Cards: Ultimate World League 1992, Jogo 1994, Jogo 1995 Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home Sent: 8/29 Received: 10/8 (40 days)
A three year starter at the University of Akron at tackle, John Buddenberg clocked in at 6’5″, 279. He’d be selected in the 10th round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and then later spent time on the rosters of the Minnesota Vikings (1989) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1990). During his time in the NFL, Buddenberg was shifted inside to play guard.
In 1991 John was selected by the Sacramento Surge of the World League of American Football. A stalwart member of the Surge’s offensive line front, he played in all 20 regular season games for the franchise over the lifetime of the World League (1991-1992), earning first-team All-World League in ’92. For both years he’d return to the NFL and was on the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons.
After the World League reorganized following the 1992 season- the Sacramento Surge jumped to the CFL and became the Goldminers. John joined the franchise and played both guard and tackle for Sacramento in 1994, and (for the franchise when it moved to San Antonio and became) the Texans in 1995.
John currently lives in Ohio. He responded with a nice note and two extra autographed cards (the Jogo ones) thanking me for being a fan of the World League.
Cards: Score 1990, Action Packed 1990, Topps 1990 Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o The University of Wisconsin Sent: 2/4 Received: 2/14 (10 days) See Also: John Settle
John still has it after all these years. He signed these cards in only 10 days care of Wisconsin. Much to my chagrin he did sign the autograph box on the back of the Action Packed card, but still these were very nice to add to my collection and probably wrap up any card of his that he had over the years.
After coaching for the Panthers from 2011 to 2012, John served one season with the Cleveland Browns in 2013. He returned to the college ranks and picked up a year with the University of Pittsburgh, before returning to the University of Wisconsin. John is a fixture as a RB coach since retirement, and has worked wonders tutoring many young backs to the pro ranks.
Card: Upper Deck College Legends 2011 Acquired: Box Breaker, 2019
A second round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2011, Greg Little was a talented basketball and football player from North Carolina. While playing for the Tarheels at runningback and receiver from 2007-2009 he posted 1,774 yards from scrimmage. Greg had his best year in 2009 when he posted 62 receptions for 724 yards and 5 TDs.
Little had a solid rookie year for Cleveland with 61 catches for 709 yards and 2 TDs, but his number declined in subsequent years. After hauling in 41 receptions for 465 yards and 2 TDs in 13 starts during 2013, he’d be released in the offseason. After a quick stop in Oakland, Greg was on and off the roster of the Bengals through 2015, posting 6 catches in 6 games. He then was in camp with the Bills (2016) and Cardinals (2018). As of 2019 Greg is considered an active NFL Free Agent.
I never really understood why Greg didn’t manage to latch on with the Browns. His career seemed very bright with them. Then when you look closer at his stats, you realize he rarely caught more than 50% of his targets- an increasingly modern important measurement of receiver’s hands.
This is a great card with clear, strong shadows, and vibrant colors. The autograph, while big- well… It’s a ‘G’ that looks like a hatchet and an ‘L’. That’s it… Not really inspiring -more than reckless looking.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
