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.
Harold Jackson played college ball at Jackson State from 1964-68.
Not only was a prolific WR, but also a speedy track man, setting a record 9.3 second 100 yard dash at the school.
Led the SWAC in receiving in both 1965 (46 catches for 612 yards and 11 TDs), and in 1966 (56 catches for 878 yards and 8 TDs).
12th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1968.
After appearing in just 2 games his rookie season, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Led the league in receiving yards in ’69 with 1,116.
In 1972, led the NFL in both catches (62) and yards (1,048).
Harold was traded back to the Rams in 1973 for Roman Gabriel.
On 40 catches, he had a league leading 13 TDs.
Was traded to the New England Patriots in 1978.
In 1979, posted 1,013 yards receiving and a career high 22.5 yards per reception.
Played briefly in 1982 for the Vikings, and rounded out career in ’83 with the Seahawks.
Suited up during the Players Strike in ’87 for the Patriots, but didn’t play.
Has a long and prolific coaching career at a variety of pro, semi-rpo and college levels, as a positional and head coach.
Among his pro stops were with the Patriots (85-89), New Orleans Night (1991), Bucs (1992-93), Saints (1997-99), Hartford Colonials (2011), and Sacramento Mountain Lions (2012).
In 2014, Harold served as head coach for his Alma Mater Jackson State from 2014-15.
ACCOLADES:
AP 1973
2nd Team AP 1972, ’77
Pro Bowl 1969, ’72-73, ’75, ’77
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
NOTES:
I’ve never had anyone personalize my cards in quotations- but okay.
Despite finishing near the top of the statistical receiving charts at the time of his career- spanning 3 eras from the 60s to the 80s, Harold has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Whether it’s a combination of the infamous logger jam at receiver, or the fact his stats just don’t stand out as much because it was during the dead ball era, Harold is still waiting to hear his name called.
It’s interesting, cracking down on Harold’s stats, that he has such a high yards per reception (17.9 on 579 catches), but his longest catch is just 79 yards.
Great cards- Always love the Topps 71 set. It’s classy, and it’s grown on me over the years specifically. It’s still a casual collect for me, but among Topps sets it’s one of my favorites.
