Tag Archives: Denver Broncos

NFL

Quinn, Richard “Big Rich”

Card: Playoff 2008
Acquired: 2012, Target Authentic Memorabilia Autograph Edition

At 6’4″, 260, Richard Quinn was a 2nd round pick by the Broncos out of North Carolina. A solid in-line blocker, the Broncos passed up some intriguing TE’s to reach for a prospect with only 12 career catches for 124 yards and 2 TDs, during the 2009 draft. Essentially the Broncos thought that he’d make a nice fit in Josh McDaniels’ offensive system as basically an extra tackle who could quietly release off the line of scrimmage and pull down a few receptions in Jumbo sets. “Big Rich” made his first career reception in 2010, with 1 reception for 9 yards, but after a knee injury, he’d be cut with an injury settlement in 2011 from the Broncos. The Redskins signed Quinn later that season and he’d see the turk in the final cutdowns of the 2012 season. He quickly found a home with the Cincinnati Bengals and has been off and on their roster a few times since.

CFL, NFL

Aldridge, Anthony “Quick-Six”

Card: Bowman Sterling 2008
Acquired: 2012, Target Authentic Autograph Memorabilia

Anthony Aldridge was originally recruited as a wide receiver to the University of Houston in 2005, but coaches liked the potential that “Quick-Six” displayed at runningback and put him to work there. In 2006, he posted an incredible 959 yards on 95 attempts, an NCAA record 10.1 rush per attempt. Taking over fulltime in 2007, Anthony went to work posting 1,597 yards, 6.2 YPC, and 16 touchdowns. A curiosity to the NFL due to his size, at 5’9″, 175 lbs, it was assumed that he could not shoulder the workhorse load needed for a full 16 game schedule. The Broncos signed Aldridge to a free agent contract in 2008 as a scatback. After spending the entire 2008 season on IR, the Broncos waived him in 2009. Both the Redskins and Texans entertained Quick-Six that season, before he landed on the roster of the Redskins in 2010 as a WR. Anthony later moved on to the Canadian Football League signing with the Toronto Argonauts as a practice squad member, but was released in November of that year. Currently Anthony is a free agent.

NFL, ufl

Arrington, JJ

Card: SP Authentic 2006
Acquired: Target Authentic Memorabilia 2012

A surprise diamond in the rough from originally College of the Canyons and then later at Cal, JJ Arrington ran for at least 100 yards in every game for the Golden Bears in 2004 piling up 2,018 yards.  The yards were be the most since Marcus Allen, and this earned Arrington All-American Honors.  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2005 draft and immediately penciled in as the team’s starter at tailback to replace retiring Emmitt Smith. It was rough for Arrington to adjust to the pro game. He ended up splitting time with Marcel Shipp and started only 5 games, but gained 370 yards on 112 carries and scored 3 TDs.  JJ got moved to kick returner the following season as the team’s infatuation with free agent runningbacks shifted to Edgerrin James. Arrington saw little time in the backfield. Still he had a banner season as a returner with 67 returns for 1520 yards, a 22.7 average and a 99 yard touchdown. As Arrington finally saw a breakthrough taking the #2 slot behind James in 2007, the team used him sparingly and primarily as a 3rd down back/ kick returner recording 29 receptions for 241 yards and a touchdown. He’d have his best season in 2008 as a kick returner, only returning 36 kicks for 923 yards- but was relegated again to 3rd string behind Tim Hightower. He’d make good for a 25.6 yard average and a 93 yard touchdown. Arrington again caught 29 balls for 255 yards and a TD, helping the Cardinals reach their first Superbowl. When the season concluded, JJ was cut by the Cardinals after undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee.

In 2009, the Denver Broncos took a chance on Arrington signing him to their backfield. He’d be an ideal fit for their system- but failed his physical due to the knee, and was cut. JJ signed with the Broncos again in 2010,  and looked good in camp, so good that Denver traded him to the Eagles, but he’d be released prior to the beginning of the season. JJ played for the  Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL in 2011 but after a lot of buzz on the signing, he was cut by the team. Currently he remains a free agent.