Tag Archives: new orleans saints

NFL

Dempsey, Tom ‘The Bomb’ (1947-2020)

CARDS: Upper Deck Legends 1997 Certified
ACQUIRED: EBay, 2020

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Tom Dempsey played K at Palomar.
  • Undrafted he’d sign with the Chargers in 1968 but not make the squad.
  • In 1969 Dempsey joined the Saints, where he’s probably most favorably remembered for hitting an NFL record 63 yard field goal.
  • During his first season in New Orleans he led the league with 41 field goal attempts and a 55 yard long.
  • In both ’70 and ’71 he’d also have 63 and 54 yard field goals that’d lead the league.
  • Before the 1971 season, Dempsey signed with the Eagles, playing with the team through the ’74 season.
  • The Rams would sign Tom in 1975, where he’d hit a career high 80.8% field goals.
  • He’d play for the Oilers in 1976 for 5 contests, before heading over to Buffalo to close out his career.
  • Since retirement, Tom has battled much adversity.
  • In 2005, he was flooded out by Hurricane Katrina.
  • Then in 2013 he revealed that he was battling dementia.

ACCOLADES:

  • New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
  • Pro Bowl 1969
  • All Pro 1969
  • George Halas Award 1971
  • Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame

NOTES:

The NFL actively updated rules while and after Tom played. They felt because he had a flat front to his shoes (due to a birth defect) that he was able to hit longer field goals than other players. His 63 yard field goal record stood for over 40 years- before the NFL loosened kicking rules for footballs in the 2020’s.

EPITAPH:

4/4/20- After being diagnosed with COVID late in March, Tom passed away a few days later, during the early days of the pandemic at the age of 73

NFL

Smith, Jason (OT)

CARDS: Donruss Rookies & Stars 2009 Dress for Success, Donruss Rookies & Stars Freshmen Orientation, Score 2009 Certified Inscriptions
ACQUIRED: Ebay, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Jason Smith played OT at Baylor from 2004-’08.
  • Over that time there he bulked up to 6’5″, 308, and became a darling at the combine, recording impressive and quick numbers for a big man.
  • He’d be selected number 2 overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2009, and was slated immediately in to start seeing action at both tackle positions.
  • Quietly he’d be beaten out in camp in 2010.
  • Traded to the Jets in 2012 in exchange for T Wayne Hunter.
  • Signed with the Saints in 2013 but did not make the squad.
  • Rejoined the Jets but was released a week later, effectively ending his playing career.
  • Jason has transitioned into coaching where he’s worked at North Texas and Abilene Christian.

NOTES:

I like this era of football cards and the subsets Dress for Success and Freshman Orientation were really great looking cards. It was nice to find these patch certified autographs at such a bargain.

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Ricky (7) ‘Little Earl’

CARDS: Adrenalyn 2009 Extra, Adrenalyn 2010, Bowman’s Best 2000, Bowman’s Best 2001, Collectors Edge 2000, Donruss Classic 2004, Donruss Classic 2006, Donruss Elite 2004, Donruss Elite 2009 Chain Reaction Black, Fleer Showcase 2003, Leaf 2000, Panini Phoenix 2018 Adrenalin, Panini Classics 2016 Monday Night Moves, Playoff Contenders 2003, Donruss Gridiron Gear 2009, Panini Threads 2009, Panini Ultra 2016, Panini Vanguard 2000, Playoff Prestige 2004, Playoff Signatures 2002, Playoff 2006, Score 2001, Skybox Dominion 2000, SP 2001, SPx 2004 Winning Materials, SPx 2003, Topps Heritage 2003, Upper Deck 2000 Piece of History, Upper Deck 2001 Vintage, SPx 1999 Authentic, Upper Deck 2000 Ionix, Upper Deck 2002 MVP
ACQUIRED: IP, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

Well after a long wait, Ricky appeared again in… 2023- but I missed him. I didn’t realize he showed up early- and pretty much was leaving as I came in, again putting my cards on hold. I kicked myself over it, but really, is that what it’s about?

Fast forward to 2025. I finally got a last second notification of an event he was appearing at, and I was not going to miss it. He was promoting a mocktail and they were giving away samples at an HEB, so I packed my stuff, sent out the notifications to all the friends who would be interested and went.

Mark G contacted me and had me stop by his house. I picked up his cards along the way and met him there. I was the first person in line and Ricky was pretty happy to see me. We talked for a bit and caught up. When the gatekeeper came over and asked me to move along after 10 or so autographs, Ricky said, “It’s no big deal. I’m not going anywhere.” I got back into line and went through multiple times- and we just kept chatting. I ended up giving him one of my trading cards with my contact information, and told him if he just wanted to hang out to HMU.

In total Ricky signed 65 cards for me. The lines were not long and by the time I got to him for the 4th or 5th time, there was almost nobody in line. Now… You’re looking at this and saying, “Wait a minute… There’s not 60 cards here!” -That’s true. I cleared out ALL the favors and SHiLs I had over the years, and gave away almost half of them to members of my Facebook group.

I’ve always said to share the wealth, but the best gift you can get- is one that you do not expect. Thanks again Ricky! I’m reloading already!