Card: Topps 1977, Topps 1978
Acquired: TTM 2010, Texans blitz
Apparently when my friend on the Texans approached Ray with his cards to sign he reacted by being quite amused. Ray Rhodes was an amazing athlete and former coach at a variety of pro levels during his tenure in the NFL. Originally a wide receiver drafted in the 10th round by the New York Giants in 1974 he’d switch to cornerback in 1977. He’d continue playing for the Giants through 1978 at which he was traded to the 49ers (for Tony Dungy) and played one season for them before retiring. Ray would stay with the 49ers and become an assistant coach where he served the team through 1991. In 1992 he’d leave the 49ers to join Mike Holmgren in Green Bay where he’d be the defensive coordinator through 1993. Rhodes would return again to the 49ers for an additional season in 1994, before being made head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1995- a position he’d hold through 1998, until he was replaced by Andy Reid. In 1999 he’d be head coach of the Green Bay Packers for one season, before being unceremoniously released. From there stints with the Redskins, Broncos and Seahawks would occur until he was signed to be an assistant defensive backs coach for the Houston Texans in 2008. Ray would remain with his native Texans through the 2010 season and now serves on the coaching staff of the Seattle Seahawks. Ray is considered a member of the Bill Walsh coaching tree.