Autograph Memorabilia
Stampede Inaugural Magazine Austin Wranglers
Acquired: Gift 2004
My cousin got me a game program full of autographs back in 2004, that I found recently when digging through some boxes. I had completely forgotten about this group of autographs, as I had been out of touch with the hobby for a few years when I was given this magazine as a gift.
Tacoma Fontaine quickly established himself in the Wranglers starting lineup in 2004 after a successful career with the Tulsa Talons as a receiver, returner and defensive back. With his second start under his belt, Fontaine won AFL player of the week honors after recording 7 catches for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Detroit Fury. Fontaine finished the 2004 season with 72 receptions for 1076 yards and 21 touchdowns. In 2005 Tacoma saw time as both a receiver and kick returner recording over 1500 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. He’d retire after the season.
Autograph Memorabilia
Stampede Inaugural Magazine Austin Wranglers
Acquired: Gift 2004
My cousin got me a game program full of autographs back in 2004, that I found recently when digging through some boxes. I went to 2-3 Wranglers games at Frank Erwin Center, including their inaugural home game, but the AFL schedule of games which was spread out over 4 days of the week at the time, made consistently following the team difficult.
Lucas Yarnell was the true definition of a journeyman lineman who signed as a free agent with the Wranglers in 2004. Previously he had spent time with Detroit, Grand Rapids, and San Jose. In 2005 he joined Las Vegas and had his best season as a pro making 10 tackles and 14 assists before wrapping up his career with the Kansas City Brigade in 2006.
Autograph Memorabilia
Stampede Inaugural Magazine Austin Wranglers
Acquired: Gift 2004
I am a big fan of football and even went to Texas Terminator games in 2001 of the IPFL, Austin Knights/Rockers in 2002, and then finally followed the Austin Wranglers of the AFL in 2004- but by this point, I hadn’t gotten back into collecting autographs myself yet. That wouldn’t happen for another 5 years or so. Thankfully though my cousin got me a game program full of autographs back in 2004, that I found recently when digging through some boxes.
Ramon Richardson played 5 seasons in the AFL after being signed by the Austin Wranglers in 2004. His best season came in 2006 where he recorded 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the team. Richardson played one final season in 2008 for the Cleveland Gladiators recording 12 tackles and a sack before retiring in 2009. In addition to his time in the AFL Ramon played 2 seasons for the Tulsa Talons in 2002 and 2003 notching 47 tackles and 9.5 sacks.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Autograph Memorabilia
