When I sent to Stanley way, way back in 2011, he graciously signed 3 of 4 cards. Unfortunately he didn’t sign the card I truly wanted him to sign most of all- Action Packed Rookies 1990, a dire set need. I chocked it up as a lesson learned, and decided after a few years wait to give him another shot in 2017. This time he flat out didn’t respond. I was an outlier to a player who is typically a solid signer TTM, so I waited again a few more years, and finally in 2021, nabbed him on these three beautiful cards.
A jarring enforcer and solid tackler, set the University of Miami, FL career mark with 151 assists by a safety.
Also set the career mark for interceptions with 16 for 170 yards.
In 1980 had 7 interceptions and finished second on the team in tackles.
Saw heavy rotation at PR with 62 career returns for 392 yards.
5th round selection of the New England Patriots in 1982.
Finest season came in 1985 during the Patriots Super Bowl XX appearance.
Recorded 129 total tackles, 7 interceptions for 189 yards, and 3 fumble recoveries.
In 6 straight seasons posted 100+ total tackles (1985-1990).
Played 101 straight games for the squad before being injured in 1991, retiring after the season.
At time of retirement was ranked 5th on the franchise’s all time interception chart, and had well over 900 total tackles.
ACCOLADES:
University of Miami HoF 1983
1985 Pro Bowl
1985 NFL leader (interception yardage- 185)
Patriots All-1980s Team
Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
TAC
SAC
FUM
INT
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
N/a
1.0
13
29
457
15.8
1
83
Fleer 1990, #322 Action Packed 1990, #165
NOTES:
Shocked and disappointed, that Fred Marion is not in the Patriots Hall of Fame as of 2021. I know he played through some dark years, but he was an effective player who always brought his lunch pail to work, despite not getting the accolades, his numbers absolutely speak for themselves. -Not to mention, he’s a die hard fan of the franchise.
Can’t go without talking about the infamous Fred Marion error card. I had no interest in talking about that with him or trying to get it signed. To summarize, it’s Fred’s 1990 Pro Set #204 card. As Fred is coming across to make the interception, John Taylor, it appears, in the background, has lost his footing and is falling to the ground. As he is falling, his belt slips out of his pants, and is pointed towards the ground. It comes across as quite… phallic. After ProSet got word of it, they went back and erased it out of later prints of the card, but not before quite a few got out into the wild. It’s actually a humorous shot, but I really liked these.
Bill Brooks had some amazing cards over the years and once again after a few years I decided to go ahead and dip into the well for a few more of them. Since that time all these sets have sort of become set needs so it made sense to send them. I really like the Action Packed and the GameDay cards of Bill taking off after a catch.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
