Tag Archives: cincinnati bengals

NFL

McGee, Tim

Cards: ProSet 1990, ProSet 1989
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 6/20     Received:  7/1   (11 days)

Among wide receiver combos during the late 80’s-90’s, the AFC Central sported both the Houston Oilers’ in Hill,Givins,Jeffires and Duncan and the Bengals with equally talented- and in some cases superior group of Brown, Holman, and McGee. Originally a first round pick of the 1986 draft by Cincinnati out of the University of Tennessee, McGee finished as the college’s all-time leader in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. He’d be immediately paired with 1985 1st round choice Eddie Brown, freeing up Eddie and tight end Rodney Holman across the middle.

McGee would start initially as the Bengals’ kick returner. He’d finish his rookie season with slightly over 1000 yards returning and an additional 276 receiving. His total yards from scrimmage would be 1283 for 1986. A fearsome long bomb receiving threat, Tim averaged a 17.3 yards in his rookie season. In 1988, he’d average a career high 19.1 yards on 36 receptions, scoring 6 touchdowns. 1989 would be an impressive season for Tim, as he’d help lead the team to the Super Bowl, with 1211 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. As the team suffered from the dismissal of head coach Sam Wyche and perennial quarterback Boomer Esiason’s departure, McGee’s statistics and starting time would diminish. As free agency rolled around in 1993, McGee would sign and play one season with the Redskins making 500 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’d re-sign with the Bengals in 1994 and retire after the 1995 season.  McGee is a great through the mail signer confirming this with an 11 day turn around on these 2 cards. He is currently a sports agent in the greater Cincinnati area.

G/Gs  134/97       Rec  321       Yds   5203       Avg    16.2       Td  28       Lg  78

NFL, WLAF

Stephens, Richard “Shake”

Card: ProSet WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v Sacramento Surge

At 6″7′, 308, Richard Stephens was considered one of the WLAFs top 10 prospects. A strong drive blocker from the University of Tulsa, Stephens was taken in the 9th round of the 1989 draft by the Bengals. He’d also see time in the training camps of the Redskins and Jets before being drafted in the 2nd round of the WLAF positional draft in 1991 by the Sacramento Surge.

Richard would play two seasons for the Surge at tackle and help the team win World Bowl II blocking for All World runningback and future CFL HoFer Mike Pringle. He’d go on to play in the NFL starting one game for both the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993 and  the Oakland Raiders in 1995.

NFL

Ambrose, Ashley

Card: StarPics 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, Colts Blitz

As the 1992 draft dawned, the Colts determined to fix their woeful defense, drafted Steve Emtman and Quentin Coryatt with the first two picks of the draft. They’d turn around at the top of round 2 and grab 1992 Ashley Ambrose from Mississippi Valley State.  He was a nice find at the top of round 2- well once he left the Colts. Over 4 seasons, from 1992-1995 Ashley would make 5 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries and 94 tackles.

In 1996 Ashley signed with the Bengals, and immediately contributed with an All Pro season. Starting all 16 games for the first time in his career Ashley made 8 picks and 44 tackles. Ambrose would never be on the bench again for the remainder of his career. He’d play for the Bengals 2 more seasons before signing with the New Orleans Saints, making 6 more picks, before heading out to Atlanta for 4 more seasons. In Atlanta, Ambrose would make 12 interceptions for 207 yards, before heading back to New Orleans for the 2003 and 2004 season before retiring.

Ambrose has gone into coaching where he worked for the Colorado Buffaloes. Currently Ashley is defensive backs coach at California. I’ve dug up a few cards of Ashley, that I missed out on sending to him back in 1992 including his Action Packed Rookies and GameDay cards that I may send to him on a later date.

G/Gs  192/141      Tac 474     Sac 1.0    Fum 9
Int 42   Yds  512   Avg 12.1    Td  3    lg   73t