Tag Archives: chicago bears

NFL

Gentry, Dennis

pset89 gentrysco89 gentry

Cards: Proset 1989, Score 1989, Fleer 1990, Gameday 1992
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Home
Sent:  4/6   Received: 7/3   (88 days)

gday92 gentryA versatile player who started his career at runningback, Dennis Gentry with his 5-8, 180 frame is perhaps more well known as being a dependable receiver and explosive return man for the Chicago Bears. Gentry played with the Bears from 1982-1992, where he initially served as Walter Peyton’s understudy. Gentry in the meantime spent his time contributing on special teams as a return man and also moonlighting as a receiver. With the arrival of Neal Anderson, Gentry became a scat back for the Bears, coming in on 3rd down, and providing an additional option out of the backfield.

Between 1986 and 1989, Gentry ranked among the top 5 in kick returns in the NFC. In 1986 Gentry led the NFL with a 28.8 kick off return average, and was named AP in 1987. When Dennis retired in 1992, he was the franchise’s all-time leading return man, breaking the yardage and return mark previously held by Bears great Gale Sayers.

Gentry played his college years at Baylor and was distinguished as a return man, blocker, and runner. He rushed for 883 yards and caught eight passes for another 77 en route to all-Southwest Conference honors. Gentry amassed 2,213 yards- good enough to be Baylor’s  second-leading rusher in history.

flr90 gentryA Tecmo Bowl legend, Gentry appeared in both Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl. In both he is featured as a dominant return man and adept receiver.  In media, he is also remembered for being a part of the Bears Super Bowl Shuffle video.

Gentry over the years had some really good classic cards. The Fleer 1990 was among his best in action featuring a full body shot and him breaking a tackle. Not to be outdone, the Score, ProSet, and GameDay entries all were very solid. In fact, I had to drop a ProSet 1990 from the group to send because there were so many quality shots of Gentry. A reliable TTM signer, Gentry has a nice, loopy signature.  Since retirement, he’s spent time in coaching and lives in Texas.

G/Gs 159/30     Rush 137   Yds 764  Avg 5.6   Td 5   Lg 58
Rec 171   Yds 2076    Avg 12.1   Td 7   Lg 80t
KR 192   Yds 4353    Avg 22.7   Td 3   Lg 94t
PR  17    Yds 136   Avg  8.0    Td 0   Lg 47

Arena, CFL, NFL, ufl

Johnson, Jerrod

tntufl11 jjohnsonCards: TNT UFL 2011
Acquired: IP, Aaron Williams Lone Star Showcase 2015

I was a big fan of the United Football League, before all the dirt came out about them not paying their players, and developed a set of cards for the league. As word got around of my work, a few players contacted me and asked for their cards, so I expanded the set from roughly 50 to 100 cards.  Included in the set were 12 or so rookies who were selected by the league during the first ever sports Twitter draft.

After Josh McCown had bolted back to the NFL as one of the UFL’s success stories, new Hartford Colonial’s coach Jerry Glanville assembled an impressive coaching staff and selected Jerrod Johnson with the first overall pick of the 2011 UFL Draft. Johnson planned to sign with the league, but with dark financial clouds brewing, Jerrod signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Soon thereafter, the Colonials owner assumed control of the Virginia Destroyers, and the league contracted Hartford.  Jerrod saw time on various rosters around the NFL (Eagles, Steelers) and Arena (Rattlers) leagues. He then returned to the UFL in 2012 suiting up for the Sacramento Mountain Lions. Johnson threw for 321 yards, completing 25 of 59 passes with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also ran for 12 yards in 6 attempts.  This led him back to the NFL, where he ws on the offseason and practice rosters of the Seahawks and Bears through the 2014 season. Later Jerrod signed with the Montreal Alouettes.

Jerrod liked the custom that I did of him, and when I said the #1 pick of the UFL in 2011, he remarked, “The man knows!” Jerrod was one of the many attendees at the Lone Star Showcase. Working with the kids at quarterback you could tell he got a lot of enjoyment out of giving back. Although it was a pretty hot day, the event was well run and players were kind and accomodating to fans of all ages.

NFL

Walker, Darius

sco07 dwalkerCard: Score 2007
Acquired: 2014, Albany Acquisition

Darius Walker was a solid runningback at Notre Dame from 2004-2006. Clocking in at 5’11”, 205, Walker ran for 3,249 yards and 17 touchdowns, but also was a great receiver out of the backfield, setting the school mark for runningbacks with 56 catches in 2006. He declared after his Junior season, but after a subpar combine, was not drafted. Walker was in the process of signing with the Chicago Bears, when he had a change of heart and signed with the Texans. Darius felt he had a better chance of making the Texans roster, after the sudden injury retirement of Dominick Davis/ Williams the previous season.

Hoping that Ahman Green was the answer, the Texans signed him to a contract, but injuries limited his effectiveness.  In the end Ron Dayne ended up with the lion’s share of the carries and the yards. Darius finally saw game action in week 13 and helped the team go 3-1 down the stretch. During week 16, Walker rushed for a career high 86 yards on 10 carries, and his first professional touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He’d join the St. Louis Rams in 2008, but was unable to secure a spot on the squad. With Green back on IR the Texans resigned Walker during the season, but he wouldn’t see time on the field. Darius also spent time with the Broncos and Cowboys in 2009. He’s spent time as a sideline reporter and as analyst for Fox.

I had forgotten about Walker. He was the poor man’s Arian Foster to me, but much rougher. I was pretty disappointed after he signed with the Rams, and hoped he was going to be our long term answer at runningback.  Although he saw action in 4 games, he ran well and did not put the rock on the ground. With the glut of backs out there looking for jobs, Walker always seemed lost in every roster’s number game.

G/Gs     4/2       Rush   58     Yds  264      Td   1        Lg   41    |       Rec  13       Yds  81       Avg 6.2     Td 0      Lg  9