Category Archives: WLAF

NFL, WLAF

Garrett, Jason (2)

ult92wlaf jason garrettCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o The Dallas Cowboys
Sent: 10/2   Received: 11/3  (28 days)
See Also: Jason Garrett

The Garrett family has held a strong presence inside the Cowboys organization since the 1980s when their father joined the staff as a scout. Jason Garrett in the meantime has climbed the ranks after his playing days, where he has been the much embattled coach of the Dallas Cowboys, pretty much since he finished his first full season out. Billed as the offense minded head coach in waiting and fix apparent for previous head coach Wade Philips, Garrett’s results have been- well- average. Though he hasn’t posted a losing record since taking over in 2010 and closed out his rookie season strong at 5-3, Jason had back to back 8-8 seasons in 2011 and 2012. While notoriously hands-on owner Jerry Jones hasn’t exactly given him a ringing endorsement and removed offensive play calling from Garrett’s duty, it’s hard to see how Jason is not on a short leash.  Things in Dallas are always under a microscope, since they still call themselves “America’s Team”. Still Garrett has remained steadfast, tight lipped, and professional, in his interactions with the dirt digging national media.

You have to hand it to the Cowboys. They still take care of their fans- for the most part. Not only did Jason sign my card in under 30 days, he also included 4 Cowboys pocket schedules, and copy of the Dallas Cowboys “Star Magazine”, all while returning my original return envelope in manila correspondence from the team. Now that is great PR!

 

 

NFL, WLAF

Hopkins, Mark

ult92 hopkinsCards: Wild Card WLAF 1992, Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Work
Sent:  7/20   Received: 10/10    (84 days)

A two time Mid-American Conference choice for the Central Michigan Chippewas, Hopkins caught 26 receptions for 326 yards in 1989. Hopkins was signed in 1990 as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons but did not make the squad.

wcwlaf92 hopkinsThe World League of American Football’s Birmingham Fire made him the first pick of the second round among tight ends. A skilled H-back, Hopkins fit quite nicely into Chan
Gailey‘s ball control offense.  In 1991 Mark caught 6 passes for 86 yards. He returned to the team again in 1992, and followed up with 11 more receptions for 94 yards. Equally adept at blocking as well as catching the ball, Hopkins frequently would bookend with fellow TE Phil Ross and the combined duo provided a safety valve for quarterbacks Brent Pease, Eric Jones, and Mike Norseth. The league reorganized after the 1992 season.

I enclosed a few cards in the envelope for Mark to keep after searching high and low to find out where he was at. He wrote me a nice letter and thanked me for bringing back some great memories. Mark also told me about how he was shocked the first time he saw his own card and how it brought him a great deal of joy, and his kids now that they are old enough to see them.  Mark has been working in the human resources industry for quite a while now and is the Executive Vice President of Wealth Management Services at WorkLife Financial.

Rec 17    Yds  180   Avg 10.6     Td 0    Lg 25

Arena, WLAF

Fletcher, Cecil

ult92 fletcherCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent: 7/22    Acquired: 8/6    (16 days)

Cecil Fletcher was one of three members of the Marshall Herd that played in the WLAF from 1991 to 1992. A fearsome pass rusher and staunch run stopper, Fletcher still holds the school single-season mark for sacks with 17 along with 19 TFL that he posted in 1986. A team captain at linebacker for the 1987 team that went 10-5 under George Chaump and finished as NCAA I-AA runner ups, Cecil was one of the leaders of the “Killer Bs” defense. His 1987 was equally impressive, as Fletcher finished with 99 tackles, 11 TFL, 6 sacks, and 2 FR. After the season he was named to to the East-West Shrine Game,- the first member of the Herd since 1941. Cecil’s career totals at Marshall included 247 tackles and his 23 career sacks still rank in the top 5 in school history.

After going undrafted, Cecil signed with the Pittsburg Power of the AFL in 1988. His best season with them came in 1990 when he recorded 6 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 pass blocks, and 2 forced fumbles. A 7th round pick of the New York-New Jersey Knights of the WLAF in 1991, Cecil enjoyed a fine season for the team, recording 41 tackles and .5 sacks. He returned for the 1992 season and posted another sack before the league reorganized. Cecil returned to the AFL where he joined the Cincinnati Rockers in 1993. He’d post his best season of his AFL career with 15 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 PB, 2 blocks, and a FR- retiring after the season.

Cecil since retirement has had a wonderful life with his wife of 20+ years and 2 wonderful children. He coached High School football winning a State Championship, and as of 2013 is an estimator with Roadside Traffic. He wrote me a wonderful handwritten letter. In it he thanked me for the card that he could sign for his children to witness, as when he found out that he had a card back in 1992 it was one of the happiest days of his professional football life. – Such a great heartwarming memory to share. Another great response from a player who had a fun career.