Kyle Clifton played college ball at TCU from 1980-’83.
Upon arriving at TCU Clifton was a quarterback, but by his Sophomore season had fully converted to the rigors of linebacker- playing both inside and outside ‘backer.
Broke the school’s single season tackle record in ’83, posting 189 total stops.
Selected in the 3rd round of the ’84 draft by the New York Jets.
After Bob Crable went down with an injury in the middle of the defense, Kyle stepped in.
Finished with 113 tackles in his rookie campaign.
He’d lead the squad in 1985 with 160 while chipping in 3 picks.
In 1988, Kyle had a banner campaign with 162 total tackles, and 4 forced fumbles.
He quickly broke the 1k tackle barrier in 1990, posting a career high 199 tackles that year.
Kyle continued to be a force in the middle, leading the team in tackles over 5 straight seasons.
In 1994, Kyle blew out his knee, ending his streak at 6 seasons with 130+ tackles.
And that was that- as in 1995 he came in off the bench and seldom saw playtime, retiring after the ’96 campaign and 204 contests.
At the time of his retirement, he was the Jets’ career leading tackler with 1,484 stops, and second all-time in league history (since surpassed).
NOTES:
Over Kyle’s quiet career in New York, you’d think that he’d have garnered more attention based on his incredible run stopping prowess, leading the league in 1985, ’86 and ’88. He also ranked in the top 10 in solo tackles seven times. Kyle is a great example of a run stopping tackle monster not getting their due. Despite his resume, the Jets have yet to induct Clifton into their Ring of Honor, as of the time of this post.
Kyle had a lot of cards that fit my set needs so I was lucky enough that he’d sign 4 for me.
Dan Hampton played DT at the University of Arkansas from 1975-’78.
Over college career tabbed 237 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss and recovered 6 fumbles.
Selected in the first round (4th overall) of the 1979 Draft by the Chicago Bears.
In 1980 had 11.5 sacks, 73 total tackles, and 2 forced fumbles.
During the 1981 season, sacked the Saints a career game high 3 times.
Despite constant double teams, managed 11.5 sacks, 54 total tackles, and 3 fumble recoveries in ’84.
Had a sack and a fumble recovery in the Bears Super Bowl XX win.
Tied a career high with 3 sacks against the Packers in ’86.
Started both end and tackle over career and saw nose action in nickel situations in the 4-6 defense.
Played in 12 seasons, and started more games than any other Bear at the time (151)- but suffered 10 knee surgeries.
Retired after the 1990 season.
ACCOLADES:
Razorbacks All-Decade Team 1970s
University of Arkansas All Century Team
College Football Hall of Fame
Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame
PFWA All-Rookie Team
PFW Defensive Player of the Year 1982
SWC Player of the Year 1978
100 Greatest Bears Player of All-Time
All Pro 1984
Second Team AP 1982, ’85, ’86, ’88
Pro Bowl 1980, ’82, ’94, ’85
NFL 1980s All Decade Team
NOTES:
Along with Sid Luckman, Dan is the only Bear to have played in 3 decades (70s-90s). He appears in both Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl as a member of the Chicago Bears.
After striking out on Dan twice before, I luckily had reloaded in time to get him on these two cards.
Cornelius Bennett was a well decorated LB who played college ball at Alabama from 1984-’86.
Bennett recorded 287 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries for the Tide.
Considered a part of one of the finest LB classes in 1987, Bennett was selected in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts.
Unable to come to a contract agreement with the Colts, he became embroiled in one of the NFL’s largest trades- as part of the Eric Dickerson trade.
In short with a slew of picks and players, Bennett would go to the Rams, Dickerson to the Colts, Greg Bell to the Rams, and Bennett to the Bills.
Cornelius’ impact was felt almost immediately for the Bills at the LOLB position.
He had 8.5 sacks, 5 FF, and 69 tackles in 8 contests.
His best season arguably came in 1991, with 107 tackles, 4 FF and 9 sacks- garnering him defensive player of the year attention.
Bennett tried his hand at RILB in 1995- recording a 65 yard interception for a TD against New England.
In 1996, Cornelius took his game back to his home state of Alabama playing for the Falcons at LLB.
He’d play there through 1998, helping them reach the Super Bowl.
Ironically he’d then play the final two years of his career for the Colts and retire after the 2000 season.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Lombardi Award
Bills 50th Anniversary Team
NFL 1990s All Decade Time
All Pro 1988, ’91, ’92
Pro Bowl 1988, 1990-’93
NOTES:
Cornelius doesn’t sign TTM so I just went ahead and did a paid signing for him. At the time it knocked out my set needs, but now looking back I probably needed him on a few more sets. Cornelius has agreed to donate his brain to science after his death to study for CTE.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
1190
71.5
31
7
112
16.0
1
65t
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
