Cards: Proset 1989, Score 1989, Fleer 1990, Gameday 1992
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent: 4/6 Received: 7/3 (88 days)
A versatile player who started his career at runningback, Dennis Gentry with his 5-8, 180 frame is perhaps more well known as being a dependable receiver and explosive return man for the Chicago Bears. Gentry played with the Bears from 1982-1992, where he initially served as Walter Peyton’s understudy. Gentry in the meantime spent his time contributing on special teams as a return man and also moonlighting as a receiver. With the arrival of Neal Anderson, Gentry became a scat back for the Bears, coming in on 3rd down, and providing an additional option out of the backfield.
Between 1986 and 1989, Gentry ranked among the top 5 in kick returns in the NFC. In 1986 Gentry led the NFL with a 28.8 kick off return average, and was named AP in 1987. When Dennis retired in 1992, he was the franchise’s all-time leading return man, breaking the yardage and return mark previously held by Bears great Gale Sayers.
Gentry played his college years at Baylor and was distinguished as a return man, blocker, and runner. He rushed for 883 yards and caught eight passes for another 77 en route to all-Southwest Conference honors. Gentry amassed 2,213 yards- good enough to be Baylor’s second-leading rusher in history.
A Tecmo Bowl legend, Gentry appeared in both Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl. In both he is featured as a dominant return man and adept receiver. In media, he is also remembered for being a part of the Bears Super Bowl Shuffle video.
Gentry over the years had some really good classic cards. The Fleer 1990 was among his best in action featuring a full body shot and him breaking a tackle. Not to be outdone, the Score, ProSet, and GameDay entries all were very solid. In fact, I had to drop a ProSet 1990 from the group to send because there were so many quality shots of Gentry. A reliable TTM signer, Gentry has a nice, loopy signature. Since retirement, he’s spent time in coaching and lives in Texas.
G/Gs 159/30 Rush 137 Yds 764 Avg 5.6 Td 5 Lg 58
Rec 171 Yds 2076 Avg 12.1 Td 7 Lg 80t
KR 192 Yds 4353 Avg 22.7 Td 3 Lg 94t
PR 17 Yds 136 Avg 8.0 Td 0 Lg 47
