Tag Archives: carolina cobras

Arena, CFL, NFL, NFLE

Johnson, Lee

tntafl14 lee johnsonCard: TNT AFL 2014
Acquired: IP 5/17/14, San Antonio Talons vs. New Orleans Voodoo

Coach Johnson is a veteran of many leagues as both a player and a coach. He’s spent time in the NFL, CFL, NFLE, and AFL. Among his highlights, Johnson coached the defensive line of the Berlin Thunder to two consecutive World Bowl Championships in both 2001 and 2002. He then coached the Denver Crush to the Arena Football Championship in 2004. After taking the reins of the Talons, he coached them to a 14-4 record and a division title, in 2012.

After the San Antonio Talons game against the Iowa Barnstormers I gave out my custom cards to many players on the field. It created such a stir that Coach Johnson came over and asked me where his was. After I joked with him a few seconds about sharing the same first name, he quickly extracted a promise from me to make a custom for him as well.

I arrived at the Talons game versus the Voodoo early as usual. After talking to the COO of the Talons and giving him a copy of the set, he went over to Lee to show him what I had done. Coach immediately came over and talked to me with a broad smile, signed the card and thanked me for the extras. He asked me what I wanted for the cards I made and gave to him, but as usual the most important thing for me is the autograph gracing the card for my own collection, and their enduring happiness and willingness to chase their dreams. You know, on that note, I have always subscribed to the ultimate belief that a true gift is one that is not expected, and for purposes of what I had given to each of these players I know it meant a lot to them.

 

Arena, NFLE

Beutler, Jeremy

 

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. While the AFL was quirky and entertaining playing in “The Drum” (Frank Erwin Center), their legacy did not last, as the franchise packed its bags after 4 seasons.

Jeremy Beutler was originally claimed by the Carolina Cobras in 2000, but opted to play for the Frankfurt Galaxy in the NFLE for 2001 recording 2 sacks. In 2003 Jeremy would sign with the Dallas Desperados playing there for one season before joining the Wranglers for the next two. In 2006 Beutler played for the Kansas City Brigade recording 14.5 tackles and a sack before retiring after the season.  Beutler’s best season probably came in 2004 when he recorded 47 carries for 133 yards and 6 touchdowns. He quickly entered coaching and became the offensive line coach of the Wranglers, but the team wrapped up operations after 2007.