NFL, Pro Football HoF

Jackson, Rickey


Cards: Action Packed 1992, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 3/21   Received 4/1  (11 days)

Rickey Jackson was a 2nd round by the New Orleans Saints in the 1981 draft after an All American Campaign at the University of Pittsburgh.   He’d go on to play in 195 games (13 seasons) making 123 sacks, and recover 26 fumbles- all records for the New Orleans Saints. Transitioning from Bum Phillips to Jim Mora without missing a beat, Jackson was a member of the Dome Patrol (along with Pat Swilling, Vaughn Johnson, and Sam Mills)- one of the best linebacking teams in NFL history. Over Jackson’s long career, he made 10+ sacks in a season 6 times. In 1990 he’d lead the league with 7 fumble recoveries, and in 1992 force 6 more. Rickey would be named to the ProBowl in 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1992 and 1993 before signing with the San Fransisco 49ers in 1994, where he was utilized as a situational pass rusher at defensive end for his final two seasons.  In 1995 Rickey would make 9.5 sacks and win his first SuperBowl title and retire.  In summation, Jackson would be named AP in 1986,1987, 1992 and 1993. His number would be retired by the Saints, and after a long wait Rickey would be named to the NFL HoF in his first year of eligibility as a senior candidate in 2010 as the only Saint in the Hall.

G/Gs  227/225    Tac 1173     Sac 128   Fum    Int 8    Yds 68   Avg 8.6     Td 0     Lg  32

NFL

Armstrong, Bruce


Card: ProSet 1991
Acquired: TTM 1992, Patriots Blitz

Bruce Armstrong is a dominant offensive lineman who still has not received his due for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As the Patriots #1 pick in 1987, Bruce anchored the tackle position for the Patsies for 14 seasons earning 6 Pro Bowl nominations and starting 212 games. He is the Hew England Patriots all-time leader in games started.

Highly durable but considered (6-4, 295) undersized to play tackle, Armstrong made up for it with his speed, balance, and hands. He played right tackle for the first 44 games of his career before moving over to left tackle for the remainder of his time in New England.  A career threatening injury ended his 1992 season prematurely, but Bruce surprised even the doctors when he came back from injury the next season.  He is one of three players in the history of the league to play in three decades for the same team, playing his entire 14 season career for the Patriots. Since retirement, Armstrong has been inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame, and has opened a salon with his wife.

NFL

Clark, Ken

Card: ProSet Update 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, Colts Blitz

At the time of his graduation, Ken Clark finished at Nebraska right behind hallowed Mike Rozier in total rushing yardage (3037 yards) as an I-back in the Cornhusker offensive attack (since surpassed).  In 1988, Clark had a 256 yard rushing performance against the undermanned OSU Cowboys and his 1497 rushing yards in 1988 were second in school history (since surpassed).  Ken over his college career would also finish as a two time Big 8 selection in 1988 and 1989.

The Colts would tab him with an 8th rounder in 1990 and he’d step in playing on special teams a bit in a largely anonymous rookie season. Ken would help out any way he could in 1991, with a career high 366 yards on the ground, and 33 receptions.  The Colts needed help at both tight end and running back- so he fit in as an H-back largely that season starting 7 games. The problem is he put the rock on the ground 4 times in 147 touches that season. His 1992 would find Clark knee deep in the depth chart. He’d only start 2 games but make the most of it with 134 yards and 5 receptions, and also do some kick return duty- but by 1993 Ken would be out of the NFL. In 2008 Ken would be inducted into the Husker Hall of Fame.

G/Gs 34/12     Rush 161     Yds  510     Avg  3.2    Td 0     Lg  25 |
Rec 43    Yds 314     Avg 7.3     Td 0     Lg 23

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