When I did these Super Bowl MVP cards back in 2022, I sent my friend Rick a copy of the Desmond Howard card since he was such a big fan of the Packers. Then I sent one out to Desmond myself.
Whether it got lost in the mail or Desmond saw it and kept it, I didn’t get mine back- but Rick did. I was pretty sad about it. I mean not like at Rick. No it was this feeling that punched my TTM desire in the gut. I just felt tired after not getting this one back in 2022 as I put a lot of work into these and I thought he’d be excited to sign.
Anyway I decided to give another shot this year after seeing a few successes on SCN and didn’t really expect anything. Lo and behold almost 6 months after I sent it, this one came back!
Unlike just sending TTM to players and what I interpret as letting them know that they are feeling seen- when I do customs- or hacks in this case, it is I who feels seen when they sign them.
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played CB for Tennessee State University from 2004-’07.
Started 39 contests, and had 11 interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns.
Possessing all the speed and athletic prowess desired for the position as a track man- Rodgers-Cromartie was the second CB taken off the board during the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Initially started as the team’s nickel back, Dominique had to work his way into the starting lineup.
In a 34-10 win over St. Louis in Week 13, he returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown.
Had 6 interceptions in 2009, forced 3 fumbles and had another TD.
In 2010, had 3 picks, but returned 2 of them for TDs.
Played for the Eagles from 2011-’12.
Then stopped in with the Broncos in 2013, where he added a 75 yard interception for a TD.
Joined the Giants in 2014 and played for NY through 2016.
Added a 58 yard TD off an interception in 2015.
Tied a career high with 6 interceptions in 2016.
Played final two seasons with Oakland (’18), and Washington (’19).
In 2023 came out of retirement to try his hand at 7 man football in the A7FL.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 2009, ’15
NOTES:
Wow! Dominique was a monster when it came to returning grabs for TDs. He averaged 1 TD for every 5 interceptions! He had 6 which ranks him tied for 21st in league history.
Jim Otto played center and linebacker at the University of Miami, FL.
He was selected by the proposed AFL Minnesota team in 1960.
When the Minnesota team joined the NFL instead, his rights fell to the Oakland Raiders.
Jim went on to play the entire 10 years of the AFL as the Raiders starting center.
He’d then play an additional FIVE more for the Raiders after the AFL and NFL merged.
Considered one of the finest- if not the finest center to play the game, Jim was showered with accolades throughout his career.
He was the last original Oakland Raider to retire- after the 1974 season.
Started 210 contests over his career.
Jim is equally well known as the most famous player to wear the number ’00’.
ACCOLADES:
First Team All- AFL 1960-’65, ’67-’69
Second Team All- AFL 1966
AFL All-Star 1961-’69
Pro Bowl 1970-’72
All Pro 1970
Second Team All Pro 1972
All Time AFL Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and Museum 1972
Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame 1998
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1980
NOTES:
I wrote Jim back in 2020, and like many of the autographs during the COVID blitz- they got lost in the shuffle. Then as I got around to this post I kept kicking it further down, thinking I’d get him again on another card or two at that point. His fee also was just a modest $10 per card.
Both of these are sets that I really like. This classy 1970 Topps card with him popping a block with a smile is pretty iconic. The Upper Deck Legends turned into a set need around this time, and the silver sharpie touch was really nice of him.
Jim notably also suffered from more than SEVENTY operations due to his time playing football, and eventually had his right leg amputated in 2007, and almost died twice from post-surgery infections. Jim is a cautionary tale of ‘playing through pain’. He is said to have lived in constant pain over the last few years of his life- but remained a steadfast defendant of the sport.
EPITAPH:
5/19/2024- Jim Otto passed away at the grand old age of 86 in Aurora, Ca. No cause of death was given.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
