Tag Archives: action packed 1990

NFL

Wright, Alexander “Ace”

Cards: ProSet 1993, Action Packed Rookies 1990
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1993, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Alexander Wright was a track and field speedster who tested one of the faster speeds at the combine in 1990. The Dallas Cowboys looking for a compliment to Michael Irvin took Wright in the 2nd round from Auburn. His gaudy 23.6 yards a reception set a school record. Ace would make a splash for the return game, virtually replacing James Dixon in the lineup but not really leave a lasting impression at receiver where despite his speed and leaping ability – had nothing but alligator arms when it came to making the catch.

He’d play 3 seasons in Dallas and then be traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992. Al Davis makes no secret that he’s enamored with speed, and watching Alexander Wright at training camp play for the Cowboys those years in Austin probably just made him salivate. Ace would sit on the bench for the majority of the season. It didn’t help that the Raiders had quarterback problems but along the way the speedster would still catch a 41 yard strike for a touchdown. 1993 would be his most productive season with 4 touchdowns and 27 grabs, while 1994 he’d average 18.4 yards  a catch. He’d finish his last two seasons on the St. Louis Rams, playing 11 games over two seasons, being immortalized on both Tecmo Super Bowl with the Cowboys and Tecmo Super Bowl Final Edition on the Rams.  Ace was a 2 time NFL’s fastest man winner and as of 2010 still holds the longest kick return in team history with a 102 yard return for the Cowboys.

I got Alex’s autograph at Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. One of my most comically bad moments in autograph collecting history occurred with him and Max Montoya. As Max passed down the line in what was commonly known as ‘autograph alley’ I was coaching another kid on how to get autographs. Max gave me his autograph but passed by the other kid who kept holding out his card.. for Dallas wide receiver Alexander Wright. I told the kid, “That’s not Max Montoya,” but Alex heard me, and embarrasingly took offense thinking that I was making a racial comment. Ace Wright obviously didn’t want to sign my card- or Max Montoya’s for that matter either. Since football Alexander has been active in coaching and currently is in northwestern Texas.

G/Gs  86/44     Rec  101   Yds  1597     Avg  15.8     Td   10   Lg  76T  |
Kr 79    Yds   1681    Avg   21.3   Td  2     Lg  102T

NFL

Agnew, Ray

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1990, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: TTM, Patriots Blitz 1992, 1993

Ray Agnew is a nice story. Here’s a guy who played on the Patriots when they really sucked, and was more of a run stopper than a pass rusher at left and right defensive end. From 1990-1992, Agnew would start 33 games for the Patriots after being drafted with their first round selection. Then in 1993 with a change in management, Ray’s playing time would drop, and he’d only start 4 games over the next two seasons.

He’d make the lineup for Tecmo SuperBowl, but the game would obviously not do him justice. In 1995 Agnew would move over to the Giants and also move to defensive tackle where after another season near 50 tackles, he spent the next two seasons in 96 and 97 riding the bench. His lone big highlight would be an interception he’d take to the house against the Detroit Lions for 34 yards in 1996. He’d sign with the St. Louis Rams in 1998, providing valuable depth for the them making a career high 5 sacks that season, and in 2000 Ray would get another 4 sacks, winning the Super Bowl with them and retire on top.

G/Gs 157/97   Sac 22.5   Tac 377  Fum 5
Int 2   Yds 34   Avg 17.0  Td 1   Lg 34T

Arena, NFL

Dixon, James

Card: Action Packed 1990
Acquired: In person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1990

I think James Dixon was the first Action Packed card I ever got autographed.  After being cut by the Detroit Lions in the preseason, James would be a savvy free agent find by Jimmy Johnson. Originally from the University of Houston in 1989, Dixon was a  speedy special teams player and kick returner.

His rookie season was a great start as James 47 returns led the NFL in 1990, while his 1181 yards would rank 3rd. Dixon’s return numbers in fact were the highest seen by a Dallas Cowboy since the merger. He’d also chock in a 97 yard touchdown. Dixon was the Cowboys primary long bomb threat, averaging just below 20 yards a catch on 477 yards receiving. He’d have 2 TDs receiving, including a 75 yard bomb. These would all be career highs as his return yardage and receiving statistics would slip until 1991 when he only suited up for 7 games. It’d be enough for him to make the cut for Tecmo Super Bowl.

James later resurfaced in the Arena leagues in 1994 playing for Fort Worth. He’d make 9 td grabs on 405 yards.

G/Gs 22/1   Rec  26  Yds 503   Avg 19.3   Td   2   Lg 75t |
KR 101   Yds  2315   Avg 22.9   Td 1    Lg 97t