CARDS: Playoff Contenders European Ticket 2000 ACQUIRED: 2021, Future Considerations
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Talented athlete played for UAB in 96 and 97 converting from quarterback to wide receiver.
In his only year at WR posted 38 receptions for 823 yards and 7 TDs.
Spent majority of rookie year on Cardinals practice squad.
Opted to hone his skills in NFLE with the Scottish Claymores in 1999, posting 11 catches for 181 yards and two TDs.
Allocated to NFLE in 2000 playing for the Rhein Fire.
Led league with 12 touchdown catches.
Returned stateside in 2000 and spent the year on the practice squad of the Bills and Broncos.
In 2001 was a territorial allocation of the XFL 2001 Birmingham Bolts.
Signed with Cowboys but did not make the squad.
Opted to sign with the CFL in 2002, playing for the Ottawa Renegades, but retired due to concussions.
NOTES: Drake estimates that he suffered from at least 10 concussions over his career in football, with three being knockouts. He now suffers daily from the debilitating side effects of those head injuries, and spends his time coaching football and also improving education and awareness of concussion safety.
Derrick Ham played DE for the University of Miami from 1995-1998.
Allocated by the Redskins to the NFLE in 2000, playing for the Rhein Fire.
Burst loose in the league recording 9 sacks, 14 tackles, 1 forced fumble and a pass block.
Played sparingly in the NFL over the next two years for the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns.
Returned to the Fire in 2003 posting 17 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and a pass block.
ACCOLADES:
All NFLE 2000
NOTES:
I had been picking up a few of these guys autographs for CFLFaninPhilly, but Derrick elected to keep one of his cards, so CFL told me to keep this one. I am honestly tempted to start collecting this subset.
Wes Chandler WR at Florida from 1974 to 1977 posting 93 receptions for 1994 yards and 22 TDs.
Also moonlighted rushing the ball 61 times for 353 yards and 6 TDs in his Senior campaign, finishing 10th in Heisman voting.
Selected 3rd overall in the first round of the 78 draft by the New Orleans Saints.
Had 1069 yards on 65 receptions, including a career long 85 yard long the following year.
Traded during the 1981 season to San Diego.
Chandler finished out the year with 1142 yards on 69 receptions.
In 1982 led NFL during strike shortened season with 1032 yards and 9 TDs in just 8 games.
Had career high 1199 yards and 10 TDs in 1985.
After the 1987 season, joined the 49ers for final year in 88 playing in 4 games.
Has seen extensive time coaching in a variety of leagues including the Orlando Thunder, UCF, Rhein Fire, Frankfurt Galaxy, Berlin Thunder, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, New York Sentinels, and the California Golden Bears.
Briefly served as the commissioner of the MLFB before it reorganized in 2017.
CAREER ACCOLADES:
Earned Pro Bowl Honors in 79, 82, 83, and 85
First Team All Pro 1982
San Diego Chargers 40th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers 50th All-Time Team
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Chandler has been overlooked by the Pro Football Hall of Fame numerous times, primarily due to the fact that he played during the dead ball era.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
559
8966
16.0
56
85T
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
