Laveranues Coles played college ball at Florida State from 1996-’99.
He initially started as a RB and then transitioned to WR by ’97.
Dismissed from the FSU football team for his behavior during the 1999 season.
Caught 62 passes for 1064 yards and 7 TDs for the Seminoles.
Despite his troublesome past, Coles was a third round pick of the New York Jets in 2000.
He saw increasing production over his time in New York, culminating with an 89 catch, 1264 yard (5 TD) season in 2002.
Coles signed with the Redskins in 2003, seeing almost duplicate numbers, posting 1,204 yards and 82 catches (6 TDs).
Was traded back to the Jets in 2005.
Had final 1,000 yard campaign in ’06 catching 91 passes for 1,098 yards and 6 TDs.
Played one final season in 2009 for the Bengals, with 43 receptions for 514 yards and 5 TDs.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 2003
NOTES:
Probably the hardest name for me ever to spell for some reason due to its unusual spelling, let me try this again, “LAVERANUES”.
As I finally sat down to do the write up on this entry, I looked at when I got these cards back and was very surprised that I sent these out in 2020? It just seems like yesterday. It’s so true that as you get older time just picks up and flies, and the next thing you know- 4 or 5 years has passed.
Laveranues proved everyone wrong as a pro. He kept his nose clean and in fact really turned things around. He was a consistent receiver, and outside of his rookie season, never failed to catch less than 30 passes or go over 500 yards from 2001-’09.
CARD: Pro Set 1989 Announcers ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home SENT: 1/3 RECEIVED: 1/23 (20 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Dan Dierdorf played OL/ DL at Michigan in 1967.
A skilled athlete, he was an excellent wrestler and accomplished shot putter.
By 1968 he was working fulltime at RT, and spot duty at LT.
He was a highly regarded and decorated senior in 1970, receiving numerous Big10 and post season awards.
Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 43rd pick of the 1971 NFL Draft.
Saw action at all positions but center, and finally took over the RT duties for the remainder of his career there in ’73.
Considered one of the finest and dirtiest OL of the 1970s.
Sustained a grizzly knee injury in 1979 and missed nearly the entire season.
Returned to form in 1980, but retired due to wear and tear after the 1983 campaign.
Saw action in 160 contests, starting 150.
Started working in TV almost immediately as a color man and sports commentator.
Best known for his MNF stint with Al Michaels and Frank Gifford from 1987- early 99.
Retired after a 7 year stint in 2021 as the color man for the Michigan Wolverines.
ACCOLADES:
NFL 1970’s All Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1996
College Football Hall of Fame
Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Pro Bowl 1974-’78, ’80
All Pro 1975-’78, ’80
Pete Rozelle Radio- Television Award 2008
NOTES:
Outspoken, beloved, and always ready with a great soundbite, Dierdorf made a natural transition to broadcasting. I remember him fondly for his time working as a commentator/ color man on MNF with Frank and Al. I felt that when he left MNF it was just… missing something. It’s just never been the same. And to me, he’s never been the same. Having him back on CBS after that from ’99 to ’13 just seemed… weird- although I enjoyed it almost as much.
I had wanted to get his autograph on a card for sometime, but the announcer card was the best thing that I had. His Topps cards were all those woeful sideline ‘water cup in hand’ type shots. Although the card got bent in transition back to me, it doesn’t matter, I’m just happy to have this childhood memory secured.
