NFL

Myles, Godfrey (1968-2011)

Cards: ProSet 1991, StarPics 1991
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1992, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Godfrey Myles was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who considered linebacker a budget position. A poor man’s guide selection running up before the draft, Myles played elephant (safety linebacker) in the Florida defense and was team captain. Unsure of his true position- Godfrey, (6-1, 245) like Darren Woodson was a hybrid safety who had the size, speed and strength to play outside linebacker. The Cowboys would move him to linebacker where he’d play for the Cowboys providing valuable depth and special teams skills. 1995 would be his season, as he’d come in and start 11 games, making 55 tackles, FF, and a pick. Surpringly fast and agile for his size, and relatively cheap, Myles would win 3 SuperBowl rings before he ruptured his Achilles in SuperBowl XXX. The Dolphins attempted to lure Myles out to play for them in 1997 under Jimmy Johnson, but he opted to sign with the Denver Broncos instead.  He would be cut before the season began and retire soon thereafter, possibly due to lingering effects from his Achilles injury.

I got Godfrey’s autograph in training camp on his StarPics and ProSet cards. Godfrey had some really great cards. I missed out on his Stadium Club card and his Fleer Ultra card, (as I’ve always been slightly partial to orange anyway), but regardless his ProSet card is a great profile card, and his StarPics seems to highlight his unusual build.

G/Gs 76/11     Tac 111      Sac 0     Fum 1      Int 2     Yds 28     Avg 14.0       Td 0    lg 15

UPDATE 06/11/2011 Sadly, on Wednesday, June 8th Godfrey Myles suffered a massive stroke in Miami, Florida and passed away the next day. He was just 42.

NFL

Singleton, Chris

Cards: Topps Stadium Club 1992, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 1992, C/o The New England Patriots

Chris Singleton was drafted in the first round of the 1990 draft by the perpetually (at that time) rebuilding New England Patriots. A dominating force for the Arizona Wildcats, he played the first three years out of college for the team but injuries would limit his contributions to the Patsies throughout his tenure.

In 1992 he’d return an interception 82 yards for a touchdown against the Colts. Singleton would play 8 games for the Patriots in 1993 and then head over to Miami.

He’d provide valuable depth for the Miami Dolphins defense for the next 3 seasons starting 39 games.

Singleton is perhaps best remembered as a hero for donating bone marrow to save his twin brother after he contracted leukemia in 1990- and that’s probably worth more than any football accolade.

G/Gs 91/65    Tac 287    Sac 7    Fum 2   Int 2    Yds 85    Avg 42.5   Td 1   lg 85t

CFL

Sapunjis, David “Sponge”

Card: Jogo 1992
Acquired: TTM 1992, CFL Blitz

David “Sponge” Sapunjis played for the Calgary Stampeders from 1990-1996 at wide receiver and won the Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian 3 times (1991,1992, 1995) and the CFL’s Most Valuable Canadian twice in 1993 and 1995.  Drafted in the first round of the 1990 draft, in 1993 David became the first Canadian born player to make 100 receptions in a season, and then broke that mark the next season with 111 receptions. In 1993 and 1995, he was also named to the CFL All Star squad. Sponge also had a unique ritual in which he would put his socks and shoes on in a particular way and drink a cup of water exactly one minute before kickoff. While playing Sapunjis earned his BA via correspondence at Western Ontario and quit football at the age of 29.

Since retiring Sponge has been involved in the oil and natural gas market in Canada climbing up the corporate ladder for Continental Oil & Gas. In 2005 Sapunjis became a minority owner in the Calgary Stampeders, was inducted into the Stamps Wall of Fame in 2006 and is a member of the Stamps Dream Team.

Note: This 1992 Jogo card is an error and Sapunjis is accidentially spelled “Sapunjas”.

G/Gs N/a    Rec 460    Yds 6586    Avg 14.3   Td 46        Lg  75

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