Tag Archives: Houston Oilers

NFL, WLAF

Sullivan, Kent


Card: Ultimate WLAF 1991
Acquired: In Person, Houston Oiler Training Camp 1993.

Kent punted for the San Antonio Riders in both 1991 and 1992 booming a career high 72 yarder in 1991.  A fairly accurate punter- Sullivan dropped 28 punts behind the 20. In 1992 Kent threw a touchdown off of a fake punt for 22 yards and ranked third in the league in punting. After the league reorganized, Sullivan became a journeyman punter over the next few years. Houston utilized him as a replacement for Greg Montgomery briefly when Montgomery held out and then stepped in for KC and SD again before returning to Houston again. All in all Sullivan played for 4 teams over a two year period and attended training camp with a variety of teams before finally retiring after losing the open punting competition in Washington with Matt Turk after 1995.

Riders   Games 20    Punts  105          Yds 4171          Avg  39.7        TB 10     in20  28      LG 72       Blk 2

College Football HoF, Heisman Trophy Winner, NFL, Pro Football HoF, University of Texas

Campbell, Earl ‘The Tyler Rose’


Cards: Score 1991, Proset 1991.
Acquired: TTM 1993, c/o University of Texas
See Also: Campbell, Earl (2) “The Tyler Rose”

I got Earl’s autograph courtesy of the University of Texas, at Austin. I sent a picture I drew of him in all his glory with it, and he autographed these two pictures for me in exchange for the art. The other I won at an end of High School party. I met him at the CGA Youth Golf Tournament earlier in the year. He was a stocky, but huge man. His thighs were literally bigger than my waist, however he drove around in a golf cart for the majority of his time there, limited by the amount of wear he suffered from the sport.

Earl Campbell won the Heisman in 1977 for the University of Texas and was the definition of ‘powerback’. He could literally run over anybody and anything, once even stunning the Longhorn mascot Bevo after a touchdown run. The Houston Oilers, led by Bum Phillips traded to get the #1 pick of the 1978 draft and selected ‘The Tyler Rose’.  They could’ve stopped drafting right there… Campbell would go on to win Rookie of the Year honors and MVP honors, while officially the Luv’ Ya Blu era in Houston had begun. The Oilers became the most difficult opponent for the Pittsburgh Steelers that year, due in major part by the cog that was Earl Campbell. From 1978- 1985 Campbell dominated the rushing charts racking up 5 Pro Bowl selections, 3 All Pro selections, 3 offensive player of the year honors, and NFL MVP in 1979. During his 1980 season Campbell ran for a career high 1934 yards, while over the first 4 years of his career rushed for almost 6500 yards and 55 touchdowns. He punished defenders across the board with his rugged play, but by 1982 it began to take a toll on his body. In 1984 he found himself traded to the New Orleans Saints to play for his old coach and mentor Bum Phillips, where he retired after the 1985 season.

Campbell since football has conquered a variety of issues as he has dealt with back pain and injury from his playing days but he has managed to reforge himself as a successful businessman.  UT utilizes him also as an ambassador and Earl has had success with his own meat and BBQ company.

Games 118   Att  2187   Yds 9407  Avg 4.3   Td 74

NFL, WLAF

Avery, Steven

Cards: Wild Card WLAF 1992, Ultimate WLAF 1991.
Acquired: TTM 2010, C/o home
Sent: 3/12  Received: 4/10 (28 days)

Steven Avery went undrafted out of Northern Michigan in 1989 where he signed as a free agent with the then Houston Oilers. After being cut in camp that year he sat out a year, and then was picked up by the Packers who then allocated him to the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF where he played for two seasons as their starting fullback until the league went on hiatus after 1992. Recognized for his tough nosed blocking and decent hands, Steve’s style matched that of a ‘poor man’s’ Meril Hoge.  He was a natural fit for the Steelers, and signed with them in 1993 and playing for the gold and black for 3 years before retiring. Since retired from football the Steelers have had him back as an honorary captain on occasion. Steve lives in Ocmonoc, WI. I sent out for Steve’s autograph to his home address, where he sent a nice thank you note to me for being a fan in a bit under 30 days.

Fire    games 20     att 49     yds 182    avg 3.7    td 1   lg 32
rec 32  yds 364   avg 11.4   td  3   lg  54t