Tim Couch played QB for the Kentucky Wildcats from 1996-’98.
In ’97 he led the FBS in Attempts (547), Completions (363), Completion percentage (66.4%), yards (3,884), and yards per game (353.1).
He’d have an equally impressive ’98 leading the conference or FBS in Attempts, Completions, completion percentage, yards, TD, yards per game, and QB rating- setting numerous conference and school records.
Was the first overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns- who were restarting after the team moved to Baltimore a few years prior.
Couch had a rough outing with the ‘expansion’ Browns- but there were high points, including leading the team to the playoffs in 2002.
A broken leg opened the door for Kelly Holcomb and from there he battled Kelly for the remainder of his playing career.
His best statistical season came in 2001, starting all 16 games under center, Tim threw for 3,040 yards and completed 272 of 454 passes with 17 TDs.
After the 2003 season where he started just 8 games, Couch signed with the Packers in ’04, but failed to make the team due to a torn rotator cuff.
He attempted to make a comeback with various tryouts with teams, over the next few years, and sat out a year rehabbing his injured shoulder.
Signed with the Jaguars in 2007, but was released from the team before the regular season, effectively ending his comeback.
Couch has remained close to the game he loves, and moved into analyst and color work for FOX Sports.
He also spent time calling preseason games in 2018 for the Browns.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
PFWA All-Rookie Team
NOTES:
I was able to slip into a small window when Tim was signing and get these two autographed. At some point as I was updating the encyclopedia and setting up future posts, I published this as a blank. I saw a success on him after many years recently and it got me thinking about what I had on Tim, so after digging in the database I found the empty file.
Tim played wounded throughout a good portion of his career and his body paid for it on the field. One wonders if his career would’ve turned out differently if he had been drafted by a team that had a decent offensive line.
Jon Kitna walked on to the Central Washington football team, where he settled in at QB.
During his senior season, Jon threw for 4,616 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Undrafted, he signed as a free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 1996.
Intrigued by his skillset the Seahawks sent him overseas to play in the World League with the Barcelona Dragons in 1997.
With the Dragons, Kitna completed 171 of 317 attempts, for 2,448 yards and 22 passing TDs.
He also set the league record for quarterbacks with 334 rushing yards.
In World Bowl V, he put the Dragons on his shoulders and threw for a game record 401 yards and 2 TDs.
Returned to the Seahawks after the World League season where he honed his craft behind Warren Moon and John Friesz.
Became the Seahawks starter at QB in Week 13 of ’98.
Completed 270 of 495 passes for 3,346 yards and 23 touchdown passes leading the Seahawks to an AFC West Title in ’99.
Struggled in 2000, posting a 6-6 record, throwing 18 TDs to 19 picks.
Signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001- beating out WLAF alum Scott Mitchell in camp.
Threw a franchise record 68 times in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Led the league in passing attempts with 581.
Backed up Gus Frerotte to start the 2002 season, before going on to start the final 12 games of the season for the Bengals.
Again, Kitna stepped up throwing for 3,178 yards and 16 TDs.
With #1 pick Carson Palmer sitting in the wings, Jon was allowed to start and play every single down for the Bengals in 2003.
Threw for 3,591 yards and a career high 26 TDs.
As Palmer took over in 2004, Kitna was relegated to a backup role and saw spot duty through 2005, seeing action in 7 games, while starting 3.
Signed with the Detroit Lions in 2006.
Took every snap for the team in 2006, throwing for 4,204 yards, and 21 TDs on 372 of 596 passes- setting multiple team records.
His 372 completions led the league.
Had another 4k season passing in 2007 as he threw 18 TDs.
Injured during week 4 of 2008.
Traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2009 to shore up the team’s QB room behind Tony Romo.
Started 9 contests in 2010 for Dallas, throwing for 2,365 yards and 16 TDs.
Injured in training camp due to a herniated disc, Kitna never was able to fully recover from the injury and was forced to retire after the 2011 season concluded.
Went into teaching and coaching at his High School in Washington.
Popped up again briefly as an emergency QB for the Cowboys in 2013, but didn’t see any action- donating the check to his High School Booster Club.
Worked his way through the High School ranks before briefly joining the San Diego Fleet of the AAF in 2018 for about 6 months as offensive coordinator.
Resigned to become QB Coach to Dak Prescott of the Cowboys in January of 2019.
Returned to the high school gridiron to coach in 2020.
ACCOLADES:
Pacific Northwest Hall of Fame 2014
Central Washington University Hall of Fame 2006
World Bowl V MVP
Offensive Player of the Week (13) 1998
Offensive Player of the Month (October) 1999
Offensive Player of the Week (16) 2001
NFL Comeback Player of the Year 2003
NOTES:
I really had to scramble to find cards of Jon. He’s always been at this crossroads of quarterbacking that’s interested me, being a mentor to so many players and also being a World League alum. He signs in very short spurts, so I rushed these out as soon as I could them.
INSCRIPTIONS:
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
-Galations 2:25
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-Romans 5:8
A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God
Played WR for the University of Utah from 1993-’97.
Caught 192 passes for 2,726 yards and 18 touchdowns.
First round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 1998.
Caught 21 passes for 263 yards and 2 TDs his rookie season.
Had a career high 54 catches in 1999.
Caught the lateral from Frank Wycheck in the Music City Miracle.
Then was stopped one yard short of the goal line in the closing moments of Super Bowl XXIV.
After an injury in 2000 limited him to two games, returned to form in 2001 and tied his career high with 54 receptions, along with 825 yards and 7 TDs.
Joined the Panthers in 2003, but spent most of the season on IR.
Spent the off season with the Chargers (’04) and Redskins (’05).
Went back to school, obtaining his doctorate, spending time in coaching, and education.
SP 2001, #85
NOTES:
Every once in a while I’m just surprised by an older card set I’ve discovered. Case in point- SP 2001. Simple, elegant, lots of space to work with.. it’s just great design, and the landscape format helps make autographs pop and look more cinematic.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
