Tag Archives: Houston Oilers

NFL

Bowden, Joe


Cards: StarPics 1992, Classic 1992, Upper Deck 1992, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: In Person, 1992,1994,1995 , Houston Oilers Training Camp
Failure: TTM 2010, C/o Central Oklahoma University

Joe Bowden was a talent coming out of OU back in 1992, and going in the 5th round to the Houston Oilers, I knew they had gotten him at a bargain price. At 5’11”, 230 the knock on Joe was that he was undersized to play linebacker, but Bowden certainly made up for it with a motor that never quit. He didn’t start any games in 1992, but in 1993 under Buddy Ryan got to start in 6 games, making a sack, fumble recovery and 28 tackles. Over the years the team transitioned to Tennessee and in 1999 Bowden would start 15 games at right linebacker, making 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 FF and 36 tackles.  He’d sign with Dallas in 2000, and but not start any games and retire shortly afterwards.

At least when he played, Joe was an excellent signer in person. I sent out again for him in 2010, hoping to get what was left of my cards of him signed, however as of the time of this post, he has not responded from his work at Central Oklahoma University where he coaches.

G/Gs 139/84     Tac   306      Sac   12.5     Fum   9    Int  3    Yds  39     Avg   13.0       Td   1    Lg  29

NFL

Matthews, Bruce

Cards: Action Packed 1990, Topps 1988, SkyBox 1993
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1994. TTM, 2009. Houston Oilers Training Camp, Texans Blitz

One of the greatest linemen to play the game, Bruce Matthews is one of the most decorated linemen in NFL history. At 6’6″, 289 he is the perfect blend of speed and power to play the guard position. In fact over his career Matthews would play every position along the line, being named to the Pro Bowl at both center (5 times) and guard  (9 times), playing in more games than any other player (outside of kicker and punter) with 296 games in three different decades.  Named All Pro 9 times and selected to the NFL All Decade team of the 1990s, Matthews was originally a 1st round choice out of USC by the Houston Oilers. He, along with Mike Munchak would form the best guard combo perhaps in league history allowing the team to soar to new offensive heights, blocking primarily for the Oilers during the Warren Moon and Steve McNair eras.  Matthews resented the move of the team from Houston to Tennessee due to the roots he had planted in the city, but played there through 2001 before retiring.  He was named to the Hall of Fame in 2007 during his first year of eligiblity.

Bruce has remained fairly close to the sport since retiring. Ironically he had not suffered any notable injuries through out his long career- but has had knee problems since colliding with children while standing on the sidelines of one of his children’s pee wee games. He worked for the Houston Texans through the 2010 season but was hired to coach the offensive line for Mike Munchak in Tennessee beginning in 2011.

Action Packed made some nice cards, and with their second run in 1990, had great photos and a simple gold frame and an embossed card. It stands in contrast to the Topps submission, with an inglorious sideline shot of Matthews. This SkyBox 1993 Impact was a nice idea, but the Impact logo is just too big on the card. It also takes away from Bruce’s moving figure and his name in that pastel Oiler Hawaiian blue. The moving figure effect was probably created by a motion blur in the background, and is primitive yet effective.

The first time I met Bruce Matthews was back in 1988 or 1989. Josh and I didn’t have cards at the time and were outside waiting for the players. As Josh walked up to the door an player ran him over. Josh stumbled to his feet and it was none other than Bruce Matthews who clobbered him by accident. He apologized and gave us a hearty laugh and went back inside. Good times.

NFL, Pro Football HoF

Moon, Warren (2)


Cards: ProSet 1990 MotY, Score 1990 Hot Gun, Pro Set 1990
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 4/2  Received:  5/4   (32 days)
Previous Posting: Moon, Warren 12/12/10

When I was a kid, I got Warren’s autograph at training camp one year. While not afforded the opportunity to attend nearly everyday (such as in the case of Cowboys Training Camp in Austin,) I did make the best of it when I went to Oilers’ camp in San Antonio. The players were also kind enough as well and I would typically haul in 15-30 autographs a day when I’d go. I never held it against Warren that I couldn’t get his autograph more than once, but resisted sending out again in 2011 (-for fear that I wouldn’t get it).  I noticed a lot of multiple successes recently from the former Oilers great, and since I had gotten a lot of autographs from other members of the team, I thought I’d give it a shot. I sent out to his address in Kirkland, Washington but heard a week or two later that he had moved back to Southern California. With a lot of these successes happening in under 2 weeks, I got discouraged that I’d ever get the cards back.  It did take a bit more longer than usual, but postmarked from Santa Ana, Ca (lending creedance to the rumor he was indeed living here) I got Warren’s autograph on these 3 additional cards in a still brisk 32 days. He also included a business card for Warren Moon Enterprises- Sports 1 Marketing. You can follow him through Twitter at twitter.com/WMoon1, Facebook at facebook.com/HWarrenMoon1 or go to his website at www.sports1marketing.com where you can locate his physical address if you wish to get his autograph as well.