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

Spruce, Nelson

sage16_nspruce

Card: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Box Breaker

The Colorado Buffallos have a had little to cheer about in football recently with the emergence of guys like Paul Richardson. Spruce benefited from the departure of the speedy receiver, and set school records with 106 catches and 12 touchdowns, along with 1,198 receiving yards. It was enough to earn Spruce Second Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014.   A good route runner with soft hands, Spruce reminds me mostly of former Texans receiver Kevin Walter.  While his skills are undeniable, his lack of straight line speed is an issue for scouts clocking a 4.59 40, but he could quickly move in as a slot guy or a possession receiver who works special teams as a punt returner.  After a poor showing at the combine, Nelson was marked with a 3rd day rating, but eventually went undrafted. I thought he held potential for a team like the Texans or Patriots, but eventually Spruce signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

Spruce impressed the team well enough that he made the squad, but he was buried on the depth chart.  He’d be injured and spend a good portion of the season on IR, but was activated for the final game of the season versus the Cardinals.

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.

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.