He was a 7th round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1987.
A big hitter with tremendous speed, Gene also handled kick returning duties averaging 21.2 yards per return (71 returns) over his career with the Saints.
Played Strong Safety and was a solid find for NO, posting 3 interceptions his rookie season and 4 in 1988.
Converted to Free Safety in 1990, replacing Dave Waymer in the lineup, posting 5 forced fumbles.
Best season arguably came in 1991 when Gene recorded 5 interceptions for a league leading 198 yards, along with 4 forced fumbles, and 75 tackles.
Signed with the Dolphins in 1994, finishing his career there after 1997.
SKybox 1992, #258Action Packed 1991, #172
ACCOLADES:
All Rookie Team 1987
NOTES:
Gene’s son, Geno played DT most notably for the Bengals. It is said that Gene suffers from early onset dementia due to concussions sustained from playing football. A fairly rare signer, I felt very fortunate to get Gene’s autograph.
I felt like Gene should’ve gotten a Pro Bowl nod for his titanic 1991 season, but with a logger jam of great safeties out there, he didn’t get in. He had some great cards over the years and also makes an appearance in Tecmo Super Bowl.
Defensive lineman Greg Kragen played for Utah State from 1980-83.
He finished his collegiate career with 223 tackles.
Signed with the Broncos as a free agent, and then was a mainstay, particularly at NT for the next 8 seasons.
Truly emerged as a leader on the defense in ’88, nabbing a club leading 140 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Followed that up with 72 total tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks in ’89.
Best game arguably came against Chiefs that year, when Greg notched 6 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a TD.
In 1992 had a career high 5.5 sacks, to go along with 101 tackles.
Joined the Chiefs for the 1994 season.
Expansion selection of the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
Scored franchise’s first defensive TD returning fumble against Chicago that season.
Still had enough gas in the tank for 2 more additional seasons after that- retiring after the 1997 campaign.
ACCOLADES:
AFC Defensive Player of the Week 1989 (Week 10)
Pro Bowl 1989
1st Team All-Pro 1989, ’91
2nd Team All-Pro 1992
Utah Aggies Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Greg had some sexy cards for a defensive lineman. The Action Packed cards of him were really nice, and I didn’t even send the Pro Set ones! I love that Action Packed 1991 with his hands up there being blocked out by Mike Webster. Great card.
I always felt like these were going to make their way back to me. Greg usually clocks in at about a year on average for his returns.
Played DL for Missou for two seasons, racking up 111 total tackles and 7 sacks.
Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 9th round of the 1988 NFL Draft.
Made the squad and blocked a FG his rookie year.
In 1989, started at DE, recording 10 sacks- the highest number by a Miami DL since ’84.
Had 60 tackles, 3 FF, and 11.5 sacks in ’90.
Became first 9th round pick in Dolphins history to earn Pro Bowl honors.
Became first Dolphins defender to lead team in sacks three straight years (89-91).
Retired with Dolphins after the 1995 season.
Fleer 1990, #237Action Packed 1991, #131
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1990
AFC Defensive Player of the Month 1990 (October)
Score 1990, #213
NOTES:
Well played Jeff! Well played. So… I sent off to Jeff, a career non-responder, and was surprised to get an autograph from him on one of the two cards I sent, and a note, asking for more cards for his kids. After digging through my boxes and ordering a few extras, I reloaded and sent Jeff a stack of cards, asking to trade a few autographs in exchange for them. I was surprised to get so many others back, but hopefully his kids really liked the ones he kept.
Jeff appears in Tecmo Super Bowl. He adds much needed power to the Dolphins defensive line front.
Action Packed 1990, #142
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
377
59.5
7
1
0
0,0
0
0
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
