Tag Archives: new orleans saints

NFL

Kennison, Eddie

Card: Score 2006
Acquired: 2017, Future Considerations

Ah Eddie Kennison. I only casually followed the 1996 Draft. Things had already been put into motion with the Oilers, and with my personal life a complete disaster zone at the time, I was completely and utterly disinterested in football. Still, in the meantime, when the Rams selected Kennison, for a brief shining moment there he was the WR compliment for Isaac Bruce, before the appearance of Torry Holt.

An LSU product,  Eddie played for the Tigers from 1993 to 1995. His best year came in ’95 when he put up 45 catches, 739 yards, and 2 TDs. A track man, Kennison averaged 15.9 yards per reception. He had some good measurables entering the combine running a reported 4.29 40.  He’d be the 3rd receiver taken off the board, after Keshawn Johnson and Terry Glenn, and a spot ahead of future HoF WR Marvin Harrison. -Truly the 1996 draft was stocked with WR talent.

In his first season with the Rams, Eddie put up a solid stat line of 54 receptions, 924 yards and 9 TDs. He’d also contribute on special teams as a punt returner with 29 returns for 423 yards and a whopping 2 TDs. After the 1998 season, Eddie was signed by the rival New Orleans Saints. He’d record a career long 90 yard TD reception against the Atlanta Falcons in 1999 and lead the team in yards and receptions despite a quarterback carousel of talent. After the season the Bears traded a mere 5th round pick to get Eddie, where he’d spend just one season with Chicago before heading off to Denver in 2001.

Eddie had a rough ride with the Broncos. After 8 games he decided that he had enough of the sport and opted to retire. Denver released him, but Eddie decided that he still wanted to play after all. About a month later, he signed with  the rival Kansas City Chiefs. Eddie had his best years in KC, spending the next 7 seasons there. He had his best 2 seasons professionally in 2004 and 2005 respectively putting up consecutive 1000 yard seasons and posting career highs in both receiving and yards. After the 2007 season, he’d briefly resurface with the Rams in 2008, and retire after signing a ceremonial one day contract with the Chiefs.

Lance came through again with this one at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame dinner getting Eddie on this Chiefs card. Little known fact is that Kennison refuses to sign any cards from his early playing days on the Rams. Whether this is due to them being rookie cards or that he just has some bad memories with them is unknown. This is not a bad looking card. I find the embellishment and the pencil thin lines to be a bit distracting, but the photo is pretty solid. You can always count on Score to at least have good action photography and provide a wide spectrum of players from each team.

G/Gs 179/84   Rec 548     Yds 8345     Avg 15.2     Td 42    Lg 90t
PR  153       Yds 1528        Avg  10.0        Td   3     Lg   78t

NFL

McKnight, Rhema ‘Coach McKnight’

Card: 2007 Donruss Classics (945/999)
Acquired: 2016, Kenny’s Grab Bag

Rhema McKnight ranks among the top receivers in Notre Dame history playing there from 2002-2006. A rare 5th year Senior, McKnight posted almost identical lines in 2003 (47 receptions, 600 yards, 3 TDs) and 2004 (42 receptions for 610 yards, 3 TDs), before a devastating knee injury wrecked his 2005 campaign. Rhema returned in 2006 and posted his best year ever, with 67 catches for 907 yards and 15 touchdowns.  His 170 career receptions and 22 TD career catches ranked second in school history at the time of his graduation. Rhema was not selected in the 2006 NFL Draft. He signed as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints and then later was briefly on the roster of the San Diego Chargers.

As of 2015, McKnight remains busy working for a construction company in California, and runs the Rhema McKnight Football Camp.

I pulled this autograph from a grab bag at Kenny’s Card Shop- a local quiet, card filled institution of collectible and sports memorabilia. Not a big fan of this card design. I feel as though it is cluttered with over elaborate design, all to justify the ‘classic’ label, with the gold foil type getting lost in the maroon ribbon.

NFL, ufl

Grant, Charles

Card: Bowman’s Best 2002
Acquired: 2015, Target Autographed Memorabilia

Charles played 8 seasons in the NFL from 2002-2009. He recorded 424 total tackles, 47 sacks, and 16 forced fumbles over his career. He was selected in the first round of the 2002 draft by the New Orleans Saints with the 25th overall pick. Over his college career at Georgia, Grant posted 136 tackles and 15 sacks. He received a Super Bowl ring for being a member of the New Orleans Saints 2009 NFL Championship run. After the season he’d be released by the team.

Charles appeared on the rosters briefly of the UFL Omaha Nighthawks, the Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears, before retiring in 2010. After his playing days ended, Charles has been spotted coaching football in the Baltimore area.

G/Gs  118/106        TAC  424      SAC  47.0        FUM 16
INT  1      YDS   8         AVG   8.0       TD   0        LG   8