Kyle Boller played QB for California from 1999-2002.
In his Senior campaign Kyle completed 225 of 421 passes for 2815 yards and 28 TDs.
Over his college career he completed 622 of 1301 passes for 7980 yards and 64 TDs to 48 interceptions.
Kyle was the second quarterback off the board in 2003 and was quickly named starter for the Ravens that season.
He completed 116 of 224 passes for 1260 yards with 7 TDs to 9 picks in an injury plagued rookie campaign.
Boller’s best season came the following year in 2004, when he passed for 2559 yards and 13 TDs (11 interceptions) on 258 of 464 throws.
He’d also start 16 games for the only time in his career, and finish with a career high 9-7 record.
Boller’s career from there was a frustrating one, battling quarterbacks and injury along the way.
After sitting out the entire 2008 season with an injury, Kyle played with the Rams in 2009.
He’d move on to Oakland in 2010, finishing out his career the following year.
NOTES:
I don’t often get members of the Baltimore Ravens through he mail, so I was pretty happy to get Kyle’s autograph on a couple of cards.
Kyle carried a huge burden being thrown out there into the fire by the Ravens. I wonder how his career would’ve planned out if he rode the bench for a season, and hadn’t had so much pressure hoisted on him.
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.
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.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
