Many years ago, thanks to my friend Bryan who was taking a break from collecting I acquired a few of Tom Waddle’s autographs. At the time I didn’t have anything from Waddle and gleefully added him on 2 cards. Well after all those years, I’ve developed specific set needs and now I needed him on a few of them, including both these Skybox sets and the Gameday 1992 issue.
Skybox 1992 had very few disappointing cards, chief among this one. There was no reason that any manufacturer at this point- especially one that prided itself in the ‘poster card’ design style, would come up with this one of Waddle just standing there with his hands on his hips. They should’ve used the action shot from the Skybox set’s Bears team card for this and relegated this hip pose to that team card instead.
All the others feel like nice designs- though Pro Set 1992 used a less close shot of the same image from the Action Packed 1992 card. I love the clarity of the Gameday 1992 card. Although probably unintended, the people in the background and the referee are so clear, that you can see their astonishment with Tom laying out to catch that pass.
CARD: Upper Deck USFL 2023 ACQUIRED: IP 2024, San Antonio Brahmas v Birmingham Stallions
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
CJ Marable played college ball at Arkansas State in 2016, but after seeing little time on the field, transferred to Coastal Carolina.
In 3 years playing for the Chanticleers, he ran for 2691 yards on 491 carries scoring 29 TDs.
He also was a solid receiving option catching 84 passes for 703 yards and 12 TDs.
Signed as an UDFA by the Bears, he’d be waived at the end of camp.
Selected in the 28th round of the 2022 USFL Draft by the Birmingham Stallions.
Solid debut rushing 102 times for 401 yards and 5 TDs, while catching 20 passes for 161 yards for Birmingham.
After being waived by the Patriots, he’d return to the Stallions for 2023, catching 28 passes for 235 yards and 2 TDs, while rushing for 524 yards on 118 carries (2 TDs).
In his 3rd season with the Stallions, CJ rushed 80 times for 293 yards (4 TD) and caught 10 passes for 45 yards.
Birmingham Stallions (8-0) v San Antonio Brahmas (6-2), 5/25/24 CJ MARABLE R 2 YDS 17 AVG 8.5 TD 0 LG 11 REC 1 YDS 2 AVG 2.0 TD 0 LG 2
ACCOLADES:
USFL Player of the Week 2022 (Week 5)
NOTES:
I didn’t hold out much hope getting any Stallions autographs after the Brahmas game. They had just suffered their first loss in over a year and they looked bushwhacked and tired. Still you have to hand it to them that they are happy to have fans. I was able to waive him over, and he kindly signed 3 cards including this 1/499. The other two I sent to my friends Joe and Mark (Mark’s Signing Bonus). CJ has a great big autograph, and I love it.
I thought I’d push it a bit further and ask him for his glove, to which he responded, “For a true fan, I got you bruh.” Big win. Getting back to basics: This is how a league really courts fans.
Despite playing only 2 full seasons for the Bulldogs, he finished his college career with 2038 yards on 353 carries (27 TDs).
Worley was a first round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers (7th overall) in the 1989 NFL Draft.
A ground and pound offense under HC Chuck Noll, Tim Worley was well suited for the system rushing for 770 yards in his rookie season.
In 1991, he was placed on IR for the season.
Subsequently he failed two mandatory drug tests and was suspended for the entire 1992 season.
He’d be traded to Chicago in 1993, and seemed to get back on track somewhat, rushing for 437 yards and 2 TDs during the season.
Played in only 5 contests though in 1994, and after being released decided to retire from the league.
Founded a motivational speaking, consulting, and marketing company- Worley Global Enterprises.
ACCOLADES:
Georgia-Florida HoF 2007
Roberson County HoF 2011
Georgia SEC Legend 2013
NOTES:
Tim Worley’s career and problems parallel those of fellow RB and ’89 draftee Sammie Smith. Worley much like Sammie, had a fumbling problem, and had a career that fizzled due to a drug issue- as it was said that cocaine was Worley’s drug of choice.
Post football continued to spiral, and eventually had a run in with the law, resulting in him being tasered by police. He was able to restart his life however, and now is a motivational speaker.
Unable to secure Tim TTM, I went ahead and did a paid signing to get him on these 3 set needs. Tim makes an appearance in the classic Tecmo Super Bowl at RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
455
1792
3.9
8
38
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
35
253
7.2
0
27
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
