Tag Archives: detroit lions

NFL, XFL

Romo, John Parker

CARD: TNT XFL 2023
ACQUIRED: In Person 2023, Brahmas Purple Heart Event

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • John Parker Romo has had an interesting ride to the professional level.
  • First he kicked for Central Arkansas (2016), Tulsa (2018), and then finally in Virginia Tech (2019-’21).
  • In his lone season starting at VT, Romo hit 34 of 34 extra points, and 18 of 22 field goals for 88 total points.
  • Undrafted he was on the off season roster of the Saints in 2022.
  • In 2023 John Parker joined the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL ’23.
  • He’d nail 17 of 19 field goals on the season and solidify himself as the best kicker in the league.
  • After another off season with both the Lions and Bears in 2023, he spent 2024 on the off season roster of the Vikings.
  • An injury replacement for Will Reichard John was resigned by the Vikings and went 11 of 12 on field goals.
  • As of the time of this post, JPR is on the practice squad of the New England Patriots.

ACCOLADES:

  • All XFL 2023

NOTES:

I finished a slew of these XFL 2023 cards I made for the Brahmas hoping to get many of them signed before the conclusion of the season. At the Purple Heart Veterans event, the entire team showed up, but I was so overwhelmed by a few players that I was unable to get all the autographs I wanted in about 15 minutes.

I reached out to John before the event through Twitter and he responded and told me he’d love to have a card. He sought me out and kindly signed this card, while I gave him the extras to keep.

Romo has a nice little autograph that even has goal posts in it. Brilliant!

NFL

Droughns, Reuben

Leaf Rookies & Stars 2006, #27
Playoff Contenders 2006, #24

CARDS: Playoff Contenders 2006 Season Ticket, Leaf Rookies & Stars 2006
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home
SENT: 1/29/21 RECEIVED: 2/20/21 (22 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • A two year starter at RB for Oregon (’98-’99) Rueben Droughns rushed for 1963 yards and 18 TDs on 368 carries.
  • Selected in the 3rd round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
  • Sidelined his entire rookie season with a separated shoulder.
  • In 2001, started 3 games and ran for 72 yards on 30 carries.
  • After briefly spending time on the PS of Miami, he joined the Denver Broncos in 2002.
  • It wasn’t until 2004 that Reuben saw measured success on the gridiron.
  • He’d take the NFL by storm rushing 275 times for 1240 yards and 6 TDs for Denver.
  • Traded to the Browns in 2005.
  • He’d add another 1232 yards to his career total and become the first Brown to rush for over 1,000 yards in over 15 years.
  • After rushing for 758 yards in ’06 for Cleveland, Droughns was traded to the New York Giants where the Giants used him primarily as a goalline back.
  • Droughns retired after the 2008 season.
  • Reuben has dabbled in coaching, working internationally for the CEFL from 2010-2013 and Serbian team Vukovi Beograd.
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NFL

Batch, Charlie

Upper Deck MVP 2002, #79

CARDS: Upper Deck MVP 2002, SP 2001
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 10/17/23 RECEIVED: 11/8/23 (22 days)*
*Signing fee enclosed

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Charlie Batch played QB at Eastern Michigan from 1994-’97.
  • In his senior season he threw for 3280 yards, completed 247 of 434 passes, and 23 TDs to 11 interceptions.
  • Over his 4 years with the Eagles he threw for 7592 yards and 53 TDs.
  • Selected in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
  • He’d start 12 games in 1998- throwing for 2178 yards and 11 TDs as the team started moving away from starter Scott Mitchell.
  • During that rookie year, he’d complete a 98 yard TD pass.
  • In ’99 the Lions offense had to deal with the sudden retirement of bell cow running back Barry Sanders.
  • Despite this Batch led the team to the playoffs starting 10 games.
  • He’d deal with a carousel of coaches and quarterback changes over his tenure in Detroit.
  • Eventually on the street, Charlie was signed by the Steelers in 2002.
  • He’d grow into his role as a top level backup quarterback, first to Tommy Maddox and Kordell Stewart, and then later to Ben Roethlisberger.
  • Batch ended up spending a total of 11 seasons with the franchise.
  • In 2013, the Steelers selected Landry Jones in the NFL Draft, signaling the end of Batch’s time in Pittsburgh and in the NFL.
  • Charlie remains active in the NFL community doing pregame work and color commentary.
  • He’s also highly involved in and respected in charitable work.
SP 2001, #32

NOTES:

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