Tag Archives: proset 1991

NFL

Maryland, Russell

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1991, Action Packed Rookies 1992, Pro Set 1991
Acquired: Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1991, 1992, 1997

Russell Maryland while at the University of Miami had played for  Jimmy Johnson before he jumped to the NFL in 1989. Maryland would cement his status as the strongest defensive line prospect in the 1991 draft by winning the UPI Lineman of the Year award and the Outland Trophy in 1990. In that season he’d make 96 tackles and 10.5 sacks for the Hurricanes.

The Dallas Cowboys traded up in the draft in 1991 so that they could acquire Russell Maryland to play right defensive tackle with the #1 pick in 1991. In order to grab him the Cowboys traded starting middle linebacker Eugene Lockhart, defensive back Ron Francis, linebacker David Howard, their 2nd round pick and Minnesota’s first round pick (that Dallas had gotten in the previous season in exchange for Herschel Walker).

At 6’1″, 300, I was very confused by the fanfare that surrounded Maryland who while he improved the Cowboys defense to some degree and helped them win 3 SuperBowls, -failed to be an impact as a pass rusher or run stopper statistically. In fact his statistics ended up being somewhat pedestrian as he never had over 5 sacks or 60 tackles in 10 seasons. In retrospect, Maryland was a decent lineman, but certainly not worthy of the impact blue chip #1 slot typically reserved for draftees. In 1993 Russell would earn a Pro Bowl nomination after he made 56 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, but by 1994  he was already splitting time in a platoon with other defensive linemen and shifted to left defensive tackle which would further impact his numbers.

In 1996 Maryland would sign via free agency with the Oakland Raiders. He’d start 16 games 3 times over the next 4 seasons for the Raiders (- a feat he only accomplished once in 5 seasons for Dallas). He’d tie his career high in tackles in 1997, and sacks with 4.5.  I’d get Russell’s autograph at Dallas Cowboys Training Camp prior to that season as the Raiders visited on his Action Packed Rookies 1992 card. He’d play with the Raiders through 1999, then sign with the Green Bay Packers where he notched his first career safety and retire after the conclusion of the 2000 season.

G/Gp  154/140     Tac  375     Sac  24.5    Fum 9     Int  1    Yds  2    Avg  2.0   Td 0    Lg 2

NFL, WLAF

Brantley, John “Rambo”


Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991, ProSet 1991 DMVP
Acquired: In Person 1992, San Antonio Riders v. Birmingham Fire
See Also: John Brantley (2)

John Brantley was a 12th round choice (#325)  out of Georgia by the Houston Oilers in 1988.  He’d be on the roster of the team through 1989 suiting up for 8 games playing on special teams. In 1991 Brantley was drafted by the Birmingham Fire of the WLAF in the 2nd round of the positional draft.  A well rounded team leader, he’d finish statistically amongst the top players in the league with 47 tackles and 4 sacks. At the conclusion of the 1991 season John was be named first team All World Team, and would win defensive MVP in a three way tie with Danny Lockett and Anthony Parker.

Brantley returned to the WLAF for 1992 and again lead the staunch Fire defense, chipping in 2 more sacks and be named back to the All World team. The league unfortunately was reorganized after the 1992 season, but John would sign with the Washington Redskins of the NFL  and start 2 games for the team that year. It is unknown if Brantley played any additional seasons of football whether it was in
the Arena leagues or the CFL USA venture. He currently lives in Georgia.

G/Gs 20/20    Tac    124       Sac   6.0      Fum 3
Int 0    Yds  0    Avg  -.-   Td  0   Lg   -.-

 

NFL

Stephens, Calvin (1967-2010)

Card: ProSet 1991
Acquired: Patriots Blitz 1992

In a card that looks good but is obviously staged you had to wonder who this man mountain was. Calvin Stephens was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft by the New England Patriots out of South Carolina. Considered the Gamecocks best blocker over his career there, Calvin would start 39 games while at SC at both guard and tackle.  Although he was undersized at 6’2″, 285, he made up for his lack of height with incredible strength (510 pound bench press) and teammates remarked of his persona which was that of a gentle giant. He’d earn a degree in criminal justice, be All-American Honorable Mention, and play in the Blue Gray All-Star Game.

Unfortunately, Calvin’s 1991 season with the Patriots would be completely lost to injury from a torn tricep. He’d return in 1992 for the Patriots and played in 11 games, starting 1 along the way as an injury substitute against Miami. With new management coming into New England for the 1993 season, Stephens would be amongst the final cutdowns of the preseason along with Tom Hodson.

He’d retire from professional football after 2 seasons and return to South Carolina, where he passed away unexpectedly on June 11th, 2010 at the age of 42.