So I had come back to Keith in 2020 and got him on the Skybox cards, Score 89, and the Fleer 90, but then I realized I still had a couple more that I needed. Keith is a great signer- even at his affordable rate which is used for his PARK Foundation. I figured after 4 years it was ok to give him another shot on the remaining set needs.
CARDS: Topps 1986, Pro Set 1989 ACQUIRED: TTM 2024, C/o Home SENT: 5/6 RECEIVED: 6/3 (28 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Mike played QB for the Arizona State Sun Devils from 1978-’81.
During his Senior season he led the Pac-10 with 29 TD passes on 171 of 321 passes throwing for 2,489 yards.
Was a 4th round selection of the Baltimore Colts in 1982.
After a rough start as a rookie, finishing 0-8-1… he saw improvement in 1983, throwing for 12 TDs and 2353 yards.
Played for the Colts through their transition to Indianapolis in 1984.
Threw for a career high 2,414 yards 14 TDs in 1985- but also 15 picks.
Traded to the Browns in 1986 and seldom saw action, serving primarily as Bernie Kosar‘s backup.
In 1988 hopped into the lineup in relief of Don Strock and nearly guided the Browns to a comeback win over the Houston Oilers in the Wildcard round of the playoffs, narrowly losing 24-23.
Signed with the Rams in 1991, serving as Jim Everett‘s backup through the 1993 season, rarely seeing action on the field.
Played one final year in the Arena Football League with the Massachusetts Marauders in 1994.
Does pregame work for the Browns organization and dabbles in coaching at the high school level.
NOTES:
Pretty sure that this Mike Pagel Topps card came out of that box of football cards that spilled out into my room the first time that Josh spent the night. Some of them ended up under a shelf, only to be found years later amazingly in great shape- despite the shag carpet and Horde slime that had become engrained into it.
CARD: Pro Set 1989 Announcers ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home SENT: 1/3 RECEIVED: 1/23 (20 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Dan Dierdorf played OL/ DL at Michigan in 1967.
A skilled athlete, he was an excellent wrestler and accomplished shot putter.
By 1968 he was working fulltime at RT, and spot duty at LT.
He was a highly regarded and decorated senior in 1970, receiving numerous Big10 and post season awards.
Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 43rd pick of the 1971 NFL Draft.
Saw action at all positions but center, and finally took over the RT duties for the remainder of his career there in ’73.
Considered one of the finest and dirtiest OL of the 1970s.
Sustained a grizzly knee injury in 1979 and missed nearly the entire season.
Returned to form in 1980, but retired due to wear and tear after the 1983 campaign.
Saw action in 160 contests, starting 150.
Started working in TV almost immediately as a color man and sports commentator.
Best known for his MNF stint with Al Michaels and Frank Gifford from 1987- early 99.
Retired after a 7 year stint in 2021 as the color man for the Michigan Wolverines.
ACCOLADES:
NFL 1970’s All Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1996
College Football Hall of Fame
Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Pro Bowl 1974-’78, ’80
All Pro 1975-’78, ’80
Pete Rozelle Radio- Television Award 2008
NOTES:
Outspoken, beloved, and always ready with a great soundbite, Dierdorf made a natural transition to broadcasting. I remember him fondly for his time working as a commentator/ color man on MNF with Frank and Al. I felt that when he left MNF it was just… missing something. It’s just never been the same. And to me, he’s never been the same. Having him back on CBS after that from ’99 to ’13 just seemed… weird- although I enjoyed it almost as much.
I had wanted to get his autograph on a card for sometime, but the announcer card was the best thing that I had. His Topps cards were all those woeful sideline ‘water cup in hand’ type shots. Although the card got bent in transition back to me, it doesn’t matter, I’m just happy to have this childhood memory secured.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
