Cards: Topps Stadium Club 1991, Topps Stadium Club 1993, Topps 1989, Score 1992, GameDay 1992, ProSet 1992
Acquired: In Person 9/13/2015, Churrascos Club Pregame Party Texans vs. Chiefs
See Also: Curtis Duncan, Curtis Duncan (2)
Well I was quite the celebrity at the Houston Texans opener against the Kansas City Chiefs this year as I walked through the rows of tailgates and throngs of people wearing my powder blue Houston Oilers jersey. On quite a few occasions I was stopped and asked who it was a jersey of, and I’d quickly respond with, “Wide receiver, Curtis Duncan of the Houston Oilers. You know the least respected of the Fab 4 Run ‘N Shoot during who played during the late 80’s until the mid 90s.”
Previously I had met Curtis and liked him so much I busted out this old jeresy for the next time I saw him. When I ran into him outside the Churrascos he was very impressed and flattered that I had a jersey of him. Bubba McDowell laughed that I had it and said that I looked better than Duncan in it. I said, “Only my belly,” and rubbed it to their laughter.
The Churrascos event was a nice set up. There was a last second substitution, but Curtis was already on the docket to appear. I got a feeling of bourgeoisie from the catered all you can eat/all you can drink exorbitantly priced event- which made me feel slightly ill. There were photos and event tables and a lot of things to do. People who plan on attending should be there when it starts at 10AM, and prepare to leave 15 minutes early to reach their seats on time.
The signing went well. Curtis wanted to take a photo with me, and I jabbed him telling him, “What so that you can prove to the world somebody is a fan of yours or has your jersey?” Bubba said it would be even more impressive if I had his jersey. Curtis signed every card I had. I previously got his rookie card signed, but we talked about it briefly joking that it was one of those Topps entries with him on the sidelines looking up into the air.
Overall these cards weren’t bad. There maybe just one or two more of Curtis I’d like to get autographed, but pretty much this does it. Even with these entries so late into the CD race, I was still pulling pretty decent looking cards and action shots of the former Oiler. The Topps entry of him sitting on the sideline is a well framed photo. About the only one I didn’t like was his 1991 Topps Stadium Club entry of him jumping up into the air with a defender draped on him.
Again, just with Haywood, there wasn’t too much of a demand and since the gatekeepers were so weak I just used my ‘Jedi autograph collecting mind tricks’ to get all of these signed items from Curtis. I recited most of his bio correctly, and then talked to him about being one of the most underrated receivers and one of the best late round finds (10th round) in league history. He asked me about my hat, which I clarified was classic and not vintage, because I was the original owner from 1992. When he signed all my cards I disappointingly looked at him and said, “Why didn’t you sign it with a Bible inscription, like you do through the mail?” Curtis’ eyes widened and he got up from behind the desk with a giant smile on his face. He said, “Oh man! Well let me sign this,” Handed me the photo and continued, “Tell me, did you ever think you were going to get those back from me? It’s always good to meet one of my real fans.” He took this great photo with me and said, “Take care of that awesome hat Lee!” It was an awesome experience and I will definitely go out of my way to see Curtis again.
When Duncan first started, he was a touchdown threat every time he touched the ball his rookie season. After his rookie season, he settled into his role as the possession receiver. By the end of his career he was more comparable to