Mike Merriweather played linebacker for Pacific from 1978-’81.
Playing in 33 contests he had 4 interceptions for 67 yards and a TD.
Third round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1982.
After suiting up for 9 contests in ’82 became a full-time starter in 1983.
Dominant linebacker, had an impressive run from 1984-’86.
Had a career high 15 sacks in 1985.
After the shortened ’87 strike season, Merriweather held out the entire 1988 season.
He’d be traded in 1989 to the Minnesota Vikings.
Returned to form, starting 63 games with 7 picks, and 7 fumble recoveries.
Finished out career splitting the 1993 season with the Packers and Jets.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1984-’86
Pacific Athletics Hall of Fame
Skybox 1992, #158
NOTES:
Mike had some great cards along the way. Total intimidator shots- but these as set needs definitely came first. He was kind enough to sign all of these with a small donation, personalizing each one- which I don’t mind at all. I remember getting Mike’s 1989 Pro Set card as a kid. I was pretty disappointed that he was in his off season gear.
Mike was one of a group of rare players who challenged the NFL’s bargaining contract by sitting out the entire ’88 season from the Steelers, until he forced the trade in 1989 that sent him to Minnesota.
Well I thought I was going to this event but my wife made me scrap my plans at the last second. In stepped in my friend Mark in a pinch. He helped me knock out Tony on my set needs and then quite a few others, that he just had extras of. He knocked out the Skybox, Pro Set, Action Packed and Fleer needs just like that.
I hadn’t gotten any cards of him in his Jets uniform, so this one was an added bonus in a time I wasn’t collecting. Topps Stadium Club’s logo was a product of the time- as the late 90s was all about looking edgy. Lol I absolutely hate it.
Tony’s Score 1990 is an oddity. He feels like an afterthought in the set as he’s the final card after all the 1990 Rookie cards.
CARDS: Panini Contenders Season Ticket 2018, Score 2018 ACQUIRED: IP 2023, San Antonio Brahmas v Houston Roughnecks
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played for USC from 2015-’17 at WR.
Had a dominating Junior season posting 86 receptions for 1114 yards and 9 TDs.
Signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2018 but did not make the squad.
Spent time on and off the practice squad and regular season roster of the New York Jets in 2018.
Saw sporadic play with the Jets that season catching 10 passes for 143 yards.
Waived in 2019, and spent some time later in the year on the practice squad of the 49ers.
Joined the Eagles near the end of the year, and saw some action catching 2 passes for 48 yards.
During the ’20 season, he bounced on and off the starting roster, collecting another 3 catches for 19 yards.
Joined the XFL in 2022 playing for the Houston Roughnecks in the 2023 season.
On the year he caught 27 passes for 378 yards, and was good for 6 TDs including an 85 yarder.
Selected by the Arlington Renegades during the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft.
For 2024 he had 33 catches for 306 yards and 2 TDs.
The Cowboys signed Burnett to a contract in late July.
ACCOLADES:
All XFL 2023
NOTES:
I really wanted Deontay because I love the Panini college GameDay inserts. I called out Deontay and he had no problem coming over and signing a few cards for me before the Roughnecks entered the tunnel after pregame practice had been concluded. I knew I was off to a fast start at my spot next to the visitor’s entrance.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
