Roman Phifer played LB at UCLA from 1987-’88 and 1990.
He really came into his own in 1990, posting 71 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Roman zoomed up the draft boards with a solid combine, with a 387lb bench press and 4.6 speed.
The Rams were looking to get younger at linebacker and selected Roman in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
Was off to a fast start, posting 24 total tackles and 2 sacks, before a season ending leg injury in November of that year.
By 1993, Roman had established himself as a solid defender, evidenced by his 117 total tackles that year.
As the team transitioned to Saint Louis in ’95, Pfifer arguably had the best season of his career, with 125 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
He’d almost duplicate those tackle totals in ’96 with 122.
In ’96, Roman had a career high 6.5 sacks, displaying the versatility, athleticism, and speed that warranted his second round selection.
Spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the New York Jets.
Began the 3rd stanza of his career with the New England Patriots in 2001.
He’d be key Patriots, helping the team win the Super Bowl after the season with 93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick.
The 34 year old returned to NE for 2002 with 109 total tackles, and 101 tackles in 2003.
With less playing time and injuries setting in, Roman had a down year in 2004 and was released in the off-season.
Took a cup of coffee with the Giants in 2005 suiting up for one contest but didn’t see any playing time- retiring soon thereafter.
Roman jumped into coaching and then quickly thereafter front office work.
As of this post, is a senior executive for the Denver Broncos.
ACCOLADES:
New England Patriots All-2000s Team
New England Patriots All Dynasty Team
Pro Bowl ’95, ’96, 2002, ’03
NOTES:
Well, as you can see, I’ve failed on Roman numerous times- but persistence pays off! He was one of the original send outs I wanted way, way back in 2010, so I was miffed not to get him either with the Lions or Broncos. I flushed so many great cards down the drain trying to get him, that I was just excited to get away with these two.
CARDS: Topps 1985, Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 5/14/21 RECEIVED: 7/2/21 (49 days) SENT: 6/4/25 RECEIVED: 6/14/25 (10 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Rolf Benirschke was a K for UC-Davis from 1974-76.
12th round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1977.
Traded to San Diego Chargers before start of the season.
After rookie season, suffered from Ulcerative Colitis.
Health problems worsened to a point where he needed emergency surgery during 1979- missing a majority of the season.
Returned to playing form in 1980 and had a career high 118 points.
Played with Chargers through the 1986 season, where at the time he was the all-time leading scorer in team history (766 points).
Traded to Cowboys in 1987- but did not make the squad and subsequently retired.
He was the third most accurate kicker at the time of his retirement hitting .702 of his field goals.
Benirschke has remained in the public eye through various charitable causes, public speaking, and financial endeavors.
ACCOLADES:
Whizzer White Award 1984
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
George Halas Award 1981
San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
San Diego Chargers 49th Anniversary Team
Pro Bowl 1982
Second Team All Pro 1983
NOTES:
Rolf’s last name… ‘Benirschke’ is probably the most difficult last name to spell… EVER.
When Pat Sajak left “Wheel of Fortune” Rolf was the original host that replaced him. Rolf also volunteers time with the San Diego Zoo- a passion that is close to his heart since he has a degree in zoology.
Anyway I sent to Rolf way back in 2021 with these two cards. It took a bit under two months- the problem was he didn’t sign my Action Packed Whizzer White card. It’s rare- but easy to find. I just had to find a vendor that still stocked it and it wouldn’t be that expensive. Eventually I armed up and decided a few years later to send only that card out- to which he kindly signed in about 10 days.
CARDS: Pro Set 1989, Topps 1983, Score 1990 ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 2/19 RECEIVED: 3/12 (21 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Bobby Butler played DB at Florida State from 1977-’80.
In 44 contests he intercepted 11 passes for 122 yards and blocked 7 kicks.
First round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1981.
With great speed prized in the Falcons man to man schemes, Bobby earned the starting nod at CB and intercepted 5 passes his rookie season, and blocked a kick.
During 83 and 84 seasons, only managed to pick off 6 passes- but 4 of them came in the end zone.
Tied a career high in ’85 with 5 interceptions, to go along with 21 pass breakups, and 68 tackles.
Retired after the 1992 campaign.
ACCOLADES:
Seminoles Hall of Fame 1987
NOTES:
Although Bobby only had 18 cards he made the most of it appearing in both Score and Pro Set on solid cards near the tail end of his career.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
