Highly underrated CB that played 7 seasons for the moribund Tampa Bay Buccaneer franchise from 1987-93.
Second round pick out of Washington State in 1987.
Frequently was on an island against opposing team’s top receiving talent.
Finished second on team in tackles (74), while breaking up 15 passes.
Stellar campaign in 1988, with 4 interceptions and 22 pass breakups.
Had two touchdowns in back to back games in 1989- one on an interception and the other on a punt block, along with 5 picks.
Starter at CB from the first game of rookie season, was the most tenured member of the Bucs defense by 1992.
Played for franchise through 1993, joining the Patriots after the season.
116 pass breakups was a Buccaneer franchise record.
Continued career with New England through the 1996 season, adding 6 more interceptions to career totals.
Pro Set 1989, #416
Fleer 1990, #353
NOTES:
Ricky had some really nice cards over the years, and I wanted to get him on them. I love his Fleer 1990 card as it really showcases that creamsicle orange.
I had tried Mike via either his High School or through Boston College with no success, so I decided to go ahead and do a paid signing for him that popped up. Yes- a rare signing with an obscure Outland Trophy Winner from Boston College. I’ll take it!
This card is an uncorrected error, as in the bio on the back it states that Mike was selected in the 6th round by the Houston Oilers. On a side note the photo is from World Bowl I, as evidenced by the patch on his shoulder.
Also this marks the first 5 stripe I’ve added to my collection of autographs. Wild Card was one of the first in the business to do parallels like this, and frankly they probably just should’ve done the whole sets with just 1s, 5s, 10s, 20s, and 50s and that’s it. The hologram is definitely a nice touch. I don’t know anyone who used the Wild Card program for these cards or could explain how it worked.
After spending both 2019 and 2020 briefly with the Browns, was signed by the Dallas Cowboys off Cleveland’s practice squad.
Was starter in Week 9 against the Steelers, after injury bug hit the Cowboys QB rotation.
Threw for 243 yards, a TD and an INT in first meaningful NFL game.
Signed by New England Patriots and placed on team’s practice squad for 2021, finishing the season on the roster of the Redskins.
In March of 22, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders
NOTES:
I had still wanted to get Garrett on one more card of his- this Topps AAF Now card of his. In a take no risk get no reward situation, I took a shot at an address I found in Ohio (while he was still on the Browns). He signed these two cards for me in a bit under 30 days. Recently I also picked up his AAF Apollos jersey. Maybe if he does another event around here I’ll consider getting it and my custom art signed by him.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
