NFL

Childress, Ray

Cards:  Action Packed 1991, Fleer 1995, Pro Set 1989, Pro Set 1990, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: In Person, Houston Oilers Training Camp, 1992, 1995. TTM 2010, C/o Home
Sent:   3/26    Received:     4/3           (8 days)

Ray Childress is one of the most multidimensional and consistent defensive linemen who came out during the mid 80s. He played from 1985 to 1996. He received All America honors twice while in college at Texas A&M and still is ranked on the school’s leaders in both sacks and tackles 25 years after he graduated. Drafted in the first round by the Houston Oilers as a DE, Ray would play all positions along the line at some point during his career with the majority of that being at DT notching 4 Pro Bowl appearances at this position and 1 at DE playing in 154 games.  He was a 3 time first team All-Pro, and 3 time second team All- Pro. Childress holds the NFL record for most fumble recoveries in a season with 7 and most recovered in a game with 3.  He retired from injuries after a shoulder separation in 1996. Childress since football has become in a variety of ventures including his ongoing commitment to the Childress Foundation, and at one point owned a line of car dealerships. Childress was inducted into the College Football HOF in 2010.

My brother and I went to training camp in 1992. It was really funny to get Ray’s autograph, especially since he dwarfed my brother who was 6″3′. Ray then asked my brother if he was on the team which we both got some laughs out of. In 1995 Childress also signed my Fleer 1995 for me when I was at camp as he was walking on to the field. He was the first one of the day and that certainly put me in a good mood. In 2010 I started sending cards out in the mail again, and specifically targeted former Houston Oilers. I sent 4 cards out to Ray and he signed 3 and returned the 4th, which didn’t bother me at all as he was doing it as a courtesy for me anyway. Ray has been caught in the backlog of great players retiring during the mid 90s, and has not been inducted into the HOF, although I believe he should. With Elvin Bethea being inducted recently, it certainly does give hope that at some point he will sneak onto the ballot.

Games 163         Tac   861              Sac 76.5               Fum 19

WLAF

Bethel, Randy

Cards: Wild Card WLAF 1992, Ultimate WLAF 1991
Acquired: TTM 2010, C/o Sebastian River HS
Sent: 4/28   Received:  5/10  (12 days)

Randy played for the Glory during the infamous ‘hail storm’ game, when the San Antonio Riders hosted the Ohio Glory.  The game got weather delayed because a freak monsoon hit right before halftime and players and fans had to hide out under the stadium and in the locker room for about 30 minutes because of the hail. I make no secret that I am an immense fan of the WLAF, spending hours surfing the web looking up former players at some points.  I was able to track down Randy and sent him out a letter and these two cards. He graciously signed them and attached a very kind and personal thank you. (Really, it is guys like Randy and Dan that make me happy that I have jump started this hobby again.)

The NFL has sadly swept the history of the World League under the carpet, and much of the it is in danger of slipping away. It is difficult to locate information on it, and there are a few tribute sites on the league but little video and photographic proof of WLAF other than Ebay. I think it is a shame that these players aren’t recognized better for their contributions to the NFL, and this is part of the reason that I collect these autographs. It’s the least I can do to let them know that they are remembered and appreciated for what they’ve done.

Randy played for The U (Miami, Fl) finishing his college career 3rd in team history in receptions, 1st in yards and touchdowns from his position of TE. Randy was a strong blocker with a nose for the end zone catching a 12 yd touchdown to seal the national championship in 1991 in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.  He was drafted in the 10th round by the New England Patriots and signed with the World League’s Ohio Glory in 1992. After the WLAF decided to reorganize, Bethel would go on to coaching, eventually being hired by Sebastian River HS where he has had a successful career and has become highly respected by the college recruiting community.

Games 10      Rec  11         Yards     113          Avg  10.3     Lg 25     TD   1

NFL, Pro Football HoF, Super Bowl MVP

Smith, Emmitt

Card: Action Packed Rookies 1990
Acquired: In Person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1991

Emmitt Smith was not my favorite Cowboy, based primarily on his elusiveness on and off the field in attaining his autograph. Going to training camp for 3 to 4 seasons, I only was able to attain his signature one time. He rarely stopped to sign and signed just a few at a time and left. In my particular case, I learned a good lesson: Never use a black sharpie on a hot day. Smith autographed my friend Josh’s card, then began to sign mine. The marker dried out mid stroke, so he said, “Sorry, your pen ran out of ink. I gotta go,” and handed my card back to me and drove off in his golf cart. I was mad. Josh jeered me. I told him, “Give me your damn marker,” and ran off to acquire the autograph. I hid in a pack of bikini clad women down near the end, where he stopped to sign all 12 of their cards and finally I got his autograph with Josh’s blue sharpie.

The NFL’s leading rusher by default with 18355 yards, (because Barry Sanders quit in his prime) Emmitt Smith was a durable slasher back that could absorb hits.  He won three Super Bowls, was MVP of Super Bowl XXVIII, set numerous NFL rushing records, was an 8 time Pro Bowler and 4 time All Pro. He played 13 seasons for the Cowboys and two for the Cardinals. Post NFL life has found Smith winning TV’s “Dancing With the Stars”, dabbling around in real estate, and in 2010 he was elected to the Pro Football HOF on his first ballot. It is also rumored that he continues to be a difficult autograph to attain…

Games  226      Att   4,409     Yds   18,355           Avg    4.2        TD 162

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