Tag Archives: chicago bears

Arena, NFL, ufl

Palmer, Jordan

to07 jo palmerCard: Topps Certified 2007
Acquired: Target Autograph Memorabilia Pack, 2013

Jordan Palmer is the younger brother of Heisman Trophy Winner Carson Palmer. While also playing quarterback, Jordan has traveled a much different path than his decorated older brother. Jordan ended up attending the University of Texas – El Paso, playing quarterback for the UTEP Miners from 2003 through 2006 putting together a respectable quarterback resume.

The Washington Redskins drafted Jordan with their 6th round pick in 2007. Despite playing well in the preseason, Palmer was one of the final roster cuts that season. He’d hop over to the Arizona Rattlers of the AFL, but not see any playing time, signing with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2008, backing up his brother Carson, who lobbied hard for him to come to the team. They became the first active duo of brother to play for the same NFL team and Jordan remained with the Bengals through mid 2010.

Jordan went to the Oakland Raiders that year, where he was ironically reunited with his brother Carson who joined the team in 2011.  Jordan played in the UFL for the Sacramento Mountain Lions later that year, and quickly found a home with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012. In 2013, Palmer played for the Bears, and then both the Bills and Titans through 2014.

NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Roy “The Legend”

adr11 rwilliams wrsco09 r williams wrud09 roy williams WRpoff09 rwilliams wrdo09 rwilliams wrto08 rwilliams wrmem11 rwilliams wr

Cards: Upper Deck 2009, Score 2009, Adrenalyn 2009, Playoff Prestige 2009, Donruss Threads 2009, Topps 2006, Photograph Memorabilia
Acquired: IP 2013, GMC NFL Texas Tour October

It really surprised me that Roy didn’t have a UT Upper Deck card, so initially I was put into a scramble to find some cards for him. Since I had only started collecting cards again in minutia in 2009, I was short on many of Roy’s great cards. I took the rides at the GMC event and stocked up on autograph passes. Each drive entitled you to one autograph from a player and I intended to carry my surplus into the Sunday event, but that did not come to fruition, as I was later informed by staff that the passes were only good for that day. Undaunted I went ahead and had Roy sign the 6 cards I had with me.  I kept kicking myself for not staying around longer though as apparently Roy sat down and played some Madden with fans after he got done signing.  I later also gave the extra Longhorn photo that I got from this event to one of my friends.

The November attempt for Roy turned out to be a dud. With a much larger crowd than expected and Roy showing up early to start signing, the timing of the event was completely off. Roy’s queue closed 2 minutes after it opened at 2pm, because he wanted to get to the UT game. This left myself, who had been doing test drives dutifully to try to acquire autographs, standing on the outside. It was not a well handled situation, and while Roy looked genuinely sad that he had to leave us standing out looking in, I believe that I will probably be able to grab him at another event again. There was one positive out of the situation, and that was because we had organized a line behind the queue, we formed the basis of the line for the next person coming up- DeMarcus Ware.

Roy was a monster at the University of Texas who had the complete package for the Longhorns. In 47 games Roy finished as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (241), receiving yards (3866), and receiving touchdowns(36). He also rushed 16 times for 243 yards and 3 TDs. Roy earned the Cotton Bowl Classic MVP in 2003, after catching 4 balls for 142 yards and a TD, and carrying the ball 1 time for 39 yards and another.

Drafted by the Lions in 2004, Roy was the 2nd of 4 monster receivers that the Lions used their high first round pick on during the Matt Millen administration. Initially fans were unhappy with the pick, but Williams wasted no time establishing himself as the team’s #1 threat, recording 817 yards on 54 receptions, and 8 TDs. After a subpar 2005, Williams earned Pro Bowl honors for his monstrous injury free 2006 campaign. In it he recorded career highs with 82 receptions for 1310 yards and 7 touchdowns, while averaging some 81.9 yards a game. As bigger things were expected with Williams’ emergence, 2007 came as a let down to many as Roy only played in 12 games. Still he managed again to post 838 yards and 5 TDs, including a career high 91 yarder.  In 2008, Roy was traded to the right before the deadline to the Cowboys, as the Lions were confident in the arrival of new receiver Calvin Johnson. While the trade was hailed with much fanfare, the Cowboys in the long run were fleeced by the Lions (for once) to the tune of a 1st and 3rd round pick as Roy received a very lucrative extension.  He played the next 2 seasons there with Dallas playing along side Terrell Owens, but probably what really cost Williams his job was the emergence of Miles Austin after Roy sustained a rib injury. Roy was just never able to reestablish that trust as a go to guy between him and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. The Cowboys released Roy in 2011, and he ended up signing with the Chicago Bears. After a season there, Roy decided to retire for good from the league in 2012. When I asked Roy,  “If he could suit up right now what team he’d most likely play for?”, He paused for what seemed like 15 seconds, and then said he’d do it all over again with the Cowboys. Playing alongside Terrell Owens and catching a few balls from Romo were some great memories.

G/Gs  115/94     Rec  393      Yds  5715       Avg  14.5       Td 44     Lg   91t

 

 

NFL

McBride, Turk

poff05 mcbrideCard: Playoff Contenders 2007
Acquired: Box Breaker 2013, Target Autographed Memorabilia Pack

At 6’2″, 277 Turk McBride was considered a versatile gap player that could handle both defensive end and tackle.  His college statistics were pretty solid playing for the Tennessee Volunteers as well. He registered 73 tackles, 52 assists, and 6.5 sacks over his college career through the 2006 season. McBride solidified his stock with a good combine displaying quickness with his 4.8 40 and a willingness to participate in as many drills as possible to be properly vetted by scouts.

The Kansas City Chiefs used their second round choice in the 2007 draft on Turk and he’d be one of the featured rookies on “Hard Knocks” that season for HBO.  In limited playtime starting 1 game he made 1 sack 11 tackles and a pass defensed. Shifted outside to left defensive end in 2008 McBride started 9 games but injuries ended his campaign after 25 tackles. He’d be cut in 2009, and signed by the Lions, starting 4 games that season, and 8 in 2010. Turk registered a career high 5.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2010 starting at right defensive end. He’d get some limited playing time with the Saints over the next 2 following seasons starting 2 games in 2011. In 2013 Turk signed with the Chicago Bears with the hope of fitting into their nickle package situations, but a ruptured Achilles ended his season before it began. Currently he is a free agent.