Wade Phillips comes from strong football bloodlines as his father Bum, was a coach at the pro level.
Was a 3 year starter at LB at University of Houston from 1966-’68.
Immediately went into coaching where he began his trek up to the pro ranks as a graduate assistant at Houston.
Moved into the pros with his father in 1976 as a positional coach with the HOUSTON Oilers.
Became the defensive coordinator for the Saints in 1981.
In 1985, served as interim HC when his father abruptly retired during the season.
Worked with the Eagles (1985-’88), and Broncos (1989-’92) as each team’s defensive coordinator- respectively.
He was coach of the Broncos from 1993-’94.
Then was quickly snapped up by the Bills to be DC from 1995-’97.
Served as HC for the Bills from 1998-’00.
After a brief hiatus, was back at it again in 2002 as DC for the Falcons through 2003.
Served as interim head coach briefly for Atlanta, then was off to San Diego to be the DC from 2004-2006.
Became head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-’10.
Claimed to know how to fix the Houston Texans defensive woes and was signed as DC in 2011.
Turned around defensive unit and was key in identifying JJ Watt.
Served through 2013 as the DC, and briefly as the interim head coach.
Returned to the Broncos in 2015 as DC- helping the team win Super Bowl L.
Joined the Rams in 2017 and helped team reach Super Bowl LIII.
After not having his contract renewed following the 2019 season, Wade decided to coach in the XFL in 2023.
As HC of the Houston Roughnecks he led the team to a 7-3 record.
When the UFL and XFL combined following the season, Wade and his staff moved up the street to San Antonio.
Rebuilding the team from the ground up Phillips guided his team to an 8-3 record and an appearance in the first UFL Championship Game.
NOTES:
You know, I didn’t really believe Wade at first that he was going to build a dynamo in San Antonio that we’d be proud of. Then they went to work and just like that by the beginning of that first game, I thought the Brahmas were walking quietly and carrying a big stick.
Wade is well known in circles for being able to make seismic cultural and defensive changes quickly to football franchises. He also hasn’t seen a sniff of an NFL HC job since his time in Dallas- which could be attributed to ageism, as his reputation and resume say otherwise.
I got this custom card done just in time to give it to him at the season ticket holders event. He probably has seen his share of custom trading cards- so he really didn’t bat an eye.. which did surprise me. Over his high profile level of coaching for the past 40+ years, he has never had a trading card in circulation.
Wade has been a HC for more franchises than any coach in NFL history (including interim titles).
CARDS: Skybox 1992, Pro Set 1990, Fleer 1992, Gameday 1992, Pacific 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home SENT: 5/30/23 RECEIVED: 8/23/23 (85 days) FAILURE: TTM 2018, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Michael Young played WR for UCLA from 1983-’84.
He caught 48 passes for 737 yards and 7 TDs with the Bruins.
A 6th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1985.
Got caught in a numbers game as his playing time waned with the unretirement of Ron Brown.
Played for the Rams through ’88 catching 35 passes for 421 yards and 4 TDs.
Joined the Broncos in ’89 via Plan B and immediately paid dividends, spotting the Three Amigos.
From 1989-’91 he set career single season highs in receptions.
Caught a career high 4 TDs in 1990.
In the playoffs that year caught a 53 yard pass and a 70 yard TD against the Browns to help Denver reach Super Bowl XXIV.
Started 13 games in 1991 and caught a career high 44 passes for 629 yards (2 TDs).
Played for the Eagles in 1993 catching 14 passes for 186 yards and 2 TDs.
In 1994 dressed for two contests for the Chiefs.
After retirement, made the transition to the front office, serving for the Denver Broncos, and then the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League and then with the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB).
Skybox 1992, #132Pacific 1992, #86
NOTES:
When I first became a Rams fan, I saw Michael streaking down the field on a few plays. I thought he was going to really be something for them in their already strong WR corps. Then he went off and signed with Denver. I was a bit butt hurt. I knew he’d be clutch when it counted for somebody.
I was miffed that I failed on him back in 2018 considering I lived pretty much right around the corner from him at one point, however I reloaded and gave him another shot a few years later. After pointing out that I was confused because sometimes color men and Wikipedia called him ‘Mike’- he let me know that he indeed goes by Michael. He sent me an NFL Alumni sticker, 2 extra autographs, a nice note, and also his Dodgers business card in his return correspondence. Worth the wait.
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.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
1385
6335
4.6
41
71
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
442
3940
8.9
30
62
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
