Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Sky Box 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, 1994, Patriots Blitz
Dimunitive slasher back Jon Vaughn (5’9″, 203) was a speedy track Michigan Wolverine product, who declared as a junior and was drafted in the 5th round by the New England Patriots. Vaughn was perhaps most dangerous in the capacity as a kick returner where he had 4 touchdowns in 103 returns. His rookie season Jon would return 34 kicks for 717 yards and a 99 yard touchdown. He’d follow up this with an impressive 1992, with 451 yards rushing and 20 kick returns for 564 yards and a 100 yard return for a touchdown. Jon’s 28.2 yard per return average would lead the NFL.
In 1993, Vaughn would find himself traded to the Seattle Seahawks, where again he’d find himself in the same role, playing there through 1994. In 1994 he’d return 33 kicks for 829 yards and 2 touchdowns, virtually splitting his time with the Seahawks and Chiefs averaging 25.1 yards per return. He’d be released during training camp in 1995 and retire.
Two of my favorite card sets side by side: Action Packed Rookies 1991 and SkyBox 1992. SkyBox with the giant name behind the player who bursts off the background and Action Packed with its red and gold and minimal design really make it happen. Jon Vaughn’s signature is interesting as I think it’s one of few where the player has changed the “#” to a “$”.
G/Gs 60/9 Rush 207 Yds 846 Avg 4.1 Td 4 lg 37 |
Rec 23 Yds 178 Avg 7.7 Td 1 lg 32 |
Kr 103 Yds 2390 Avg 23.2 Td 4 lg 100t
Mike would be signed by the Sacramento Gold Miners of the CFL and play with them through their transition back to San Antonio to become the Texans in 1995 where he would be a CFL All Star at Center for the team. After the CFL reorganized following the season, Mike was drafted by the Roughriders in the dispersal draft in 1996, but was traded almost immediately in exchange for John Terry, to the Toronto Argonauts. Kiselak would continue to leave his mark, winning multiple offensive lineman awards and being named the CFL’s Outstanding Lineman in 1996 and 1997.
Since retirement Kiselak has become a church minister, a motivational speaker and is on the board of Kids Matters International. I emailed Mike to ask his permission to send this Ultimate 1991 card and while I did wait about 60 days for a response, he he was more than happy to sign the card for me. He also added in one to boot, and inscribed it with the passage from Matt 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
