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.
It had been a long time since I wrote Shane, and he has so many set needs that I felt it was fine time to get him on a few more. I realized afterwards I missed on the Skybox 1993 card- which happens to have him as a member of the Rams. Conlan like many great pros before him, to me is iconic as a member of his primary team- the Buffalo Bills. Anything else just seems a bit forgetful or bizarre to me.
Upper Deck 1991, #153Topps 1989, #41
Still a few scattered Canton Acquisitions cards here and there. I was not a huge fan of any of these cards. Those cards being the Topps and Score issued cards. In these cards you can see the gap in his teeth where one of them is missing. It got knocked out in a high school game.
And here’s an Upper Deck card. Wow. How exciting. For priding themselves on being a leader of exciting sports photography on trading card canvases- that must have been an exciting phone call.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
