Mike Schad (OL) was a 1st Round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1986, who hailed from Queens, Canada.
At the time, was the highest Canadian born player selected in NFL Draft (#23 overall).
Injuries derailed Schad’s first two seasons in the NFL so badly, he was left exposed by the Rams in Plan B during 1989.
Joined the Eagles in March of ’89 and was immediately slotted in as starter at LG.
Ironically earned a game ball for helping the Eagles beat the Rams in 1990, 27-21.
Played with the Eagles through 1993 and the Browns in 1994.
Started 55 games (62 played) over NFL career.
Returned to Canada for final season with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1995.
NOTES:
I think Mike had 3… maybe 4 cards total in his career, so the fact I had 50% of them, and one of them was a set need- I think it was a good sign to go ahead and send these two out to him.
Defensive lineman Greg Kragen played for Utah State from 1980-83.
He finished his collegiate career with 223 tackles.
Signed with the Broncos as a free agent, and then was a mainstay, particularly at NT for the next 8 seasons.
Truly emerged as a leader on the defense in ’88, nabbing a club leading 140 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Followed that up with 72 total tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks in ’89.
Best game arguably came against Chiefs that year, when Greg notched 6 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a TD.
In 1992 had a career high 5.5 sacks, to go along with 101 tackles.
Joined the Chiefs for the 1994 season.
Expansion selection of the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
Scored franchise’s first defensive TD returning fumble against Chicago that season.
Still had enough gas in the tank for 2 more additional seasons after that- retiring after the 1997 campaign.
ACCOLADES:
AFC Defensive Player of the Week 1989 (Week 10)
Pro Bowl 1989
1st Team All-Pro 1989, ’91
2nd Team All-Pro 1992
Utah Aggies Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Greg had some sexy cards for a defensive lineman. The Action Packed cards of him were really nice, and I didn’t even send the Pro Set ones! I love that Action Packed 1991 with his hands up there being blocked out by Mike Webster. Great card.
I always felt like these were going to make their way back to me. Greg usually clocks in at about a year on average for his returns.
I hadn’t ever gotten Eddie through the mail- scoring his autograph at Cowboys training camp as a kid, so I thought I’d be nice to follow up with some more current cards which I had wanted to get signed that were primarily set needs. He was also one of the few kickers who appeared in Action Packed 1990.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
