NFL

Sapp, Ricky

epix10 sappCard: Epix 2010
Acquired: 2013, Target Autograph Memorabilia

A defensive end for the Clemson Tigers in college. Ricky Sapp got the nod to play as a backup going into his true freshman season in 2006, after earning USA Today All-American honors in High School. He finished his 4 year career at Clemson starting 36 games, with 160 total tackles, 16 sacks, and 41 TFL.

NFL draft pundits pegged Sapp as an outside linebacker/ defensive end. A definite ‘tweener’ (6’4″, 242) Sapp is an ideal candidate to be a team’s designated pass rusher in a 3-4 defense, but as he hadn’t really been tested in pass coverage leading up to the draft, his stock shot up and fluttered. With a few moves and quickness off the snap, Ricky was drafted primarily on his athleticism. The Eagles took him in the 5th round of the 2010 draft but blew out his knee in camp. Cut in 2011, the Jets picked him up where he has seen time primarily on the practice squad since then. Head coach Rex Ryan liked his overall tool set, but with Ryan on the hot seat and Sapp in his final year of PS eligibility, Ryan had to make some moves with a new GM looking over his shoulder. Ricky was released by the team when they signed Ed Reed off of waivers. Ricky didn’t have to wait too long as he’d be scooped up by the Houston Texans, and in 2014 made the active roster.

NFL

Bernstine, Rod

ap92 bernstineCard: Action Packed 1992
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent: 7/1 Received: 7/17 (16 days)

I had been looking to get Rod Bernstine for some time. One of the ‘big backs’ of the late 1980s and early 90s, Rod certainly punished would be tacklers with his aggressive running style. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers out of Texas A&M in 1987, Rod battled fellow bang back Marion Butts for the starting role throughout much of his time in San Diego. An accomplished receiver as well, the Chargers couldn’t really settle on Rod’s role early in his career there, as he went back and forth from runningback to tight end officially on the roster. The classification of ‘H-back’ makes sense, but Rod ran with the ball too much to be considered one. Eventually by 1990 the team had settled on him at runningback, and Bernstine responded with 589 yards and 4 touchdowns in 124 carries. Starting 8 games in 1991, Rod had 766 yards and 8 touchdowns for the Chargers. He’d play one more season with the team, before leaping over to Denver for the 1993 season.

Rod started 14 games that year, en route to rushing for 816 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’d also record a career high 44 receptions for 372 yards. He’d retire after the 1995 campaign after two back to back brutally injured seasons. I loved playing Rod on Tecmo. I dominated with him and won a comeback Hail Mary game against Josh by just utilizing Rod as a one man offense for Denver 17-10. Rod does not sign often, but signed one of two cards for me via the mail.

G/Gs 84/45 Rush 670 Yds 2990 Avg 4.5 Td 22 Lg 63 |
Rec 149 Yds 1384 Avg 9.3 Td 2 Lg 59

NFL, University of Texas

Whittaker, Foswhitt “Fozzy” (2)

fwhittakerCard: SP 2012
Acquired: In person 2/24/2014, Rudy’s Ribfest 4
See Also: Fozzy Whittaker

I had gotten Fozzy at Fan Fest in Houston the previous year in 2013. He is really good with fans and at this event he was no different. After a bit of time on the practice squads of both the Cardinals and Chargers, he signed with the Browns where he remained the rest of the year.

A change in winds for the Browns led to questions about the roster from top to bottom. With Pat Shurmur sacked after 2012, and then Chudzinski in 2013, the Browns were looking in a new direction with former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.  In the meantime Fozzy recorded his first 2 NFL touchdowns as a change of pace receiver out of the backfield, including a career long 35 yard scamper.

When I asked Fozzy about what was going to happen to the team or the offensive set, he told me that he was just as in the dark as I was- but he was super excited for the future. Unfortunately he’d be one of the final cuts in 2014, but quickly found a home with the Carolina Panthers where as of midway through 2014 he remains.

 

 

 

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