After being recruited to Ohio State as a DB, Ted Ginn Jr dabbled in playing WR during his Freshman campaign in 2004.
Displaying dangerous speed and body balance Ginn was such a factor on offense, he moved to it fulltime in 2005, while also picking up return duties.
Over three years at Ohio State, Ginn had 135 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 TDs, 213 yards rushing, 1,012 returning (38 kickoffs) and 64 punt returns for 900 yards and 6 TDs.
Selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 9th overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.
Functioned in much the same capacity with the Dolphins his rookie year, catching 34 passes for 420 yards and 2 TDs, 63 kick returns for 1,433 yards, and 24 punt returns for 230 yards and an 87 yard franchise tying record PR TD in his rookie campaign.
In 2008 had 56 catches for 790 yards and 2 TDs, 32 kick returns for 657 yards, and 7 punt returns.
Mistakes began to pile up in 2009, as Ginn who already suffered from fumble-itis, developed a case of the dropsies.
Although he had 1,826 all purpose yards that season, he was traded to the ‘9ers in 2010 for a 5th round pick.
Confined mainly to special teams, Ginn shined in 2011 in that capacity.
Had 268 total return yards against Seattle, scoring on a 102 yard kickoff and then returning a punt 59 seconds later for a TD- unheard of in NFL history.
Signed with the Panthers in 2013 and saw more playing time back at WR.
Had 36 receptions for 556 yards and 5 TDs.
Signed by the Cardinals the following season, and had perhaps his most disappointing season with less than 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
Returned to the Panthers in 2015 and posted a career high 10 TD catches on 44 receptions.
Signed with the Saints in 2017 and played with the franchise through the 2019 season.
Played with the Bears in 2020, but was released before the season ended.
Retired from playing football in 2021, and transitioned into coaching.
In 2025 was named head coach of the UFL Columbus Aviators and went 3-6 in his first campaign.
ACCOLADES:
All-Rookie Team 2007
Pro Bowl 2007
NOTES:
Had to move fast on this one when I saw that Ginn was signing through the Aviators while the season was winding down. Pleasantly surprised to receive it back during the league offseason.
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.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
