Tag Archives: Denver Broncos

NFL

Kubiak, Gary

Cards: Fleer 1990, Bowman 2006
Acquired: TTM 2009, Texans Blitz

One of Texas A&M’s most decorated passers, Gary Kubiak was drafted in the 8th round of the 1983 draft by the Denver Broncos. A career backup to perennial AP John Elway, Gary would come in and get occasional spot playing time playing intelligent football. After 9 seasons with the team Kubiak would retire after 119 games and only 5 starts after 1991. His alma mater would come calling and Kubiak would coach runningbacks at Texas A&M for two seasons in 1992 and 1993 before he returned to the pros studying with George Siefert as the quarterbacks coach for Steve Young in 1994. Mike Shanahan was looking for an offensive coordinator and hired him in 1995 where he worked extensively with ironically… John Elway, the former quarterback he backed up.

After a ten year stint there Kubiak, was hired as the second coach of the Houston Texans in 2006. A Houston native and at one point an unabashed Houston Oiler fan, Kubiak is a tireless coach and offensive mastermind. Gary would guide the Texans to their best record ever, (9-7, 2009) most prolific offenses both in yardage and scoring, and almost into the playoffs, but as 2010 came to a close after 5 seasons, the team had yet to see that vaunted playoff appearance.

Seasons 5    W 37  L 43     T 0     Pct .463

NFL

Atwater, Steve “Smiling Assassin”


pac91 atwaterpset89 atwater


Cards: ProSet 1991 AP, Pacific 1991, ProSet 1989
Acquired:  TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 1/13      Received:  3/13   (43 days)

Steve Atwater was a dangerous, hard hitting safety who quickly defined the role during the late 80s and 90s, (when great safeties roamed the Earth unencumbered by the more liberal passing rules and hitting restrictions that now restrict the defensive game) and is the all-time leader in interceptions at Arkansas. Drafted in the first round of the stellar 1989 draft over other talent because of his leadership qualities, Atwater was quickly inserted into the starting lineup beside Dennis Smith by new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips who employed him near the line of scrimmage to enforce the run.  Steve would validate his selection by making 124 tackles and 3 interceptions finishing second behind Derrick Thomas for Defensive ROY honors that season.  Over the next 9 seasons for the Broncos Atwater would become a lock for the Pro Bowl and as an All Pro (1990-1996, 1998) for his solid play and tackling. Steve would make a career high 5 interceptions in 1991 and won two Superbowl rings with the Broncos in 1997 and 1998. However in 1999, Steve would be a salary cap casualty and play one final injury marred finale for the New York Jets.  In retrospect, Atwater has left astounding tackle numbers on the table for a safety. Another unsung hero who should be in the HoF, Steve has never gotten his due- perhaps because he plays at such an unglamorous position.

Since retirement, Atwater has been bestowed many honors including: Being named to the All-Decade team of the 90s, the Broncos Hall of Fame, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Razorback All-Century Team.  It was really tough to choose which cards to send as there were some nice cards of Atwater’s hitting but I settled on these showcase cards.  I had heard that Atwater was a wonderful respondent TTM with fans and I was not disappointed receiving these back in a bit over 40 days personalizing them to me as well.

G/Gs  167/166        Tac  1074      Sac  5.0    Fum 6     Int 24     Yds 408     Avg  17.0    Td 1    Lg  68

NFL

Myles, Godfrey (1968-2011)

Cards: ProSet 1991, StarPics 1991
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1992, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Godfrey Myles was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, who considered linebacker a budget position. A poor man’s guide selection running up before the draft, Myles played elephant (safety linebacker) in the Florida defense and was team captain. Unsure of his true position- Godfrey, (6-1, 245) like Darren Woodson was a hybrid safety who had the size, speed and strength to play outside linebacker. The Cowboys would move him to linebacker where he’d play for the Cowboys providing valuable depth and special teams skills. 1995 would be his season, as he’d come in and start 11 games, making 55 tackles, FF, and a pick. Surpringly fast and agile for his size, and relatively cheap, Myles would win 3 SuperBowl rings before he ruptured his Achilles in SuperBowl XXX. The Dolphins attempted to lure Myles out to play for them in 1997 under Jimmy Johnson, but he opted to sign with the Denver Broncos instead.  He would be cut before the season began and retire soon thereafter, possibly due to lingering effects from his Achilles injury.

I got Godfrey’s autograph in training camp on his StarPics and ProSet cards. Godfrey had some really great cards. I missed out on his Stadium Club card and his Fleer Ultra card, (as I’ve always been slightly partial to orange anyway), but regardless his ProSet card is a great profile card, and his StarPics seems to highlight his unusual build.

G/Gs 76/11     Tac 111      Sac 0     Fum 1      Int 2     Yds 28     Avg 14.0       Td 0    lg 15

UPDATE 06/11/2011 Sadly, on Wednesday, June 8th Godfrey Myles suffered a massive stroke in Miami, Florida and passed away the next day. He was just 42.