Category Archives: University of Texas

NFL, University of Texas

Goodwin, Marquise ‘Flash’

sage13 goodwinCard: Sage Hit 2013, Donruss Elite 2013 (#11/99)
Acquired: 2015 Trade, Spoodog Box Break. 2016, EBay

Fleet footed Marquise Goodwin ended his career ranked 11th on the Texas all-time receptions list with 120 catches, and 2,776 career all-purpose yards. He posted career highs in receptions (33), receiving yards (421) and all-purpose yards (888) in 2011.  Goodwin boosted his draft stock after playing in the 2013 Senior Bowl.  He had five catches for 44 yards and returned two punts for 30 yards, leading all receivers in receptions. A track man, Goodwin set numerous career records at UT, culminating in winning the long jump title at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials (27-4.25) and finishing 10th in the London Olympics. Despite his commitment to play football, Goodwin spends time actively promoting track and field in Texas.

doe13 mgoodwinSelected in the third round of the 2013 draft by the Buffalo Bills, Marquise had a decent rookie season, posting 17 receptions for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 59 yarder against the Chiefs. He also was utilized on special teams posting 16 kick returns for 351 yards. Goodwin’s career however has been marred by injury, missing 24 games in 3 seasons. Going into 2016- it was obvious that he was facing a make or break year. He responded with his best season as a pro posting 29 receptions for 431 yards and 3 TDs in 9 starts. The speed merchant also exposed Darrell Revis for an 84 yard TD.

Spoodog has met Goodwin quite a few times and had an extra Sage floating around that he threw in along with EJ Manuel for an autograph of mine that he wanted. Later I picked up this really nice Donruss Elite 2013 New Breed patch card for a bargain price.

 

NFL, University of Texas

Jammer, Quentin

pp02-qjammer ud02mvp-qjammer
Cards: Press Pass 2002 JE, Upper Deck MVP 2002
Acquired:  TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent:  8/28   Received:  9/12    (14 days)

Quentin Jammer is another member DBU at the University of Texas. A big physical corner, Jammer’s draft stock shot up dramatically during his senior season, prior to the 2002 NFL draft.  Quentin was a shut down corner, and finished with 56 career pass breakups (a school record) and 7 interceptions. A complete package, Quentin had great closing speed and really knew how to ‘jam’ receivers off the line of scrimmage. He also was a fine tackler- for a defensive back.

Drafted by the San Diego with the 6th overall pick, a holdout stymied Jammer’s assimilation of the Chargers’ defensive system. He’d get onto the field in 2003 as a starter and not look back, holding down the starting LCB spot for the next 10 seasons, starting a total of 161 games for SD. Over his time there he had 10 straight seasons of 10+ pass breakups. A physical defender, Jammer had a hard time transitioning to the NFL system which favored receivers and prevented Jammer’s style of play. He recorded his first career TD in 2012 against Denver, returning a pass 80 yards for a score. Later in the year, he recorded his first fumble recovery for a TD against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The next season he’d join the Broncos where he dabbled at safety. He’d retire after the season.

While interceptions and turnovers are sexy stats, I’ve always felt that pass breakups are criminally underrated. Jammer’s numbers were tracked extensively over his career and his is credited with an astonishing 141 PBUs. Jammer as of 2016 lives in California, and is still a big University of Texas fan.

G/GS 183/162       TAC 630        SAC 0.0        FUM   10
INT 21      YDS 210        AVG 10.0       TD 1        LG   80t

NFL, University of Texas

Walker, Johnny ‘Skywalker’ (RB)

WALKERCard: Top Notch UT Custom
Acquired: 2015, C/o NFLPA SA
Sent: 6/4  Received: 6/15    (11 days)

High flying John Walker was known for his fearless high-flying, short yardage heroics during his time at the University of Texas. The runningback finished his career with  388 carries for 1,641 yards and 17 TDs.

Possessing world class speed and athletic talent, the Cardinals selected John in the 9th round of the 1984 draft.  Unfortunately during the 2nd preseason game of the season against the Chiefs that year, John suffered an eye injury.  The poke was so severe he had to be placed on injured reserve, and after losing his sight, the team medically released him after 3 seasons.

John suffers from stage 2 colon cancer. I had heard about his story on a news channel and decided to make a card of him. Knowing that he was a member of the NFLPA Austin/San Antonio, I sent the custom out to him with a donation. I know that deep down, having your own football card, means a lot to somebody who never had one, especially the ‘old timers’. They understand the value of it, and how accomplished it makes them feel. John signed the back of the card and returned it in less than two weeks.

About a year later I ran into him at the Kansas City Chiefs/ Jaguars tilt at 3rd Base. I asked him how he liked the cards I made him. He stopped and his eyes brightened. Apparently he had no way of getting back in touch with me after he got the cards. He had already given them out and signed many of them for friends and family. We talked for a bit, and he asked for some more, which I was really happy to do for him.