Card: Topps Stadium Club 1991
Acquired: TTM 10/19/13, Gift

I recently went to the GMC NFL Texas Tour event and on a whim since I had a few more free autograph vouchers than cards decided to get a few of my friends some autographed photos. A true gift to me is one that somebody doesn’t expect, so I didn’t bother telling anybody until after I had already done it.  On a whim I got on of my friends from Fanmail and Houston Fan Fest a Priest Holmes autograph, so he in return was so touched, he sent me back this sweet looking card.

Latin Berry was a dual threat man who played both football and track for the Oregon Ducks. Following his redshirt year in 1985, Latin began his career at tailback, before shifting fulltime to become the team’s starting fullback, blocking for quarterback Bill Musgrave.  He finished fourth on the school’s career rushing list with 1,548 yards and 11 touchdowns. With incredible speed,  and prowess at the long and triple jumps, scouts were eager to see the 5’10”, 196 Berry make a shift to a position more suited to his athletic talent and size at the professional level. The Los Angeles Rams drafted Berry with their 3rd round selection 1990, and tabbed him to be a defensive back. He’d make the squad that year and spell time with fellow returners Gaston Green and Robert Delpino on returns. The next season with Darryl Henley ailing from a hamstring injury and rookie Todd Lyght holding out, Berry got his shot to crack the starting lineup. He’d get some valuable preseason time, but as soon as Lyght signed and Henley was back, Berry went to odd man out among the final cuts. He’d quickly find a home in Cleveland in 1991, and remain with the team the next 3 seasons before retiring.  In 2013, he was honored with an induction into the Oregon Ducks Hall of Fame for his 4 time All-American Honors in Track & Field.  Latin lives in the Sulphur, LA area where my friend found Berry at his son’s high school football game. Latin was quite flattered by the cards and autograph request after all these years.

G/Gs 32/0    Ret  17    Yds 315    Avg   18.5     Lg 29   Td 0