Correll Buckhalter played RB at Nebraska from 1997-’00.
He ran for 2522 yards on 413 carries scoring 27 times in 45 contests.
In 2000 he led the Big 12 toting the rock for 7.1 yards per carry.
4th round selection in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
During his rookie year he posted 129 carries for 586 yards and 2 TDs.
Then in 2003 Correll had 126 carries for 542 yards and 8 TDs.
Correll lost his 2002, 2004 and 2005 seasons all due to injuries.
Over his career in Philly, Buckhalter split carries and was utilized as a 3rd down change of pace back and later as a kick returner.
Signed with the Denver Broncos in 2009.
Started a career high 7 contests that year and rushed for a career high 642 yards (120 carries), a career high 5.4 yards per carry, and a career high 31 receptions.
Spent 2010 as a backup and retired after the season.
NOTES:
I had tried Correll back in 2022 but no dice. I was able to reload at the interim and he signed these two cards for me in 2025.
CARD: Score 2009, Upper Deck Star Rookies 2009 ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 4/30 RECEIVED: 5/27 (27 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Curtis Painter played QB at Purdue from 2005-’08.
He threw for 11,163 yards and 67 TDs to 46 Interceptions over his college career.
Painter has a quick release, and equalled the school’s single game passing record with 6 passing TDs against Eastern Illinois.
At the 2007 Motor Bowl he completed 35 of 54 passes for a record 546 yards and 3 TDs.
Colts GM Bill Polian watched him twice during the previous season, so it was no surprise when they pulled the trigger on him in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
The team liked what they saw and wanted to groom him behind Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi.
Painter finally saw action as the starting QB near the end of his rookie season as the team decided to rest its starters for the playoffs.
He’d complete 8 of 28 passes for 83 yards.
After not playing the entire 2010 season, Painter was thrust into action in 2011 after Manning was lost for the season due to an injured neck.
He’d replace Kerry Collins in the starting lineup and after 8 contests was replaced in the lineup by Dan Orlovsky.
Completed 132 of 243 passes for 1541 yards and 6 TDs to 9 picks.
Released after the 2011 season.
Signed with the Giants in 2013 where he’d back up… Eli Manning!
Completed 8 of 16 passes for 57 yards and 2 interceptions.
Released during the 2014 offseason.
NOTES:
I think its safe to say that Curtis Painter is the only player to complete the circle having backed up both Peyton and Eli Manning. He also comes from a long and secretive line of quality QBs from Purdue.
CARD: Score 2009 Gold Zone Certified ACQUIRED: eBay, 2025 FAILURE: TTM 2020, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
After honing his skills at RB in Junior College at Butler CC in 1998 and 1999, Rudi played in 2000 at Auburn.
He blew the barn doors off the SEC rushing a conference leading 324 times for 1567 yards (and 13 TDs).
A surprising 4th round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001.
Rode the bench primarily his first few seasons behind incumbent RB Corey Dillon.
Rudi stepped up after Dillon got injured in 2003 and never looked back.
Rushed for a career high 43 times for 182 yards and 2 TDs against the Texans that year.
Dillon was traded to the Patriots before the 2003 season clearing the way for Rudi to start in 2004.
He’d rush for 1454 yards on a career high 361 carries and 12 TDs.
Then in 2005, Johnson had a career high 1458 yards on 337 carries, again scoring 12 TDs.
And to finish the trifecta in 2006, Rudi ran 341 times for 1309 yards and another 12 TDs.
The 1000+ carries Rudi had over the last 3 seasons finally caught up to him, as in 2007 he spent 5 games on the bench due to injury.
Unable to find a trading partner, Rudi was cut at the end of camp by the Bengals who were making way for new blood at RB.
Rudi signed with and played his final season with the Detroit Lions running for 237 yards and a TD in 2008.
Johnson lived a private life and was involved in the community through his foundation post football, however he struggled mightily with the weight of mental health.
ACCOLADES:
Chesterfield County Sports Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 2004
NJCAA Hall of Fame
NOTES:
A punishing runner who never shied from a hit, I’ve always wanted Rudi’s autograph on a card, and even though he’s most fondly remembered as a Bengal, I’ll take a certified on a set need from the Lions.
EPITAPH:
9/23/25- Rudi Johnson ended his life tragically at his own hands at the age of 45. He struggled with mental health after his playing career ended and it has been suggested that he was suffering from CTE.
In his final message to his fans via Youtube, Rudi encouraged everyone to, “Never give up.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health please contact the Nation Mental Health Hotline at 1-866-903-3737.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
