Ended up becoming a part of a devastating 2 headed runningback rotation with Elroy Harris.
Displayed exceptional vision and skill catching passes out of the backfield, leading the team with 40 receptions.
Caught league’s first fake punt play TD, a 65 yarder from punter Kirk Maggio against the New York/ New Jersey Knights.
NOTES:
Son, Kenny Bell played for the Salt Lake City Stallions of the AAF. I packed my WLAF card of Ken just in case I ran into him, but no such luck! The reason being was at one point Ken was living a city over near a day camp I used to go to. I tried in vain to get his autograph on 3 previous occasions, but thanks to one of my fellow collectors, Rick, I got an updated address early in the year and took a stab. With Ken’s autograph, I’ve closed out the Pro Set World League Birmingham Fire team set’s autographs.
Fastest timed receiver in the 1986 NFL Draft, was the first selection of the Dallas Cowboys at #18.
Played college ball for UCLA, posting 121 career receptions for 1857 yards and 8 TDs.
Promising rookie year concluded with 41 receptions for 744 yards and 5 TDs.
Lost 1987 and 88 seasons to a broken leg in separate incidents.
Considered a bust by fans, signed by 49ers via Plan B in 1989.
Continued rehab and joined 49ers for playoffs helping team win Super Bowl XXIV.
Broke right leg again in 1990.
Put together solid campaign in 1992 with 38 receptions for 607 yards.
Signed with Giants as a free agent in 1993.
Dislocated hip and broke hip socket after solid start.
In 1994, scored career highs with 53 catches for 825 yards and 6 TDs.
Joined Denver Broncos in 1996, retiring before the 1997 regular season.
Topps Stadium Club 1991, #278Skybox Premium 92/93, #178
NOTES:
Mike Sherrard is the story of perseverance through pain as he suffered multiple leg injuries through out his career. As of this post, he was a pretty good TTM signer, so I wanted to get him on a few cards of his I liked. Mike has been active in charitable circles for autism, and has begun making the rounds coaching football at the High School level.
Had a marvelous journey as a quarterback playing through 18 seasons for 3 leagues and 8 teams from 1952-69.
Played for Kentucky from 1949-51.
In an era not renown for passing, threw for 1627 yards (114/203) and 23 TDs to 12 INT in 1950.
4th pick of the 1952 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers.
Joined CFL Ottawa Rough Riders in 1954, playing there through 55, and also again in 59.
Returned to NFL for a one year stint with the Browns in 56.
Again, played for Packers in 57 and 58.
After one year stint with the CFL again in 59, played for the Oakland Raiders in 1960.
After middling success with Oakland, was traded as part of a blockbuster deal to the Boston Patriots.
Played for the Patriots from 1961-67.
At time of departure from Boston, owned all the franchise’s passing records and many AFL ones as well.
Retired after winning Super Bowl III as Joe Namath‘s backup in Super Bowl III.
Had extensive coaching career.
Passed away in 2017 at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer.
NOTES:
In an age of more sexy names, I really hadn’t considered the legacy of Babe, compared to guys like Tom Brady (of course), or even Drew Bledsoe or Steve Grogan for that matter. -That being said Babe paved the way for those guys.
AFL/NFL
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
3330
1552
22681
46.6
178
220
59.6
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
383
1522
4.0
23
33
CFL
*Stats not available pre-1959
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
52
23
373
44.2
4
4
N/a
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
4
20
5.0
0
15
P
YDS
AVG
LG
65
2497
38.4
58
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
