Scott Fulhage punted for Kansas State from 1981-’84.
He punted 254 times for 10,284 yards.
Signed as a free agent by the Bills (1985) and the Redskins the following season (’86) , but did not make the opening day roster.
Signed by the Bengals in ’87, then the Packers, and then back to the Bengals that year.
He averaged 41.7 yards per punt (2,168 yards) on 52 attempts.
Joined the Falcons in 1989, where he pinned opponents 24 times inside their own 20- leading the NFC (on 84 punts).
After bouncing around between 5 teams from ’85-’89, Fulhage found consistency with the Falcons, whom he punted for through the 1992 season.
In 1991, punted 81 times for 3,470 yards and dropped 21 inside the 20.
He’d see career highs in net yards (2,963), Average (42.8), and net average (36.6) that season.
After a shaky start with 3 blocked punts in under three seasons, Scott punted successfully 192 times until the 1992 season.
At the time of his retirement, Scott was ranked second all time on the Falcons all-time list with a 41.8 yard average per punt.
NOTES:
I knew I’d be in for a wait for Scott. Consistent, yet slow, I wasn’t worried about these getting back to me. He was of special interest to me as he appears in 1991’s Tecmo Super Bowl on the NES with the Falcons. Scott also appears on two set needs so it was a no brainer to get these cards out the door to him.
Funny note, on many of his cards, it’s noted that Scott farms and harvests wheat when it’s not the football season. Makes sense since he’s from Beloit, KS.
Kyle Clifton played college ball at TCU from 1980-’83.
Upon arriving at TCU Clifton was a quarterback, but by his Sophomore season had fully converted to the rigors of linebacker- playing both inside and outside ‘backer.
Broke the school’s single season tackle record in ’83, posting 189 total stops.
Selected in the 3rd round of the ’84 draft by the New York Jets.
After Bob Crable went down with an injury in the middle of the defense, Kyle stepped in.
Finished with 113 tackles in his rookie campaign.
He’d lead the squad in 1985 with 160 while chipping in 3 picks.
In 1988, Kyle had a banner campaign with 162 total tackles, and 4 forced fumbles.
He quickly broke the 1k tackle barrier in 1990, posting a career high 199 tackles that year.
Kyle continued to be a force in the middle, leading the team in tackles over 5 straight seasons.
In 1994, Kyle blew out his knee, ending his streak at 6 seasons with 130+ tackles.
And that was that- as in 1995 he came in off the bench and seldom saw playtime, retiring after the ’96 campaign and 204 contests.
At the time of his retirement, he was the Jets’ career leading tackler with 1,484 stops, and second all-time in league history (since surpassed).
NOTES:
Over Kyle’s quiet career in New York, you’d think that he’d have garnered more attention based on his incredible run stopping prowess, leading the league in 1985, ’86 and ’88. He also ranked in the top 10 in solo tackles seven times. Kyle is a great example of a run stopping tackle monster not getting their due. Despite his resume, the Jets have yet to induct Clifton into their Ring of Honor, as of the time of this post.
Kyle had a lot of cards that fit my set needs so I was lucky enough that he’d sign 4 for me.
Roman Phifer played LB at UCLA from 1987-’88 and 1990.
He really came into his own in 1990, posting 71 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Roman zoomed up the draft boards with a solid combine, with a 387lb bench press and 4.6 speed.
The Rams were looking to get younger at linebacker and selected Roman in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
Was off to a fast start, posting 24 total tackles and 2 sacks, before a season ending leg injury in November of that year.
By 1993, Roman had established himself as a solid defender, evidenced by his 117 total tackles that year.
As the team transitioned to Saint Louis in ’95, Pfifer arguably had the best season of his career, with 125 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
He’d almost duplicate those tackle totals in ’96 with 122.
In ’96, Roman had a career high 6.5 sacks, displaying the versatility, athleticism, and speed that warranted his second round selection.
Spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the New York Jets.
Began the 3rd stanza of his career with the New England Patriots in 2001.
He’d be key Patriots, helping the team win the Super Bowl after the season with 93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick.
The 34 year old returned to NE for 2002 with 109 total tackles, and 101 tackles in 2003.
With less playing time and injuries setting in, Roman had a down year in 2004 and was released in the off-season.
Took a cup of coffee with the Giants in 2005 suiting up for one contest but didn’t see any playing time- retiring soon thereafter.
Roman jumped into coaching and then quickly thereafter front office work.
As of this post, is a senior executive for the Denver Broncos.
ACCOLADES:
New England Patriots All-2000s Team
New England Patriots All Dynasty Team
Pro Bowl ’95, ’96, 2002, ’03
NOTES:
Well, as you can see, I’ve failed on Roman numerous times- but persistence pays off! He was one of the original send outs I wanted way, way back in 2010, so I was miffed not to get him either with the Lions or Broncos. I flushed so many great cards down the drain trying to get him, that I was just excited to get away with these two.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
