CARD: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Gameday 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2024, C/o Work
SENT: 10/14/24 RECEIVED: 5/24/25 (222 days)
FAILURE: TTM 2010, C/o Work. TTM 2019, C/o Work

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Roman Phifer played LB at UCLA from 1987-’88 and 1990.
• He really came into his own in 1990, posting 71 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery.
• Roman zoomed up the draft boards with a solid combine, with a 387lb bench press and 4.6 speed.
• The Rams were looking to get younger at linebacker and selected Roman in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
• Was off to a fast start, posting 24 total tackles and 2 sacks, before a season ending leg injury in November of that year.
• By 1993, Roman had established himself as a solid defender, evidenced by his 117 total tackles that year.
• As the team transitioned to Saint Louis in ’95, Pfifer arguably had the best season of his career, with 125 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
• He’d almost duplicate those tackle totals in ’96 with 122.
• In ’96, Roman had a career high 6.5 sacks, displaying the versatility, athleticism, and speed that warranted his second round selection.
• Spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the New York Jets.
• Began the 3rd stanza of his career with the New England Patriots in 2001.
• He’d be key Patriots, helping the team win the Super Bowl after the season with 93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick.
• The 34 year old returned to NE for 2002 with 109 total tackles, and 101 tackles in 2003.
• With less playing time and injuries setting in, Roman had a down year in 2004 and was released in the off-season.
• Took a cup of coffee with the Giants in 2005 suiting up for one contest but didn’t see any playing time- retiring soon thereafter.
• Roman jumped into coaching and then quickly thereafter front office work.
• As of this post, is a senior executive for the Denver Broncos.

ACCOLADES:

• New England Patriots All-2000s Team
• New England Patriots All Dynasty Team
• Pro Bowl ’95, ’96, 2002, ’03

NOTES:

Well, as you can see, I’ve failed on Roman numerous times- but persistence pays off! He was one of the original send outs I wanted way, way back in 2010, so I was miffed not to get him either with the Lions or Broncos. I flushed so many great cards down the drain trying to get him, that I was just excited to get away with these two.