Tag Archives: Los Angeles Raiders

NFL

Ervins, Ricky (2) ‘Pinball Wizard’


Cards: Star Pics 1991, Score 1991, Score Supplemental 1991, ProSet 1991
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Work
Sent: 4/7/16  Received: 7/8/16   (92 days)
See Also: Ricky Ervins

I had wondered at some points if I had walked on the same streets where Ricky  grew up in Pasadena, CA and then later went to college at USC.  He has a stack of really nice cards from during the heyday of my collecting years, and Ricky is a really kind and reliable signer through the mail, so I thought I’d dig out the best and revisit him.

I really liked Ricky’s photo from his Score 1991 entry. It showcases him making a quick, low to the ground cut. He had a lot of power in a small package, and was likened to a pinball due to Ricky’s strong sense of balance and ability to bounce off of tacklers and stay upright.  Ervin’s Pro Set entry was sort of a gimme- since the company still had some really exceptional action shots. This one was from a preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Score’s Supplemental set photo was equally as good, with him charging forward, in the shadow of his own endzone. Although his football career was punctuated by injury, Ervin’s short time in the league saw some great highlights, including helping the Redskins win SuperBowl XXVI. He runs Xtreme Xplosion, a sports facility in Fairfax, VA that focuses adult and youth players on guided training, and improving  conditioning,  speed, strength and agility.

 

NFL

Schroeder, Jay ‘Schraider’

pset89 jschroeder sco89 jschroeder

Cards: ProSet 1989, Score 1989, Action Packed 1991, SkyBox 1992
Acquired:  TTM 2016, C/o Home
Sent: 1/29    Received:  2/6   (8  days)

Jay Schroeder had a solid career at UCLA but decided to pursue baseball instead. After kicking the tires around in the minor leagues, Schroeder declared for the NFL draft in 1984. He’d be selected by the Washington Redskins in the 3rd round and ride the bench behind Joe Theismann.  After a grizzly injury to Theismann ended his career prematurely, Schroeder stepped in and threw for a franchise high 4106 yards in 1986. He’d earn his only Pro Bowl appearance after the season. Jay had a really nice touch on the long bomb. This was ap91 jschroederevidenced by him leading the league in yards gained per pass completion- a feat he’d accomplish 3 separate times over his career.

He’d separate his shoulder in the season opener in 1987, and consequently lose his starting job to veteran Doug Williams who had the hot hand at the time. Schroeder asked for a trade and the Redskins acquiesced, trading him and some conditional draft picks to the Raiders in exchange for Jim Lachey.

sky92 jschroederJay played his next 5 seasons for the Raiders. His best season came in 1990 when he led LA to the AFC Championship game agains the Buffalo Bills. The team posted a 12-4 record and he threw 19 touchdowns to only 9 interceptions. In 1991 the Raiders drafted Todd Marinovich to eventually replace Jay.  By 1993 Jay was allowed to bolt from the Raiders, where he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, starting 3 games as David Klingler‘s backup. The following year he’d hop over to the Arizona Cardinals and split snaps under center with both Steve Beuerlein and Jim McMahon, posting a 5-3 record.

After the season Jay retired. A solid signer, as of 2016, he’s a coach at the high school level and signed these 4 cards for me lightning fast.

G/GS  118/99       ATT 2808     COMP 1426     YDS 20063      PCT 50.8%
TD  114    INT 108      RAT  71.7

RUSH  242      YDS 761        AVG 3.1      TD 5      LG 31

NFL

McDaniel, Terry

pset91 mcdaniel

Cards: ProSet 1991, ProSet 1990
Acquired: TTM 2015, C/o Work
Sent:  8/13  Received: 9/5  (24 days)

A first round draft choice in 1988 out of Tennessee by the then Los Angeles Raiders, Terry McDaniel was originally a track man and sprinter in college with reputed 4.3 speed that earned All-American Honors in 1988.  He moved from WR to DB during his Sophomore campaign at Tennessee and displayed a natural and fluid ability to blanket receivers.  Terry adjusted quickly to the pro game, but broke his leg in the second game of his rookie season in LA.  At that time he was the first Raider rookie to start the season opener in the secondary over the last 17 years. He returned in 1989 and pulled pset90 mcdanieldown 3 interceptions. In 1990 McDaniel started the season on the sidelines, but came off the bench in the opener to key team’s victory over the Denver Broncos.  A dominating man to man cover back, McDaniel paired with Lionel Washington to make teams fear the Raiders secondary. Terry matured and from 1992 to 1996 he earned Pro Bowl honors. His best season perhaps came in 1994, when he recorded 7 interceptions  for 103 yards and 2 TDs to go along with 3 fumble recoveries. Terry played for the Raiders through the 1997 season, before playing 9 final contests on the Seahawks in 1998. Always dangerous, McDaniel had 8 career touchdowns playing defense, with 6 on interceptions and 2 on fumble recoveries.

Another member of Tecmo Superbowl, McDaniel’s speed and ball hawking skills were well represented by the game. Writing him care of the church ministry he works for, he signed my cards and refused my donation. He inscribed these two cards with a Bible verse from Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

G/Gs   152/137          Tac  N/a       Sac  3.0         Fum  5
Int   35       Yds 667        Avg 19.1        Td   6         Lg  67