card: Playoff Contenders 2000 European Ticket Acquired: 2021, Future Considerations
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
After one year at Clackamas Community College as a pole vaulter, Jeff walked onto the Eastern Washington University Football team.
In his Senior year (97) at WR, Ogden posted 13 receiving touchdowns on 57 catches (1148 yards).
Played for the Dallas Cowboys in 1998 and 1999 where he primarily saw time on special teams and saw spot duty on kick returns.
Allocated to the Rhein Fire in 2000, catching 44 passes for 635 yards and 7 TDs.
Returned stateside to be traded by the Cowboys to the Miami Dolphins for a 7th round pick before the season began.
Became well known as a speed merchant, returning punts and kicks.
Dolphins All-time leader in punt return yard average at 13.7 yards.
His 700 yards ranks 3rd despite just playing for the franchise two years.
Joined the Ravens as a free agent in 2002, retiring after the season.
NFL
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
28
304
10.9
1
25
KR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
15
317
21.1
0
29
PR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
57
749
13.1
1
81T
NFLE
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
44
635
14.4
7
59
ACCOLADES:
All NFL Europe 2000
Eastern Washington Hall of Fame Class of 2018
NOTES:
Jeff has done some coaching at the college level and in NFLE. He’s also dabbled in reality TV appearing in the show The Millionaire Matchmaker, but is best known for his love of charities working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and his own foundation (Catch a Star) which helps give financial aid to prospective adoptive parents.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
