Big man-mountain (6’4″, 330), Antone Davis played RT at Tennessee.
He and fellow blocking teammate Charles McRae were considered the best offensive lineman in the 1991 NFL Draft.
A consensus All-American, and runner up for the Outland Trophy, Davis and McRae were selected back to back during the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
Needing to address their porous OL, the Eagles traded away two picks to move up and select Antone Davis at #8 overall.
After a holdout, Davis had an extremely bumpy baptism by fire playing for the Eagles his rookie year.
The remainder of the next 4 years were punctuated by penalties and injury.
Following the 1995 season, he was not resigned by the Eagles, and joined the Atlanta Falcons for the 1996 campaign.
Davis saw action primarily as a backup the next two seasons, but was released in early ’98.
He’d then see time briefly on the off-season roster of the Packers in 1999, before retiring.
Action Packed Rookies 1991, #19
NOTES:
Ugh. Poor Antone. I remember him appearing on MNF in 1991. I think it was his first start after an early injury sidelined him for most of the preseason and some of the year. He got absolutely wrekt by the Redskins front 4 on MNF. Holding calls, false starts, constant pressures, and sacks galore. I felt so terrible for Antone. After his career ended, Davis went into the food service industry. He was also a finalist on the show ‘The Biggest Loser’ a few years back. Antone doesn’t sign often so I thought I’d shoot these two set needs out.
Note that his Action Packed Rookies card shows him with #77 and his Gameday has #78. After he signed his rookie contract he changed his jersey number.
Didn’t have much in the tank left for Jimmy, except really for this one set need out of Gameday 1992. Outside of that Spoodog- who you may recall from my in person adventures from a few years prior, was downsizing his collection, or just got so bored of the hobby he was not really into it anymore. Anyway, he gave me a bunch of unsigned cards and this Jags card of Jimmy was among them, so, inspired, I thought if I ever got another shot I’d send this one out too.
I got really lucky getting Jimmy on these cards. During the pandemic he popped up on Twitter and offered to sign for fans. This lasted all for… 3 months before he quit again.
Homegrown Jon Runyan played right OT and G for the Michigan Wolverines starting a total of 34 contests.
He capped his career for the Wolverines in ’95 earning All-Big 10 honors and a variety of other accolades.
The Houston Oilers selected Jon with in the 4th round of the 1996 NFL Draft.
Jon made the roster and with the team made the transition to Tennessee.
Started first 16 game slate in 1997 at Tackle.
Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing with the franchise through 2008.
Played one final season in San Diego in 2009.
Spent some time dabbling in politics, even serving in Congress.
Can be found sometimes putting around Philadelphia as an Uber driver.
ACCOLADES:
Philadelphia Eagles HoF
Pro Bowl 2002
Second Team All-Pro 1998
Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
NOTES:
Fearsome, nasty, fast, and large, Jon was a true road grading offensive lineman who struck fear into opposing defenders. Considered one of the dirtiest players of his era- he fit right in with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jon was also remarkably durable, despite his 6’8″, 299 frame, he started 190 straight contests. His son followed in his footsteps and was drafted by the Packers in 2020.
At the time of his retirement in 2009, Jon was the last remaining player who had played for the HOUSTON Oilers franchise.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
