Tag Archives: buffalo bills

NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Aaron (3)

Cards: Sage 2011, Upper Deck 2011, Score 2011, Playoff Contenders 2011, Playoff Threads 2011, Panini UT 2015, PressPass 2011,
Acquired: IP, Aaron Williams Lone Star Showcase 2015, UT Coop Celebration 2016.
See Also: Aaron Williams, Aaron Williams (2)

Making a habit of grabbing a few Aaron Williams autographs
when I see he’s around.  While there seems to be an almost endless supply of cards, I’m still finding quite a few nice ones here and there especially this surprising Sage 2012 entry.  The
Playoff Contenders was a late find and a really nice card.  I appreciate the reflective areas on the card.  Even though Upper Deck seems to be taking a beating recently, I do appreciate the 1991
throwback entry they did of Williams. The Press Pass card left much to be desired however.    When I showed Aaron his Panini 2015 UT card at the Coop, he stopped to show Fozzy Whittaker how it looked. I knew he wanted one but unfortunately I did not have an extra.  Shawn luckily had one to give him.

I really liked the Lone Star Showcase. Williams crew ran a tight ship and the kids really appreciated the camp, event, and how it was run. Aaron started the LSC because he felt that if he just had the guidance and help earlier, he could’ve been a better player and teammate. In a sense this is his way of giving back. After the event, the best kids were given trophies.  It was a really hot event, but it was worth it. Outside of the autographs, the highlight of the event was the DB WR drills and watching these kids go up one on one on each other. I really wish something like this had existed when I was a kid as there was no shortage of NFL talent on the field willing to help, teach, and encourage these youngsters. Aaron continues to be highly active in Central Texas hosting events, and making charitable radio appearances.

 Aaron really blossomed into the heart and soul of the Buffalo defense. His knowledge and understanding of Rex Ryan’s defense was unparalleled. The strong safety was leaned heavily upon in the system, and as neck and concussion issues have impacted his playing time- it has had an adverse effect on the Bills defense as well. He’s been limited to 10 games over the last two seasons, posting 22 tackles, an interception, 8 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery for a TD. In March of 2017, Aaron Williams was released by the Buffalo Bills. He’s weighing his options as he hopes to continue his career elsewhere.

NFL, University of Texas

Goodwin, Marquise ‘Flash’

sage13 goodwinCard: Sage Hit 2013, Donruss Elite 2013 (#11/99)
Acquired: 2015 Trade, Spoodog Box Break. 2016, EBay

Fleet footed Marquise Goodwin ended his career ranked 11th on the Texas all-time receptions list with 120 catches, and 2,776 career all-purpose yards. He posted career highs in receptions (33), receiving yards (421) and all-purpose yards (888) in 2011.  Goodwin boosted his draft stock after playing in the 2013 Senior Bowl.  He had five catches for 44 yards and returned two punts for 30 yards, leading all receivers in receptions. A track man, Goodwin set numerous career records at UT, culminating in winning the long jump title at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials (27-4.25) and finishing 10th in the London Olympics. Despite his commitment to play football, Goodwin spends time actively promoting track and field in Texas.

doe13 mgoodwinSelected in the third round of the 2013 draft by the Buffalo Bills, Marquise had a decent rookie season, posting 17 receptions for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 59 yarder against the Chiefs. He also was utilized on special teams posting 16 kick returns for 351 yards. Goodwin’s career however has been marred by injury, missing 24 games in 3 seasons. Going into 2016- it was obvious that he was facing a make or break year. He responded with his best season as a pro posting 29 receptions for 431 yards and 3 TDs in 9 starts. The speed merchant also exposed Darrell Revis for an 84 yard TD.

Spoodog has met Goodwin quite a few times and had an extra Sage floating around that he threw in along with EJ Manuel for an autograph of mine that he wanted. Later I picked up this really nice Donruss Elite 2013 New Breed patch card for a bargain price.

 

NFL

Groy, Ryan ‘Yorg’

sa14 rgroyCard: Sage 2014
Acquired: 2015, Box Breaker

Ryan Groy clocked in at an impressive 6’5″, 320 but went undrafted out of Wisconsin. While playing for the Badgers, Ryan had a lot of experience playing on the line at all positions except right tackle. He also played 13 games as a fullback in 2010. Ryan signed a free agent contract with the Bears and was promoted to the team roster late in the season. He’d be traded to the New England Patriots in 2015, but was cut with an injury settlement.  He was later signed to the Bucs practice squad, and then to the Buffalo bills active roster.  Groy continues to blossom as a lineman in the NFL seeing action for the first time in 16 games, while starting 7 of those contests during 2016.