Mike Merriweather played linebacker for Pacific from 1978-’81.
Playing in 33 contests he had 4 interceptions for 67 yards and a TD.
Third round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1982.
After suiting up for 9 contests in ’82 became a full-time starter in 1983.
Dominant linebacker, had an impressive run from 1984-’86.
Had a career high 15 sacks in 1985.
After the shortened ’87 strike season, Merriweather held out the entire 1988 season.
He’d be traded in 1989 to the Minnesota Vikings.
Returned to form, starting 63 games with 7 picks, and 7 fumble recoveries.
Finished out career splitting the 1993 season with the Packers and Jets.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1984-’86
Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame
Skybox 1992, #158
NOTES:
Mike had some great cards along the way. Total intimidator shots- but these as set needs definitely came first. He was kind enough to sign all of these with a small donation, personalizing each one- which I don’t mind at all. I remember getting Mike’s 1989 Pro Set card as a kid. I was pretty disappointed that he was in his off season gear.
Mike was one of a group of rare players who challenged the NFL’s bargaining contract by sitting out the entire ’88 season from the Steelers, until he forced the trade in 1989 that sent him to Minnesota.
After transferring from East Carolina, QB Kurt Benkert got the starting nod at Virginia in 2016.
In 2017, he went 298/509, for 3,207 yards, and 25 TDs to just 9 picks.
He signed as an UDFA with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 and spent a good time of the season on their practice squad that year.
He spent 2019 on IR with a toe injury sustained in preseason.
Waived in 2020, he then spent the season with the Saints primarily on their practice squad.
In 2021, Benkert joined the Packers, also seeing time on the practice squad.
The 49ers had him for 2022 on and off their practice squad.
Kurt was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks in 2023 to play in the XFL, but refused to report.
After the injury bug hit the San Antonio Brahmas, the team traded for Benkert and he quickly saw the field in 2 contests.
Unfortunately he broke his ribs against the Vipers and was placed on IR.
He opted to retire from the sport in August of that year.
With the Roughnecks staff essentially replacing the Brahmas in 2024, there was renewed interest in keeping Benkert, but it is unknown whether or not he even attended camp.
NOTES:
I went to all the San Antonio Brahmas games in 2023, but since Benkert got a crash course on the offense, came in for Renegades contest, quickly got injured the next week and was not heard from again- I wasn’t able to get his autograph on these cards.
After the Brahmas signed him, I was peppered with Facebook football 101s on how to understand football concepts (basic and advanced) for fans and aspiring Madden players from Kurt, so I decided to buy one. Nestled in the downloadable program, was his address, so I shot these 4 out and he kindly signed them for me.
Packers traded their first and second round pick to acquire Ruettgers in the first round of the ’85 draft.
By ’88, established himself as one of the best OL in the league.
Known for shrewd preparation, meticulous record keeping of opponents, game film study, and weight room work ethic.
Played against Lawrence Taylor and shut him out in the final game of the season as he was attempting to eclipse the NFL sack record.
Played for the Packers through 1996, but as injuries mounted over his career, he ultimately had to retire.
Over his playing time he appeared in 156 games, starting 140 and winning Super Bowl XXXI.
Has coached high school football in Oregon and teaches sociology at the college level.
Action Packed 1990, #89
ACCOLADES:
Packers Hall of Fame 2013
Packers Offensive MVP 1989
NOTES:
Ken appears in both Tecmo Super Bowl and the follow up Super Nintendo/ Genesis games as a member of the Packers. Ken had some great cards and among them were these two beauties that I really wanted to add to their respective sets. He still has a few more and I may look into those at a much later date.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
