Tag Archives: adrenalyn 2010

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Ricky (7) ‘Little Earl’

CARDS: Adrenalyn 2009 Extra, Adrenalyn 2010, Bowman’s Best 2000, Bowman’s Best 2001, Collectors Edge 2000, Donruss Classic 2004, Donruss Classic 2006, Donruss Elite 2004, Donruss Elite 2009 Chain Reaction Black, Fleer Showcase 2003, Leaf 2000, Panini Phoenix 2018 Adrenalin, Panini Classics 2016 Monday Night Moves, Playoff Contenders 2003, Donruss Gridiron Gear 2009, Panini Threads 2009, Panini Ultra 2016, Panini Vanguard 2000, Playoff Prestige 2004, Playoff Signatures 2002, Playoff 2006, Score 2001, Skybox Dominion 2000, SP 2001, SPx 2004 Winning Materials, SPx 2003, Topps Heritage 2003, Upper Deck 2000 Piece of History, Upper Deck 2001 Vintage, SPx 1999 Authentic, Upper Deck 2000 Ionix, Upper Deck 2002 MVP
ACQUIRED: IP, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

Well after a long wait, Ricky appeared again in… 2023- but I missed him. I didn’t realize he showed up early- and pretty much was leaving as I came in, again putting my cards on hold. I kicked myself over it, but really, is that what it’s about?

Fast forward to 2025. I finally got a last second notification of an event he was appearing at, and I was not going to miss it. He was promoting a mocktail and they were giving away samples at an HEB, so I packed my stuff, sent out the notifications to all the friends who would be interested and went.

Mark G contacted me and had me stop by his house. I picked up his cards along the way and met him there. I was the first person in line and Ricky was pretty happy to see me. We talked for a bit and caught up. When the gatekeeper came over and asked me to move along after 10 or so autographs, Ricky said, “It’s no big deal. I’m not going anywhere.” I got back into line and went through multiple times- and we just kept chatting. I ended up giving him one of my trading cards with my contact information, and told him if he just wanted to hang out to HMU.

In total Ricky signed 65 cards for me. The lines were not long and by the time I got to him for the 4th or 5th time, there was almost nobody in line. Now… You’re looking at this and saying, “Wait a minute… There’s not 60 cards here!” -That’s true. I cleared out ALL the favors and SHiLs I had over the years, and gave away almost half of them to members of my Facebook group.

I’ve always said to share the wealth, but the best gift you can get- is one that you do not expect. Thanks again Ricky! I’m reloading already!

NFL, XFL

Porter, Joey (2)

Adrenalyn XL 2010, #8 SPECIAL

CARDS: Adrenalyn 2010, Upper Deck 2006
ACQUIRED: IP 2023, Wounded Warrior Project Event

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • See Also Joey Porter
  • Worked with the Steelers through 2018 as their LB coach.
  • Popped up again on the radar of the XFL in 2023 as Hines Ward’s LB coach for a season.
Upper Deck 2006, #10SJP

NOTES:

When I heard that Joey Porter was Hines Ward LB coach- I was excited to see if I could add him in person. The Brahmas were very… stubborn about in person events, even though they promised meet and greets. Later in the season, the team had one in Boerne for the Wounded Warrior Project. When the whole team was announced to be attending I selected out a few cards, hoping I could get him. I was really happy to get him on these two, as he had a pretty decent line. Age seems to be catching up to him, as he has a noticeable hobble from all his injuries playing the game.

Of note, was a chance I missed. I correctly IDed his son, Joey Porter Jr who happened to be there with him. He was surprised and amused that I picked him out of the crowd, but grimaced when I suggested he’d be a great fit for the Texans.

NFL

Schobel, Aaron

Cards: Score 2010, Panini Prestige 2010, Adrenalyn 2010
Acquired: TTM 2020, C/o Home
Sent: 8/3 Received: 8/21 (18 days)

Aaron Schobel had a productive career with the Horned Frogs of TCU. He earned WAC Defensive Player of the Year Honors in 2000, and finished his career at the school with 31 sacks, 264 tackles, and 7 forced fumbles. (His 31 sacks would be a school record.)

After being selected out of TCU in 2001 with the Bills 2nd round pick, Aaron played 9 years for the team where he was a rock at defensive end in their 4-3 alignment. He was a two time Pro Bowl selection in 2006 and 2007. In 6 of those 9 seasons Aaron posted 8.5 sacks or more, including a career high 14 in 2006. Over that era, he posted 78 career sacks- a number that was only second to HOF DE Jason Taylor.

As the Bills planned to transition to a 3-4 defense in 2011, Schobel decided to retire at the age of 32. Afterwards many rumors swirled about him returning to play for a team on the message boards, most notably the Houston Texans (who are about 70 miles from his hometown), but Aaron felt the fire was gone and injuries had taken their toll, so he decided to stay retired. I sometimes think about what a devastating line that would’ve been in 2011 if the Texans had lined up budding rookie JJ Watt alongside grizzled veteran Aaron Schobel.

On my occasional drives back from Houston, I’d see a billboard for his family’s restaurant and it’d remind me of him, so I decided to take a shot and mail these cards out to him, that he graciously signed for me.

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133/12848378.08

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