NFL

Donnalley, Kevin

spics91 donnalleyCards: ProSet 1991, Score 1991, Star Pics 1991
Acquired:  TTM 2013, C/o  Home
Sent: 12/16     Received: 1/6   ( days)

The Houston Oilers drafted  Kevin Donnalley in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft. The team liked his size and versatility, where he joined fellow rookie John Flannery on the line. A prized drive blocker, Donnalley’s scouting report notes his great size, frame, and a good understanding of blocking angles and techniques. The Oilers felt that Kevin’s work ethic obviously outweighed his lack of experience and questions about his upper body strength. In the meantime the team felt they could groom him at tackle behind Don Maggs.

After starting inside at guard due to injuries decimating the line, Donnalley shifted outside to LT for the 1993 season, starting 6 contests. In 1994, Kevin was moved to right guard, – the position he’d play for the remainder of his time in the league.  Offensive systems and coaches changed, and even though the team went through salary cap hell in 1994, Donnalley remained with the franchise through pset91 donnalley1996 and its departure to Tennessee, playing with the Tennessee Oilers through 1997. He’d sign as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 1998, and later the Carolina Panthers in 2001.

It’d be with the Panthers that Donnalley probably is remembered best, paving the way for Stephen Davis at running back and blocking for quarterback Jake Delhome, during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2003, setting franchise records for fewest sacks allowed and total team rushing yards. After the Panthers improbable run, Donnalley retired, stating simply that, “I’m very tired” in 2004.

Kevin has been involved in coaching, public speaking, and spends time working for charities and foundations. A reliable signer, he signed these 3 cards in under a month’s time. The 1991 draft turned out to be a solid one for the Oilers as they were able to nab a lot of depth and future starters. It’s a shame that they had rolled against the salary cap, evidenced as many of their key players such as Kevin, departed to greater glory in other places.

sco91 donnalleyG/Gs  193/144

NFL, University of Texas

Leaks, Roosevelt “Rosey”

to78 leaksto77 leaks
Cards: Topps 1977, Topps 1978
Acquired: 2/16/2013, Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament
See also: Roosevelt Leaks

After having success getting Roosevelt Leaks through the mail back in 2012, I thought I’d pull a few more cards just in case I ran into him at a Longhorn function. Rosey had also done a Longhorn Legends luncheon at Fogo De Chao later on that I wasn’t able to attend, but I only had to wait a few months more, as he was at the Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament at Highland Lanes. He signed these 2 cards, which match the Longhorn cards I sent him back in 2012 exactly. While he was signing these two cards I asked him if he’d ever grow his lambchops back. He chuckled at me and said that “No, those days are long gone.”

NFL

Mojsiejenko, Ralf “Mojo”

Card: ProSet 1989, Topps 1989
Acquired: 2012, Canton Acquisition

Ralf played for Michigan State from 1982-1985. He built a strong resume as both a punter and kicker for the Spartans. The NFL took notice and he was a hot commodity in the 1985 draft- well at least as far as kickers and punters go. Mojsiejenko was drafted in the 4th round by the San Diego Chargers. Not a bad pick- but such a conservative pick that the Chargers missed out on many other big names. The ’85 draft is remembered as a monster draft, and recognizable names like Steve Bono, Eric Martin, Mark Bavaro, Jay Novacek, Steve Tasker, Duval Love, and Kevin Greene came off the board after Ralf. Still 4 or 5 kickers also were selected by other franchises after Ralf, (and two became starters: Fuad Reveiz and Donald Igwebuike for other teams,) so there could be some justification there that the Chargers had to have some Mojo.  To befuddle us even more the Chargers stuck him in only at punter.

Mojo hit the field and made the team as proud as he could at punter. He was of course the highest draft choice at that position by the franchise. He’d punt 68 times his rookie season including a booming 67 yarder. He’d also average over 42 yards per punt, which he accomplished with regularity with the Chargers. In 1987, Ralf was able to nab his first Pro Bowl honor after averaging 42.9 yards per punt. He stuck around San Diego through the 1988 season, where he was immortalized on this great Pro Set 1989 card. The Chargers traded Mojo to the Redskins in the offseason for what was believed to be a 5th round choice. That season for Washington, he’d boom a 74 yard punt, and return to the Redskins for the 1990 season. The 1990 season was a down year for Mojo. Limited by a foot injury, he’d have career lows in most categories. Mojo signed with the 49ers as an injury replacement for incumbent Barry Helton. After Helton returned in the 6th game, Mojo was cut effectively ending his career.

G 93      P 413     Yds 17533      Avg 42.5       Lg 74        Blk  5

 

 

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