Chester Pitts was a 2nd round choice of the Houston Texans inaugural draft in 2002. He was one of 2 remaining ‘original’ Texans (Kris Brown being the other) remaining on the team roster as of 2009 and started 114 games in a row for the franchise first as a left tackle and then settling in at left guard. On a horrendous offensive line, Pitts provided key stability, consistency, and flexibility, in a variety of offensive systems playing for the Texans. Unfortunately in 2009 Pitts was playing in the final year of his contract. In the third game of the season he suffered a catastrophic knee injury and was unable to return to the lineup for the remainder of the season. The Texans took a wait and see approach to Pitts rehabilitation, but despite his efforts at rehabilitation, elected not to resign him where as he hit the free agent market and signed with the Seahawks before training camp in 2010. Pitts was the focus of a Superbowl XLII commercial relating to how his career began which starred him and Ephraim Salaam, (who takes credit for ‘discovering’ Pitts bagging groceries at a local Ralph’s supermarket). Pitts is incredibly strong, and is a world class shotputter holding still many records at his alma matter San Diego State. He is also an accomplished oboest.
Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991.
Acquired: In Person, San Antonio Riders v. Montreal Machine
After leading the Terrapins in both rushing and kick returning as a Junior, Ricky was originally signed by the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent in 1990, and then was drafted by Montreal in the 5th round of the WLAF positional draft. All-purpose tailback Ricky Johnson would lead the Montreal Machine attack from the backfield, as the team’s major weakness was a propensity for its quarterbacks to get injured. Because of this Ricky finished as the team’s career leader in rushing. In season two Ricky appeared to be off to a fast start as he was ranked second in the league in rushing behind San Antonio runningback Ivory Lee Brown. The team continued to rely on him heavily but his season was ended prematurely when Johnson suffered a catastrophic knee injury against the Ohio Glory. -Montreal dropped their last seven contests.
Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Star Pics 1991.
Acquired: TTM c/o San Diego Chargers 1993.
Stanley Richard was an All-America free safety from the University of Texas that was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers. Shooting up the draft boards, he was drafted at #8, which was too high in retrospect, and was given a rap as a bad tackler. Blessed with soft hands and good speed for his position, “The Sheriff” (as Richard was nicknamed for laying down the law in the Texas secondary) had a respectable career averaging about 3 picks a season and was named second team All-Pro in 1994. After 4 seasons with the Chargers, Richard signed with the Redskins where he played through 1998 and retired.
Games 124 Tac 592 Sac 2 Fum 5
Int 21 Yds 352 Avg 16.7 Td 2 Lg 99T
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