Tag Archives: chicago bears

NFL, University of Texas

Vasher, Nathan ‘The Interceptor’

CARDS: UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK, 2004 Bowman, 2004 Donruss Elite, 2004 Leaf Rookies & Stars RUBY, 2004 Leaf Rookies & Stars, 2004 Upper Deck Sweet Spot, 2006 Topps, 2006 Topps All Pro Relics, 2006 Topps Total, 2006 Topps Turkey Red, 2006 Upper Deck Ultimate
ACQUIRED: 2025, IP- Paid signing

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Dangerous DB and return man Nathan Vasher played college ball at Texas from 2000-’03.
  • He tied the school record, notching 17 picks and had 64 pass deflections over his college career.
  • Also set the school mark with 1,314 punt return yards and 2 TDs.
  • Selected in the 4th round of the 2004 draft by the Chicago Bears.
  • After the first month of the season, established himself as a starter in the defensive secondary.
  • Led the NFC in 2005 with 8 picks, and returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a TD.
  • In 2006 injuries began to impact his playing time- a theme throughout the remainder of his career.
  • Signed with the Chargers in 2010, before heading over to the Detroit Lions, finishing his career there in 2011.
  • Over his 7 year career, Vasher started 51 of 87 games, and posted 193 total tackles, and 20 picks for 368 yards and 2 TDs.
  • From 2011-’20, Vash built up his coaching resume and skills at the high school and college level.

ACCOLADES:

  • Texas Hall of Honor 2017
  • Pro Bowl 2005
  • Second Team All Pro 2005

NOTES:

I went all out for a paid signing of Lifetime Longhorn Nathan Vasher. He doesn’t sign TTM ever so to see something pop of him nearby I jumped out of my seat to go. I had also just finished his UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK card so it seemed fortuitous for the event to happen.

Then it got complicated. My friend couldn’t go so he stacked his needs on my needs. He doesn’t like black sharpies. Also I absolutely hate driving downtown for signings. Like 6th street bar… finding parking etc… Then it seemed that Vasher was cool with signing a few, but not signing all. In the end he did so graciously- but only in black, so that became an issue. The host didn’t really give me a great deal, and with my phone about to die, I just had to eat the costs. That being said Nate really did like his UT card I did of him.

The promoter also really liked my UT HACK card so we traded some cards in order to make that happen. He told me his daughter really likes UT branded cards and since Vasher really didn’t have one that she’d really like that. (Later I saw him post the card on a buy, sell, trade group on Facebook…)

With all these autographs in mind, I’m done with the hunt for Nathan Vasher, pretty much knocking out all his cards at once in one fell swoop.

NFL, ufl

Acho, Sam

CARD: Sage 2011
ACQUIRED: eBay, 2026

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Sam Acho displayed versatility, playing at LB, DE, and DT over his time at Texas from 2007-’10.
  • As team captain in 2010, he tallied 59 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
  • Selected in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
  • After taking over for Joey Porter at OLB, Acho tallied 40 total tackles, 7 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 4 forced fumbles, in 10 starts.
  • In 2012, Sam had 48 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions.
  • With a new HC in town, Sam had to again battle his way into the starting job, but broke his fibia during the 3rd game ending his 2013 campaign.
  • Posted 31 total tackles, a sack, an interception and 3 pass deflections in 2014.
  • Joined the Chicago Bears in 2015 on a series of one year contracts.
  • Shared snaps in 2015 pulling in 39 total tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflections.
  • Played with Chicago through 2018, stating 25 contests, tallying 140 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
  • Signed with the Bills in 2019 but did not make the squad.
  • And then later spent the last 8 contests of the season on the Bucs before retiring.
  • Sam’s moved into the television world where he’s become a color man, sideline reporter and commentator- most notably on UFL broadcasts.

ACCOLADES:

  • Danny Wuerffel Trophy
  • William V Campbell Trophy

NOTES:

Well, well, well Sam. Two years ago, I was at a San Antonio Brahmas game, and Sam came walking out of the tunnel right next to my spot. He was friendly and shook my hand. I didn’t have a card of him at the time, so I printed out this Longhorn hack card I did.

During the ’25 season, I packed his cards this time and I was ready to go. He came out of the tunnel and I said hello to him and beckoned him over. When he realized I was going to ask for his autograph, he said he’d get me after he went to the bathroom. He then avoided me the entire game. When I asked him afterwards again, he avoided eye contact and kept it moving as he smirked… so I jokingly told him he went on the longest bathroom break I’d ever seen and that really sucked.

Comparing notes with other fans later who told me that Sam is quite the jerk to fans asking for autographs and the fact the UFL isn’t coming back to SA, I just went ahead and nabbed this nice looking Sage card.

I thought he’d be excited about his custom hack card- but whatever.

See Also: Hall of Disappointment

CFL, IFL, NFL, The Spring League, XFL

Dixon, Ahmad

CARD: Topps XFL 2020
ACQUIRED: Ebay, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Ahmad Dixon played college ball at Baylor from 2010-’14 at defensive back.
  • Over his college careers with the Bears, he had 288 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 9 pass deflections, and 4 picks for 72 yard and a TD.
  • Selected in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Signed to the Vikings practice squad, and then to the Bears active roster during the 2014 season.
  • Had 5 special teams tackles and a fumble recovery for the Bears.
  • Signed by the Dolphins and quickly cut, Dixon ended the year back on the Vikings and was cut in 2015
  • Dixon tried his hand in the CFL and appeared in one game for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2017.
  • Played for the South team of The Spring League in 2018.
  • Resigned with the Esks that year but was released in final cut downs.
  • Drafted by the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL 2020 during the 6th round.
  • Before COVID ended the season, Dixon had 44 tackles in 4 games for LA.
  • Joined the Massachusetts Pirates of the IFL in 2021, posting 49 tackles, 4 pass breakups, an interception and a sack.
  • Played for the Philadelphia Stars in 2022, and started 9 contests, recording 41 total tackles, 1 pass deflections, 1 pick, and 2 forced fumbles.
  • Signed with the Pirates again for 2023 but did not make the squad.

NOTES:

This card is an uncorrected error. Topps accidentally spelled Ahmad’s name, ‘Ahmed’. Cheap certified autographed cards for my favorite sets are a no brainier through eBay.