Tag Archives: New England Patriots

NFL

Smith, Rod (DB)

Card: Star Pics 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, Patriots Blitz

I got Rod’s autograph as part of a blitz of the New England Patriots back in the early 90s. He signed the card and put “Go Irish!” on it.  Drafted in the second round of the 1992 draft, Rod was a bit undersized at 5’11”, but made up for it with his explosive hitting and speed. A track man, Smith possessed great closing speed and was once clocked at 6.35 in the 55.  During his time with the Irish, Smith even took some time in starting 7 games at strong safety, but would see his time in the NFL at corner. He made one pick his rookie year for the Patsies in 1992, and 2 in 1994, playing mainly on special-teams.

In 1995, Rod was left exposed by the Patriots and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in their expansion draft. He was the Panthers’ first selection. Smith would sign with the Vikings in 1996, but quickly returned to the Panthers during that season. He’d make 2 interceptions in 1998 and finish out the season with the Packers where he retired after the season.

Since retiring, Smith has done some charity work, was the President of the Alumni Chapter of NFL players in the Carolina area, and recently appeared at a NASCAR Track Walk event as the Grand Marshall in 2011.

(Rod Smith from Notre Dame is not to be confused with the CB with the same name drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1st round during the 80s or the WR drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1994.)

G/Gs  102/27     Tac 225    Sac 1.5    Fum 1   Int 5     Yds  53    Avg  10.6     Td 0     Lg 43

NFL

Chung, Eugene

Card: Classic 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, Patriots Blitz

Eugene Chung is considered one of the by products of the Herschel Walker trade that Dallas consummated with the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys would turn around and trade the pick to the Patriots to help Dallas acquire Russell Maryland. The Patriots selected Chung 13th overall out of Virginia Tech, making him the first Korean American to be drafted in the first round of an NFL draft. He’d quietly play for the Patsies through 1994 on a line that included 1991 first round draft choice Pat Harlow and perennial All-Pro Bruce Armstrong.

Chung then was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars during their expansion draft going 26th overall. He’d play one season for the expansion Jags and then sit out a season, before playing one final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1997.  He attempted to play for both the Chiefs in 1998 and 1999, and then later the Eagles in 2000 and soon thereafter retired.

Chung over his brief NFL career would play in 55 games, starting 30.

NFL

Wilson, Eugene

Card: Topps Finest 2003
Acquired: TTM 2009, Texans Blitz

Eugene Wilson was drafted out of the University of Illinois by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2003 draft. Valued for his flexibility at both safety and cornerback Wilson was a valuable member of the Patriots’ SuperBowl XXXVIII playing big when it counted in big games. In 2008 he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but would be later cut by the team.

Wilson would quickly find a home with the Houston Texans who needed help at safety. He’d help lock down the position for most of the remainder of the season and assist in improving the team’s woeful rush defense. Eugene’s time with the Texans was an up and down tenure as injuries would impact his performance and he’d lose a great deal of 2009.  He’d return in 2010 but by this time had lost a step. The team would cut Wilson after the conclusion of the 2010 season as the team decided to move in a different direction.

G/Gs 96/86    Tac  313    Sac  0     Fum  3    Int   14     Yds  139    Avg        Lg  24  Td 1