Tag Archives: score 1991

NFL

Howard, Erik

s&s92 howard sco91 howard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cards: Stars & Stripes 1992, Score 1991
Acquired: 2012, Canton Acquisition

Erik Howard was an unheralded nose tackle for the Giants 3-4 defense that plugged up the middle rushing lanes. He demonstrated the versatility, speed, motor, and size to actually play all three down linemen positions. A second round pick of the Giants in 1986, Erik split time backing up Jim Burt, winning the Super Bowl after his rookie season. He started his first full season in 1989, recording 5.5 sacks, 1 FF, and a career high 69 tackles. Howard earned his only Pro Bowl nod for his 1990 efforts, with 3 sacks and 67 tackles. He’d win his second Super Bowl title following the season against the Buffalo Bills. Erik played with the Giants through the 1994 season, when he had a career high 6.5 sacks playing defensive tackle. He left via free agency in 1995 for the Jets and retired there following the 1996 season.

G/Gs 139/95   Tac 377    Sac 33     Fum 2     Int 0    Yds 0    Avg -.-  Td 0    Lg -.-

 

NFL

Donnalley, Kevin

spics91 donnalleyCards: ProSet 1991, Score 1991, Star Pics 1991
Acquired:  TTM 2013, C/o  Home
Sent: 12/16     Received: 1/6   ( days)

The Houston Oilers drafted  Kevin Donnalley in the 3rd round of the 1991 draft. The team liked his size and versatility, where he joined fellow rookie John Flannery on the line. A prized drive blocker, Donnalley’s scouting report notes his great size, frame, and a good understanding of blocking angles and techniques. The Oilers felt that Kevin’s work ethic obviously outweighed his lack of experience and questions about his upper body strength. In the meantime the team felt they could groom him at tackle behind Don Maggs.

After starting inside at guard due to injuries decimating the line, Donnalley shifted outside to LT for the 1993 season, starting 6 contests. In 1994, Kevin was moved to right guard, – the position he’d play for the remainder of his time in the league.  Offensive systems and coaches changed, and even though the team went through salary cap hell in 1994, Donnalley remained with the franchise through pset91 donnalley1996 and its departure to Tennessee, playing with the Tennessee Oilers through 1997. He’d sign as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins in 1998, and later the Carolina Panthers in 2001.

It’d be with the Panthers that Donnalley probably is remembered best, paving the way for Stephen Davis at running back and blocking for quarterback Jake Delhome, during the team’s Super Bowl run in 2003, setting franchise records for fewest sacks allowed and total team rushing yards. After the Panthers improbable run, Donnalley retired, stating simply that, “I’m very tired” in 2004.

Kevin has been involved in coaching, public speaking, and spends time working for charities and foundations. A reliable signer, he signed these 3 cards in under a month’s time. The 1991 draft turned out to be a solid one for the Oilers as they were able to nab a lot of depth and future starters. It’s a shame that they had rolled against the salary cap, evidenced as many of their key players such as Kevin, departed to greater glory in other places.

sco91 donnalleyG/Gs  193/144

CFL, NFL

Walker, Kenny

pset91 walker sco91 walker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cards: ProSet 1991, Action Packed Rookies 1991, Score 1991
Acquired: TTM 2013, C/o Work
Sent: 5/25     Received: 9/6  (104 days)

aprks91 walkerKenny Walker hails from the tiny town of Crane, Texas and went to college at Nebraska.  At 6’2″, 246- Kenny was considered a bit undersized but made up for it with his quickness and agility. After being a situational starter throughout most of his career he really came on as a senior posting 73 tackles, 21 for losses, 11 sacks and a forced fumble culminating with him earning 1st team honors from the AP, and Big 8 defensive player of the year in 1990.  He parlayed his performance and accolades into an 8th round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1991.

The Broncos were restocking on defense following a 5-11 season, and added Mike Croel and Keith Traylor in the earlier rounds. Walker would be a surprising find for the Broncos and start all 16 games that season recording 3 sacks, and follow up the next season with 1.5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries. The most amazing part about all this is that Walker did this all with a hearing impediment. In essence, he has been deaf since the age of 2 when he suffered a bout of Meningitis. Kenny then played in the CFL for the Calgary Stampeders from 1994 to 1995, and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1995-1996. He’d be the first deaf person to play in the CFL.  Kenny then hung up his cleats went into teaching and coaching deaf children at both the High School and College level. Currently in 2013 Kenny is coaching in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He’s written an autobiographical book entitled “The Roar of Silence”, and at this time remains a role model and upstanding member of the deaf community.

G/Gs 31/16   Tac  N/a    Sac 4.5     Fum 2     Int 0   Yds 0   Avg -.-   Td 0   Lg -.-