CARDS: Topps 1985, Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 5/14/21 RECEIVED: 7/2/21 (49 days) SENT: 6/4/25 RECEIVED: 6/14/25 (10 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Rolf Benirschke was a K for UC-Davis from 1974-76.
12th round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 1977.
Traded to San Diego Chargers before start of the season.
After rookie season, suffered from Ulcerative Colitis.
Health problems worsened to a point where he needed emergency surgery during 1979- missing a majority of the season.
Returned to playing form in 1980 and had a career high 118 points.
Played with Chargers through the 1986 season, where at the time he was the all-time leading scorer in team history (766 points).
Traded to Cowboys in 1987- but did not make the squad and subsequently retired.
He was the third most accurate kicker at the time of his retirement hitting .702 of his field goals.
Benirschke has remained in the public eye through various charitable causes, public speaking, and financial endeavors.
ACCOLADES:
Whizzer White Award 1984
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
George Halas Award 1981
San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
San Diego Chargers 49th Anniversary Team
Pro Bowl 1982
Second Team All Pro 1983
NOTES:
Rolf’s last name… ‘Benirschke’ is probably the most difficult last name to spell… EVER.
When Pat Sajak left “Wheel of Fortune” Rolf was the original host that replaced him. Rolf also volunteers time with the San Diego Zoo- a passion that is close to his heart since he has a degree in zoology.
Anyway I sent to Rolf way back in 2021 with these two cards. It took a bit under two months- the problem was he didn’t sign my Action Packed Whizzer White card. It’s rare- but easy to find. I just had to find a vendor that still stocked it and it wouldn’t be that expensive. Eventually I armed up and decided a few years later to send only that card out- to which he kindly signed in about 10 days.
CARDS: Upper Deck Legends 1997, Upper Deck College Legends 2011, Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: TTM 2019, C/o Home* SENT: 2/27 RECEIVED: 3/11 (12 days) *Fee Enclosed
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Rocky Bleier played RB at Notre Dame from 1965-’67.
Over his time playing for the Fightin’ Irish, he ran for 786 yards and 11 TDs in 29 contests.
In 1968 he was selected in the 16th round of the joint NFL/AFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He seldom saw the field his rookie campaign, but in his 6 carries had a 21 yard long, and in his 3 receptions had a 54 yard catch.
Drafted to serve in Vietnam late in ’68.
Rocky was badly injured in South Vietnam- shot in the thigh and grenade shrapnel almost took his right foot.
Spent all of the 1970 on IR was buried on the depth chart while returning to playing speed.
He played special teams and contributed any way he could, seeing action at FB for Franco Harris.
Although on and off the roster- Bleier kept at it, and eventually secured a starting spot in 1974.
Playing time increased and in 1976 he and Franco Harris became the second duo in NFL history to post over 1k rushing.
Rocky’s 1,036 yards rushing, and 294 yards receiving that year would be a career high.
Retired after the 1980 season as a 4x NFL Super Bowl Champion.
Played in 140 contests (starting 74) rushing for 3865 yards and 23 TDs.
Bleier has been quite active since retirement, writing numerous books, and has spent time on the radio as well helping people with financial management.
ACCOLADES:
Bronze Star (Army)
Purple Heart Recipient (Army)
International Sports Hall of Fame
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
George Halas Award 1975
Whizzer White Award 1975
Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
NCAA Inspiration Award 2020
Rocky Bleier Stadium (Xavier, WI)
NOTES:
Rocky got lost in the returns, as I honestly kept misspelling his unique last name. He signs for just a nominal fee and is a voracious signer with a great autograph.
CARD: Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991 ACQUIRED: 2023, EBay
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played both ways at Grambling University- at OT and DE.
Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 1956 NFL Draft.
Due to military commitments, did not see the field until 1958.
Traded to Green Bay in 1960 and played exclusively at DE.
A significant contributor to the Packers defensive dominance during the 60s.
Never missed a game during his ten seasons with the Packers.
Captained Green Bay to 5 NFL Championships and 2 Super Bowl wins.
Sacks and tackles were not officially tracked statistics, but unofficially Willie has been credited with in excess of 125 sacks, including 25 in one season.
Retired after the 1969 season.
Dabbled in color commentary and was president of a series of radio stations.
Served as a director on the ’84 US Olympic Committee.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1981
Byron Whizzer White Award 1969
NAACCP Man of the Year Award 1978
Willie Davis Day 12/21/1969
All Pro 1962-’67
Pro Bowl 1963-’67
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
NFL All 1960’s Team
NOTES:
Willie Davis is frequently confused with the WR by the same name and vice versa. Since Davis passed away, I didn’t hold out much hope getting him on anything. The Packer legend remains in demand even after passing and I had a quick and protracted fight with another EBay buyer to get this one off their hands.
EPITAPH:
4/15/20- Willie passed away peacefully at Santa Monica Hospital due to kidney failure at the age of 85.
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
N/a
N/a
22
2
21
10.5
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
