Tag Archives: action packed 1992

NFL

Bernstine, Rod

ap92 bernstineCard: Action Packed 1992
Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent: 7/1 Received: 7/17 (16 days)

I had been looking to get Rod Bernstine for some time. One of the ‘big backs’ of the late 1980s and early 90s, Rod certainly punished would be tacklers with his aggressive running style. Drafted by the San Diego Chargers out of Texas A&M in 1987, Rod battled fellow bang back Marion Butts for the starting role throughout much of his time in San Diego. An accomplished receiver as well, the Chargers couldn’t really settle on Rod’s role early in his career there, as he went back and forth from runningback to tight end officially on the roster. The classification of ‘H-back’ makes sense, but Rod ran with the ball too much to be considered one. Eventually by 1990 the team had settled on him at runningback, and Bernstine responded with 589 yards and 4 touchdowns in 124 carries. Starting 8 games in 1991, Rod had 766 yards and 8 touchdowns for the Chargers. He’d play one more season with the team, before leaping over to Denver for the 1993 season.

Rod started 14 games that year, en route to rushing for 816 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’d also record a career high 44 receptions for 372 yards. He’d retire after the 1995 campaign after two back to back brutally injured seasons. I loved playing Rod on Tecmo. I dominated with him and won a comeback Hail Mary game against Josh by just utilizing Rod as a one man offense for Denver 17-10. Rod does not sign often, but signed one of two cards for me via the mail.

G/Gs 84/45 Rush 670 Yds 2990 Avg 4.5 Td 22 Lg 63 |
Rec 149 Yds 1384 Avg 9.3 Td 2 Lg 59

NFL, usfl

Zendejas, Tony “The Z”

flr90 zendejaspset90 zendejaspset89 zendejassco89sup zendejasap92 zendejas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cards: Score Supplemental 1989, ProSet 1989, ProSet 1990, Fleer 1990, Action Packed 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent: 10/31            Received:  12/13     (43 days)

The Zendejas clan has had an impactful history on the league during the 80s and 90s, as Tony has been one of four members of the family (Max, Louis, and Joaquin) to play in NFL. Of Mexican descent, Tony eventually landed at the University of Nevada at Reno. After setting records at the school he was picked up by the Los Angeles Express of the USFL in 1983.  He’d play in the league until its implosion, and be drafted by the Washington Redskins in the USFL Supplemental Draft in 1985.

The Redskins immediately turned around and traded his rights to the Houston Oilers, who had inconsistency at the position with Florian Kempf over the past 2 previous seasons.  The Z took the starting job and quickly established himself as one of the best kickers in the league.  Zendejas stayed with the Oilers for the next 5 seasons through short lived Hugh Campbell era, the Jerry Glanville years, and briefly into the Jack Pardee era. Things were looking good until Tony cracked his fibia against the Saints during the 1990 season- a year in which he was off to a surprisingly slow start. After completing his rehab and being given a clean bill of health, the Oilers left him surprisingly exposed in free agency.  Z signed with the Los Angeles Rams (,replacing longtime barefooted kicker and franchise leading scorer, Mike Lansford). The Oilers in the meantime were left in the lurch and opened the job to a competition between Teddy Garcia and Ian Howfield. While the Oilers struggled all season at kicker, Tony ironically went on to hit 17-17 field goals that year. An unusually strong and accurate kicker from over 50 yards, it was obvious the Oilers and myself had been spoiled by Zendejas’ ability. Tony remained with the Rams through 1994 and then play with both the Falcons and 49ers as an injury replacement retiring after the 1995 season. Zendejas is most notable for sharing the NFL record for consecutive completed field goals of greater than 50 yards with 11.

G 149     XPA 327    XPM 316      PCT 96.6%     FGA  252   FGM  186     PCT 73.8%     LG 54   PTS  874

NFL, University of Texas

Braggs, Stephen

tosc91 braggsud92 braggs

Cards: Action Packed 1992, Upper Deck 1992, Stadium Club 1991
Acquired: 2/16/2013, Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament

Stephen Braggs quietly entered the NFL in 1987, as a 6th round pick of the Cleveland Browns from the University of Texas. He played 7 seasons in the NFL, 5 of them for the Browns at FS and CB, (where he split time with another former Longhorn, Raymond Clayborn,) and then later with the Dolphins from 1992 to 1993. Stephen started 18 games in his career, recording 4.5 sacks and 5 picks. Valued for his special teams play, ability to block kicks and his speed, Braggs was a nice find for the Browns, and a pretty fiesty defensive back for a guy who stands at 5-9, 180.

ap92 braggsBraggs was the first one I got at the Bowling Tournament. He had a team of coworkers with him who were also getting footballs signed. He gave them a word of advice by saying, “Hit them up as soon as they leave the showroom.” Taking his advice, I promptly walked up to him and asked him to sign 3 cards for me. He smiled and penned them all for me. I then helped his coworkers ask players for autographs when they were too nervous to which they all appreciated. Since football, Braggs has sworn off head coaching stating that he likes to sleep. Currently he’s a defensive coordinator at Harmony, a private school institution for learning.

Braggs had actually quite a few cards over his career, and I’m sure I’ll track him down at another event since he is an active NFL and Longhorn alum. In his spare time Stephen (at least used to) enjoy hunting rattlesnakes- a hobby he picked up while at the University of Texas.

G/Gs 83/18   Tac N/a  Sac 4.5   Fum 0 |
Int 5     Yds 28    Avg 5.1   Td 0    Lg 16