CARDS: Playoff Contenders European Ticket 2000 ACQUIRED: 2021, Future Considerations
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Talented athlete played for UAB in 96 and 97 converting from quarterback to wide receiver.
In his only year at WR posted 38 receptions for 823 yards and 7 TDs.
Spent majority of rookie year on Cardinals practice squad.
Opted to hone his skills in NFLE with the Scottish Claymores in 1999, posting 11 catches for 181 yards and two TDs.
Allocated to NFLE in 2000 playing for the Rhein Fire.
Led league with 12 touchdown catches.
Returned stateside in 2000 and spent the year on the practice squad of the Bills and Broncos.
In 2001 was a territorial allocation of the XFL 2001 Birmingham Bolts.
Signed with Cowboys but did not make the squad.
Opted to sign with the CFL in 2002, playing for the Ottawa Renegades, but retired due to concussions.
NOTES: Drake estimates that he suffered from at least 10 concussions over his career in football, with three being knockouts. He now suffers daily from the debilitating side effects of those head injuries, and spends his time coaching football and also improving education and awareness of concussion safety.
Cards: Topps Stadium Club 1992, Fleer 1990, ProSet 1991 Acquired: TTM 2021, C/o Home Sent: 8/2 Received: 8/9 (7 days) Failure: TTM 2014, C/o Home x2
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
After playing offensive line at Tulane where he was a 3 year starter, Don Maggs was selected by the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL in 1984.
Spent 1985 with the New Jersey Generals.
Selected in the USFL Supplemental Draft by the Houston Oilers in the second round.
Provided versatile depth for the Oilers already stacked offensive line.
Blew out anterior cruciate ligament during training camp in 1987 and saw no action that year.
In fact, only started 3 games over 3 seasons with the Oilers before taking over fulltime at left tackle in 1990.
Was the Denver Broncos first official unrestricted free agent signing in 1993.
Played final two seasons (93/94) with the Denver Broncos.
Started 110 games over career.
Fleer Update 1990, #U-35 Pro Set 1991, #520
NOTES:
I had tried previously to get Don’s autograph but had failed twice. The first time was an RTS with his new address, so I packed everything up and resent. Everyone else got their stuff back but me. After waiting a few years and reloading I decided to give him another shot and got him on these great cards.
Topps Fire 2015, #18Panini Contenders Draft Picks, #96
NOTES:
After he smudged one of the cards I wanted him to sign that I had previously sent to him, I waited a year and gave him another shot on two more cards. He did however return that Upper Deck College Legends in almost record time in just 4 days flat.
Topps really had come a long way over the years, and their Fire branded entry was really high end stuff. When I got this card, I knew I wanted to eventually get it signed. Tony appears in most of the Panini stuff, and I still need to possibly go back and get him on one last card or two, but who knows if he will still be signing by then as CTE has really taken its toll on the former stalwart back.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
