Ben Smith played CB at NE Oklahoma back in ’86 where he turned heads, recording 5 picks and 39 total tackles at S.
He transferred to Georgia in ’87.
During Spring practice switched from CB to FS in ’89.
Finished Senior season with 95 total tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 10 interceptions.
An All SEC Selection, he’d be tabbed in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 1990 NFL Draft.
Had 91 tackles and 3 interceptions in rookie year playing at LCB.
In Sophomore campaign, tabbed on 2 more picks and 34 tackles.
Spent the 1993 season on IR.
Played for the Broncos in 1994 and had 72 tackles and a pick.
Then briefly saw action with the Arizona Cardinals in 1995 and ’96.
NOTES:
Ben Smith is a very hard to get player TTM, so with a wing and a prayer I sent these out, so when I got these two back I was very surprised. I was just as surprised to see them inked in red, but no matter- a win is a win! He also asked for a cash app donation of 50 bucks…
James played LB at Baylor (1986-’89) where over his career he posted 434 total career tackles.
In 1989, he set an NCAA single-season record with eight blocked kicks.
Earned SWC Player of the Year honors in 1989, when he totaled 129 total tackles, 4 interceptions for 99 yards, 8 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries.
He also moonlighted on the Baylor basketball team as well in the off season.
A first round pick of the Cincinnatti Bengals in 1990, he had 78 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and an interception that he returned 17 yards for a TD at ROLB.
He’d convert to LOLB in 1992, and add 6 more sacks to his resume and another 3 picks for 108 yards including a 66 yard TD.
In 1994, Francis had a career high 101 total tackles when he moved to LLB.
Added another 3 pick season in 1996, returning another one 42 yards for a TD.
Joined the Redskins in 1999, playing there for one season.
Retired before he turned 32, citing that it wasn’t fun anymore and that losing just drags on you after a while.
Lives in Central Texas, and has kicked the tires on going into coaching.
Action Packed 1992, #33
ACCOLADES:
All Rookie Team 1990
Baylor Hall of Fame 2001
NOTES:
James doesn’t sign TTM so I had to get as many of his cards signed as I could through a very affordable paid signing.
It’s said that Jimmy Johnson of the Cowboys during the 1990 draft really wanted to draft James Francis in the first round to man his defense over eventual Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. He didn’t get the chance to debate it as Francis went off the board at #12 overall and Smith went off at #17. One has to wonder how the trajectory of the Cowboys might have been altered if Francis was still sitting on the board at #17.
Francis makes an appearance in Tecmo Superbowl where he’s a pretty solid option to play at LB.
Pat saw limited playing time in the Fighting Irish secondary until 1988, when he had 38 total tackles, 2 picks for 84 yards, 2 fumble recoveries and a TD.
He became the leader at Safety in 1989, posting 44 tackles, 9 pass deflections, 5 interceptions for 96 yards, a fumble recovery and a TD.
With a solid sub 4.4 40, Pat was a lock first round pick, selected by the DB needy Los Angeles Rams in 1990.
The Rams deployed Pat eventually at free safety, and he’d play for the franchise through the 1993 season.
After a season with the Jets in 1994, Pat saw a renaissance when he signed with the expansion Carolina Panthers in 95.
In 1995 and 96 he arguably had his best pair of seasons back to back posting 3 interceptions and 60+ tackles in each while playing free safety.
Needing a replacement for departed safety Eugene Robinson, the Packers signed Pat in 1998.
He’d see action in 3 contests, recording a pick, retiring after the season.
NOTES:
Pat is a very successful businessman and owns Terrell Materials Corp, which specializes in large concrete batches. I had failed on him way, way back in 2011, so I was tickled to make him my first success of 2023, especially considering he has such a low rate.
Action Packed was one of my favorite sets when I was younger. I’m now closing in on the last 15 or so of the set that need to be autographed, a mere 33 years later.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
393
1.0
5
11
59
5.3
0
21
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
