Sam Acho displayed versatility, playing at LB, DE, and DT over his time at Texas from 2007-’10.
As team captain in 2010, he tallied 59 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
Selected in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
After taking over for Joey Porter at OLB, Acho tallied 40 total tackles, 7 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 4 forced fumbles, in 10 starts.
In 2012, Sam had 48 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
With a new HC in town, Sam had to again battle his way into the starting job, but broke his fibia during the 3rd game ending his 2013 campaign.
Posted 31 total tackles, a sack, an interception and 3 pass deflections in 2014.
Joined the Chicago Bears in 2015 on a series of one year contracts.
Shared snaps in 2015 pulling in 39 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflections.
Played with Chicago through 2018, stating 25 contests, tallying 140 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Signed with the Bills in 2019 but did not make the squad.
And then later spent the last 8 contests of the season on the Bucs before retiring.
Sam’s moved into the television world where he’s become a color man, sideline reporter and commentator- most notably on UFL broadcasts.
ACCOLADES:
Danny Wuerffel Trophy
William V Campbell Trophy
NOTES:
Well, well, well Sam. Two years ago, I was at a San Antonio Brahmas game, and Sam came walking out of the tunnel right next to my spot. He was friendly and shook my hand. I didn’t have a card of him at the time, so I printed out this Longhorn hack card I did.
During the ’25 season, I packed his cards this time and I was ready to go. He came out of the tunnel and I said hello to him and beckoned him over. When he realized I was going to ask for his autograph, he said he’d get me after he went to the bathroom. He then avoided me the entire game. When I asked him afterwards again, he avoided eye contact and kept it moving as he smirked… so I jokingly told him he went on the longest bathroom break I’d ever seen and that really sucked.
Comparing notes with other fans later who told me that Sam is quite the jerk to fans asking for autographs and the fact the UFL isn’t coming back to SA, I just went ahead and nabbed this nice looking Sage card.
I thought he’d be excited about his custom hack card- but whatever.
CARDS: Playoff 1994, UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Work SENT: 9/29 RECEIVED: 10/14 (15 Days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Van Malone played DB at Texas from 1990-’93.
Hard hitting safety and fearsome special teams player.
Drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
Saw action in 55 contests over NFL career, starting in 19 of them.
Posted 3 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 102 total tackles over 4 seasons.
Finished 1997 on IR and signed with the Arizona Cardinals after the season, but was released with an injury settlement.
Went into coaching and philantropy.
Climbed the coaching ranks from high school into college, where as of 2020 he is the Assistant Head Coach at Kansas State.
NOTES:
When I started the UT Upper Deck HACK collection, I thought to myself, I need deep cut players. Guys like Van Malone. Here at Texas, we all knew about the hard hitting, in the box, enforcing safety that was Van Malone. Like many other Lifetime Longhorns, I was surprised he was not in the set. I think the card I made completely encapsulates him and I captured it perfectly!
He hadn’t signed in a while, but I was confident, he’d take one look at the card, smile, and sign away. I tossed in the 1994 Playoff card to go along with it and crossed my fingers, sending it off to K-State. I was surprised to get it back just a bit over two weeks later, both signed in blue.
CARDS: Panini Prestige 2015, Upper Deck Star Rookies 2012 ACQUIRED: TTM 2024, C/o Home SENT: 8/1/24 RECEIVED: 10/27/25 (452 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Michael Floyd played WR for Notre Dame from 2008-’12.
In his first game, he became the first ever Freshman to score the first points of the season for the Fightin’ Irish.
His first year numbers of 48 catches for 719 yards and 7 TDs were all school records for a Freshman receiver in 2008.
In 2011 he caught 100 passes for 1147 yards and 9 TDs.
His career school totals included 271 receptions for 3686 yards and 37 TDs- including an 88 yard barn burner.
Both his 100 receptions in 2011, and his 37 career receiving TDs were school record marks.
Selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Drew rave reviews as the heir apparent to longtime Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
Had raw yet efficient rookie season, catching 45 passes for 562 yards and 2 TDs.
Blossomed in second season catching 65 passes for 1041 yards and 5 TDs including a career high 91 yarder.
Had a streak of 4 straight games with TD catches in 2015.
Following a DUI arrest in 2016, Floyd was released by the team, and began the journeyman phase of his career.
Signed late in the season by the Patriots, and the following year played for the Vikings in 2017.
Saw action in 13 contests for the Redskins in 2018.
Released by the Baltimore Ravens during final roster cuts in 2019.
NOTES:
I like Michael, and I think he got a bad wrap. It’s hard dealing with addictions, especially alcohol since it is so prevalent and easy to get. The Cardinals after his DUI incident, cut his promising career short, and although he went on to play for other teams, I think Floyd could’ve wrapped up a spectacular career with the right kind of help.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
