Tag Archives: Miami Dolphins

NFL

Long, Jake

Card: Topps 2008
Acquired: Trade 2013, Sportscollectors.net

The Long family has an impressive pedigree that has emerged (at relatively the same time as the Matthews clan) as quality players in the NFL. Following in the footsteps of his father Howie and his brother Chris, Jake chose to attend college at Michigan back in 2003. He was so highly touted, that Jake accepted the college offer before his Junior year of High School concluded.

A consensus All-American in 2006 and 2007, Jake was drafted with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft by the hapless Miami Dolphins, and immediately became a fixture on the team’s offensive line at left tackle. Jake was to be the cornerstone to the team’s overhaul along the line, and started 61 consecutive games before a torn biceps sidelined him ending his 2011 season. Again in 2012, he landed on IR with a season ending injury. Due to his large contract, recent spate of injuries, and declining rating among starting tackles in the league, Jake was allowed to test the free agent waters in 2013.  While the Dolphins did make a push to resign the venerable right tackle to a more cap friendly contract, the St. Louis Rams aggressively courted (with no less than 8 physicals) and signed him to a 4 year $34 million dollar contract, stunning the Dolphins. Long had a very good season blocking for the Rams, but in a week 16 contest against the Buccaneers, he tore both his ACL and MCL. Due to the seriousness of the injury, there is grave concern that Long will miss the entire 2014 season.

 

NFL

Arnold, Jim

sco90 arnoldflr91 arnoldCards: Fleer 1991, Score 1990
Acquired: Canton Acquisition, 2012

Jim Arnold played college ball at Vanderbilt for the Commodores and then made his way to Kansas City in 1983. He’d punt 98 times in 1984 and 93 times in 1985, probably setting the NFL record for most punts in consecutive seasons. Jim surprisingly was cut by the Chiefs in 1986, but was snapped up by the  Lions later in the season, playing in 7 games, cementing his legacy as the starter.  Jim then proceeded to place himself on top of many career punting marks in the Lions record books. Throughout his career, Arnold established himself as a good punter with a consistent, strong, accurate leg. He earned Pro Bowl nominations in both 1988 and 1989. He also has the team record for punts in a season with 97 in 1988. His 39.6 yard net punting average in 1987, is the highest in recorded NFL history.  During Jim’s eight seasons with the franchise, he punted more times (536) and for more yards (22,893) than any other punter in team history.  In 1994, he finished out his career playing in 12 games for the Miami Dolphins and then retired.

At the time of his retirement Arnold was ranked in the NFL top 10 for career punts and yards. He is a very active member of the SotL site. (Since the restructuring of School of the Legends, I am not sure of his activity, since I no longer go to the website.) Arnold made waves when he joined the NFL concussion lawsuit in 2012.

G  174      P    866    Yds  36637      Avg   42.3       Lg  71       Blk 5

NFL, WLAF

Garrett, Jason (2)

ult92wlaf jason garrettCard: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o The Dallas Cowboys
Sent: 10/2   Received: 11/3  (28 days)
See Also: Jason Garrett

The Garrett family has held a strong presence inside the Cowboys organization since the 1980s when their father joined the staff as a scout. Jason Garrett in the meantime has climbed the ranks after his playing days, where he has been the much embattled coach of the Dallas Cowboys, pretty much since he finished his first full season out. Billed as the offense minded head coach in waiting and fix apparent for previous head coach Wade Philips, Garrett’s results have been- well- average. Though he hasn’t posted a losing record since taking over in 2010 and closed out his rookie season strong at 5-3, Jason had back to back 8-8 seasons in 2011 and 2012. While notoriously hands-on owner Jerry Jones hasn’t exactly given him a ringing endorsement and removed offensive play calling from Garrett’s duty, it’s hard to see how Jason is not on a short leash.  Things in Dallas are always under a microscope, since they still call themselves “America’s Team”. Still Garrett has remained steadfast, tight lipped, and professional, in his interactions with the dirt digging national media.

You have to hand it to the Cowboys. They still take care of their fans- for the most part. Not only did Jason sign my card in under 30 days, he also included 4 Cowboys pocket schedules, and copy of the Dallas Cowboys “Star Magazine”, all while returning my original return envelope in manila correspondence from the team. Now that is great PR!