Tag Archives: panini prestige 2009

College Football HoF, NFL, XFL

Westbrook, Brian

SP 2008, #60
Playoff Prestige 2010, #149
Score 2008, #240

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Brian Westbrook played RB at Villanova from 1997-01.
  • In 46 college games, he carried the ball for 4,298 yards, with 84 TDs, caught 219 passes for 2,582 yards (11.79 avg.) and gained 2,289 yards and four TDs on kick returns.
  • He holds the all-time NCAA record with 9,512 all-purpose yards.
  • Selected in the 3rd round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Worked his way into the starting lineup in 2004.
  • Had back to back 1200+ yard rushing seasons in 2006-’07.
  • A gifted receiver out of the backfield, caught 50+ passes in 5 straight seasons, with a career high 90 for 771 yards in 2007.
  • Played with the Eagles through 2009, concluding his career with a final season with the ‘9ers the following season.

ACCOLADES:

  • Pro Bowl 2004, ’07
  • All-Pro 2007
  • Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
  • Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Villanova University Varsity Club Hall of Fame 2016
  • Walter Payton Award 2001
  • Senior Bowl Hall of Fame

NOTES:

I had heard that Brian was a player rep for the league. I had packed cards on occasion and kept hoping he’d appear. Along the way I had lost the two cards I wanted signed the most. Knowing the XFL Championship was coming up and that’d be the best chance I’d have at getting him, I packed these three cards.

When I got inside the stadium I found my seat, and IDed him almost immediately, but I wasn’t 100% sure. He was in a crowd so I Googled him to be sure, and then called out his name. He looked surprised a fan IDed him in the stands and ambled over. He signed my three cards for me and asked me what team I was cheering on. I told him that I thought the Renegades would win. I had a good feeling. The energy was with them and they were surging. Westbrook shook his head and said no way! It’s gotta be the Defenders. They had a solid season and are stacked!

-The Renegades ended up winning 35-26.

Unfortunately after the USFL and XFL merged, Brian’s position was considered redundant.

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CFL, NFL

Slaton, Steve (3)

Cards: Playoff Prestige 2009 Xtra Points, Topps Lettermen 2009, Upper Deck 2009 Black (2/25)
Acquired: 2019, Future Considerations
See Also: Steve Slaton, Steve Slaton (2)

Runningbacks have always held a special place in my heart- especially after the Texans took center stage for me. After Dominick Davis/ Williams knee gave out- Slaton stepped in for the Texans and really carried that rock- but just like Davis- he suffered a similar injury changing moment to his career when he injured his neck. I loved Steve. He was a little guy who did it all- and like Davis looking back he’s one of the players I missed graphing in person, because I didn’t really come back to the hobby until 2010.

The Upper Deck Black card? – Now that- that is a piece of art and the gold autograph really compliments it well. If I was Steve I would’ve told them to give me a copy of this card blown up for his wall. It’s that nice. I love the subliminal laurels there on the card.
Everything about it is framed perfectly and the legibility and delivery is spot on.

Panini Prestige 2009 is a bit over dressed- but I am okay with that. It is a great action shot of Steve, with very vibrant color. Otherwise there’s nothing too amazing about it.

The Topps Letterman card- I’m not sure what is going on. The patches are nice, even if it isn’t authentic material, but the placement of everything around it feels slap-dashed from the imagery on either side to the autograph itself on a sticker sorta thrown on top.

I got this friend that I’m helping with autographs up in NY, much like Deadhorse and Lance. Since I get a few more events and things going on here, I spot him from time to time, and he in return looks out for me. These were bonuses for helping him out on a few Longhorn autographs he needed- even though there are still some big fish out there I am looking for.