I’ve been digging deep into the Topps XFL 2001 set recently, and when I saw that Big Saab was signing TTM all of a sudden, I quickly dropped these cards in the mail to him.
I sometimes send out 5 or 6 requests at a time and I accidentally sent out Big Saab’s envelope without it being prepped. I felt like such an idiot opening up my PO Box and finding the empty envelope inside. Luckily I had only flushed a GameDay 1992 card and had a duplicate on hand to reload with.
Since after his playing days, Vinny has been almost a non-signer TTM. Despite some fade and light smudging, I figured that this one was worth it based on what I already had in my collection. This one was pretty much grabbed with a stack of other Bucs to help fill out my Action Packed 1990 set. I absolutely love the photo, and the lighting really catches that creamsickle orange that I am so fond of.
Had a marvelous journey as a quarterback playing through 18 seasons for 3 leagues and 8 teams from 1952-69.
Played for Kentucky from 1949-51.
In an era not renown for passing, threw for 1627 yards (114/203) and 23 TDs to 12 INT in 1950.
4th pick of the 1952 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers.
Joined CFL Ottawa Rough Riders in 1954, playing there through 55, and also again in 59.
Returned to NFL for a one year stint with the Browns in 56.
Again, played for Packers in 57 and 58.
After one year stint with the CFL again in 59, played for the Oakland Raiders in 1960.
After middling success with Oakland, was traded as part of a blockbuster deal to the Boston Patriots.
Played for the Patriots from 1961-67.
At time of departure from Boston, owned all the franchise’s passing records and many AFL ones as well.
Retired after winning Super Bowl III as Joe Namath‘s backup in Super Bowl III.
Had extensive coaching career.
Passed away in 2017 at the age of 87 after a battle with cancer.
NOTES:
In an age of more sexy names, I really hadn’t considered the legacy of Babe, compared to guys like Tom Brady (of course), or even Drew Bledsoe or Steve Grogan for that matter. -That being said Babe paved the way for those guys.
AFL/NFL
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
3330
1552
22681
46.6
178
220
59.6
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
383
1522
4.0
23
33
CFL
*Stats not available pre-1959
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
52
23
373
44.2
4
4
N/a
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
4
20
5.0
0
15
P
YDS
AVG
LG
65
2497
38.4
58
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
