At 6’2″, 290, Texas A&M Center Mike Matthews was simply just not big enough to be considered one of the top centers in the 2016 NFL Draft. Scouts loved his tenacity, bloodlines (son of Bruce Matthews and brother of Jake Matthews), technique, and football IQ. He was expected to be a free agent- sign and stash/ long term project, to see what a team could develop out of him with a few years in the weight room.
Mike signed with the Cleveland Browns after the draft, and was listed as the 3rd center on the team behind Cam Ewing and Garth Gerhart. He was a late cut in 2016, but in February 2017 Mike signed with Pittsburgh- unfortunately an injury late in training camp ended his season. Mike kept at it however, and in May of 2018, he signed with the Miami Dolphins who were looking for depth on the offensive line.
So when Nathan and I were dealing autographs in the parking lot at my work, I made the shrewd acquisition of Tre Madden. I mean- it probably won’t payoff, but I was already aware of his deep NFL and athletic bloodlines, so picking him up appealed to me.
After initially starting his football career at USC as a linebacker, the Trojans decided it’d be best if Tre moved to runningback in 2012. Injuries completely railroaded his year at USC, so he doubled down for 2013. He put together a respectable year, contributing 703 yards rushing on 138 carries, and 201 yards and 4 TDs on 15 receptions. After injury struck again in 2014, Madden returned for 2015 and had 85 carries for 452 yards and 5 TDs. He also caught 17 passes for 133 yards and a TD.
Tre went undrafted in 2016- flagged due to his injury riddled history. He later signed with the Seattle Seahawks and got a lot of work at fullback for the franchise. An injury ended his 2016 before it began. After clearing waivers, the Seahawks placed Madden on injured reserve to get a better look at him for 2017.
Derrick Alexander is a fireplug, standing at 6’2″ 270. Playing for the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, Alexander racked up 133 total tackles, 35.5 TFL, 19.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. Derrick is a bit of an enigma to scouts. Teams couldn’t decide if he was more of a defensive end, defensive tackle, or coming off the edge as a tweener. Derrick does bring with him versatility against the run or pass, and great hustle to the ball.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Card: Sage 2016
