Tag Archives: Houston Oilers

NFL, WLAF

Brantley, John “Rambo”


Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991, ProSet 1991 DMVP
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Birmingham Fire
See Also: John Brantley (2)

John Brantley was a 12th round choice (#325)  out of Georgia by the Houston Oilers in 1988.  He’d be on the roster of the team through 1989 suiting up for 8 games playing on special teams. In 1991 Brantley was drafted by the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF in the 2nd round of the positional draft.  A well rounded team leader, he’d finish statistically amongst the top players in the league with 47 tackles and 4 sacks. At the conclusion of the 1991 season John was be named first team All World Team, and would win defensive MVP in a three way tie with Danny Lockett and Anthony Parker.

Brantley returned to the WLAF for 1992 and again lead the staunch Fire defense, chipping in 2 more sacks and be named back to the All World team. The league unfortunately was reorganized after the 1992 season, but John would sign with the Washington Redskins of the NFL  and start 2 games for the team that year. It is unknown if Brantley played any additional seasons of football whether it was in
the Arena leagues or the CFL USA venture. He currently lives in Georgia.

G/Gs 20/20    Tac    124       Sac   6.0      Fum 3
Int 0    Yds  0    Avg  -.-   Td  0   Lg   -.-

 

College Football HoF, NFL

Kinard, Terry

Card: Score Supplemental 1990
Acquired: In Person 1990, Houston Oilers Training Camp

Terry Kinard was a highly regarded safety coming out of Clemson in 1983. A top 10 selection of the draft, he was immediately inserted into the starting lineup for the New York Giants. A two time first team All American, Kinard has more interceptions (17) in his career than any other player in Clemson history. (He is the only player in the history of the school that was a two time selection.)

A solid defensive back during his time with the Giants, Kinard would have 3 picks his rookie season.  In 1985 he’d have a career high  5 interceptions for 100 yards and a fumble recovery. He’d tie these numbers again 2 more times during his career, -in 1987 when he had 5 picks for 163 yards and a td, and in 1989 when he lodged 5 picks for 135 yards and a td as well.  Over his time with New York, Kinard would start 99 games and make 27 interceptions and play in one Pro Bowl (1988). In his final season, Terry would sign with the Houston Oilers via Plan B.  Kinard in his final season would have 4 interceptions for 75 yards and a fumble recovery for a 75 yard touchdown.

Named to Clemson’s Centennial team in 1996, the #3 player in Clemson’s history, Clemson’s HoF in 1992, and Sports Illustrated’s College Football Centennial Team in 1999. Terry Kinard was also inducted into the College Football HoF in 2001 and the South Carolina HoF in 2002.

G/Gs 121/115     Sac  3.0   Tac   N/a   Fum 7    Int    31       Yds   649    Avg  20.9     Td  2    Lg 70t

NFL

Bush, Frank

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: 2009, Texans Blitz

Linebacker Frank Bush was a 5th round choice of the Oilers in 1985. He played admirably in his rookie season and was named to numerous all-rookie teams. Unfortunately in 1986 Bush would be diagnosed with a narrow spinal canal- a career ending prognosis. The Oilers would immediately bring him onboard with their coaching staff starting as a scout where he’d stay on board through 1994. In 1995 he moved to the Denver Broncos- winning two Super Bowl rings serving in a variety of capacities for the team including linebackers coach, and secondary coach. Bush would stay there through 2003, leaving to coach linebackers and be assistant coach to Dennis Green in Arizona. The Texans new coach in 2005, Gary Kubiak wanted to bring Bush on board as his defensive coordinator, but was unable to wrest him from the Cardinals staff. Bush would be hired by the Texans in 2007 and serve initially as a defensive assistant under Richard Smith. With Smith relieved of his coaching duties in 2008, Frank would get his chance at defensive coordinator. That season the team would blitz aggressively and the defensive unit would improve steadily through the season against the run and pass after an incredibly rough start. 2010 would not be so fortunate. Starting an extremely young secondary the team would give up 24 points in 14 of 16 games, allowing opposing quarterbacks post over a 100 average QB rating. The team would finish a disappointing 6-10 and Bush would be relieved of his job. He wouldn’t be out of a job long and caught on quickly with the Tennessee Titans where in 2011 he is now serving as their linebackers coach.