Tag Archives: san fransisco 49ers

NFL

Mojsiejenko, Ralf “Mojo”

Card: ProSet 1989, Topps 1989
Acquired: 2012, Canton Acquisition

Ralf played for Michigan State from 1982-1985. He built a strong resume as both a punter and kicker for the Spartans. The NFL took notice and he was a hot commodity in the 1985 draft- well at least as far as kickers and punters go. Mojsiejenko was drafted in the 4th round by the San Diego Chargers. Not a bad pick- but such a conservative pick that the Chargers missed out on many other big names. The ’85 draft is remembered as a monster draft, and recognizable names like Steve Bono, Eric Martin, Mark Bavaro, Jay Novacek, Steve Tasker, Duval Love, and Kevin Greene came off the board after Ralf. Still 4 or 5 kickers also were selected by other franchises after Ralf, (and two became starters: Fuad Reveiz and Donald Igwebuike for other teams,) so there could be some justification there that the Chargers had to have some Mojo.  To befuddle us even more the Chargers stuck him in only at punter.

Mojo hit the field and made the team as proud as he could at punter. He was of course the highest draft choice at that position by the franchise. He’d punt 68 times his rookie season including a booming 67 yarder. He’d also average over 42 yards per punt, which he accomplished with regularity with the Chargers. In 1987, Ralf was able to nab his first Pro Bowl honor after averaging 42.9 yards per punt. He stuck around San Diego through the 1988 season, where he was immortalized on this great Pro Set 1989 card. The Chargers traded Mojo to the Redskins in the offseason for what was believed to be a 5th round choice. That season for Washington, he’d boom a 74 yard punt, and return to the Redskins for the 1990 season. The 1990 season was a down year for Mojo. Limited by a foot injury, he’d have career lows in most categories. Mojo signed with the 49ers as an injury replacement for incumbent Barry Helton. After Helton returned in the 6th game, Mojo was cut effectively ending his career.

G 93      P 413     Yds 17533      Avg 42.5       Lg 74        Blk  5

 

 

NFL

Israel, Steve

sky92 israelspics92 israrelcla92 israelaprks92 israel

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1992, Classic 1992, Star Pics 1992, Skybox 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent: 10/31   Received: 12/17  (49 days)

Steve Israel played college ball at Pittsburgh and set the world on fire his senior season when he recorded 6 interceptions, returning one of them for a touchdown.  With Jerry Gray signing with the Houston Oilers in 1992, the Rams were in the market for another defensive back. After recently being exposed with regularity by the 49ers receiving corps, Los Angeles needed to keep the arms war going by adding fresh blood to the back four. The Rams selected Steve with the second overall pick of the second round. A speed merchant, Steve started 12 games in 1993, but otherwise was used primarily as the Rams nickle back throughout his 3 year tenure with Los Angeles.  During the Summer he’d be waived by the team, but picked up shortly there after by the 49ers, who needing depth at the position after a recent spate of injuries hit the squad.  He’d make his first career interception against the Atlanta Falcons in 1996.  In 1997, Steve signed with the New England Patriots and play there for another 3 seasons. Steve marked his best season as a pro in ’98 recording 3 interceptions and 2 sacks in 7 starts.  He’d play one final season in New Orleans in 2001 before retiring during camp in 2002 with the Carolina Panthers.  Currently Steve lives in North Carolina and does commentary for ESPNU.

The Bible scripture is from Proverbs 16:3- “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

 

G/Gs  102/38      Tac 249        Sac 4    Fum 4    Int  5      Yds  16      Avg  3.2     Td 0       Lg 12

NFL, usfl

Zendejas, Tony “The Z”

flr90 zendejaspset90 zendejaspset89 zendejassco89sup zendejasap92 zendejas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cards: Score Supplemental 1989, ProSet 1989, ProSet 1990, Fleer 1990, Action Packed 1992
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Home
Sent: 10/31            Received:  12/13     (43 days)

The Zendejas clan has had an impactful history on the league during the 80s and 90s, as Tony has been one of four members of the family (Max, Louis, and Joaquin) to play in NFL. Of Mexican descent, Tony eventually landed at the University of Nevada at Reno. After setting records at the school he was picked up by the Los Angeles Express of the USFL in 1983.  He’d play in the league until its implosion, and be drafted by the Washington Redskins in the USFL Supplemental Draft in 1985.

The Redskins immediately turned around and traded his rights to the Houston Oilers, who had inconsistency at the position with Florian Kempf over the past 2 previous seasons.  The Z took the starting job and quickly established himself as one of the best kickers in the league.  Zendejas stayed with the Oilers for the next 5 seasons through short lived Hugh Campbell era, the Jerry Glanville years, and briefly into the Jack Pardee era. Things were looking good until Tony cracked his fibia against the Saints during the 1990 season- a year in which he was off to a surprisingly slow start. After completing his rehab and being given a clean bill of health, the Oilers left him surprisingly exposed in free agency.  Z signed with the Los Angeles Rams (,replacing longtime barefooted kicker and franchise leading scorer, Mike Lansford). The Oilers in the meantime were left in the lurch and opened the job to a competition between Teddy Garcia and Ian Howfield. While the Oilers struggled all season at kicker, Tony ironically went on to hit 17-17 field goals that year. An unusually strong and accurate kicker from over 50 yards, it was obvious the Oilers and myself had been spoiled by Zendejas’ ability. Tony remained with the Rams through 1994 and then play with both the Falcons and 49ers as an injury replacement retiring after the 1995 season. Zendejas is most notable for sharing the NFL record for consecutive completed field goals of greater than 50 yards with 11.

G 149     XPA 327    XPM 316      PCT 96.6%     FGA  252   FGM  186     PCT 73.8%     LG 54   PTS  874