Barrett Ruud played LB for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 2001-2004.
He posted 432 total tackles, a pick, and 7 forced fumbles over college career.
Selected in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Finally broke into the starting lineup full time in 2007.
Had 4 straight seasons of 100+ tackles from 2007-2010.
Best season came in 2009, with 142 total tackles, 1 forced fumble and 7 pass deflections.
Signed with the Titans in 2011, but finished season on IR after 9 games.
In 2012, signed with the Seahawks, but was later traded to Saints.
After Saints cut Barrett, he found a home on the Texans who were desperately thin at LB.
As a depth move, Ruud came off the bench for 16 tackles, a sack and 2 pass deflections.
Retired after the 2012 season, Ruud coached LBs with the Huskers from 2018-2022.
Score 2010, #275Score 2009, #280
NOTES:
Yeah so I was eager to get Barrett since he had a short stint on the Texans way back in 2012. The team was at the height of its power and he really helped out any way he could. My friend Lance got him first and passed along the info to me, so I went ahead and hit him up.
Donald Driver played WR at Alcorn State catching 88 receptions for 1993 yards over his college career.
Late 7th round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 1999 NFL Draft.
Stuck behind Antonio Freeman and Corey Bradford early in his career, but with Bradford’s departure to Houston in 2002, things quickly changed.
He’d start all 16 games in 2002, and go over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career on 70 catches.
After a down year in 2003, Driver went on a very improbable run, going over 1.2K yards the next 3 seasons, and over 1K yards the following 3 seasons after that.
In 2009, Donald became the Packers all-time leading receiver, finishing eventually with 743 catches when he retired following the 2012 season.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 2002, 2006-08, 2010.
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
NOTES:
I really wanted Donald’s autograph, but after missing out on him back in 2015, I didn’t really expect to get another shot, so I never reloaded. When he started signing, about the same time of year as he did back in 2015, I just grabbed what I could and sent it out as soon as I could with a small donation to grease the wheels.
Ran for 1,212 yards and 12 TDs his Senior season, accumulating 3,547 total yards on the ground over his 4 years with the Tigers.
Also displayed explosive skills as a kick returner and punt returner accumulating 8 TDs.
Was selected 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Spiller quickly ascended the depth chart, surpassing both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch in the lineup.
Rookie season was considered a disappointment, but still managed to produce his share of highlights with a 95 yard KR TD.
It’d be in 2012, CJ really came into his own, running for a career high 1244 yards and 6 TDs on 207 carries.
He’d also catch 43 passes for 459 yards and 2 TDs including a 66 yarder.
CJ followed up 2012 with a solid ’13 outing, posting 933 yards on 202 carries.
Unfortunately injuries derailed the remainder of his career, as over the next 4 years, he’d be limited to just 7 starts in 29 contests.
After his time in Buffalo concluded, CJ hopped over to New Orleans.
He’d catch an 80 yard TD that season- Marking QB Drew Brees 400th passing TD.
Released in 2016, Spiller saw some playing time with the Seahawks and Jets that season.
In his final season with the Chiefs, Spiller was an emergency back for the team, and was literally on and off the roster multiple times throughout 2017.
After a few years off, Spiller went into coaching.
As of 2022 he’s a RB coach at his Alma Mater, Clemson.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 2012
Jersey Retired #28 (Clemson)
NOTES:
While CJ’s career in the pros was limited, he had moments of absolute breathtaking electricity. The pass he caught from Drew Brees (for Brees 400th TD), sparked some laughs, embarrassment, and controversy. It came in OT against the Dallas Cowboys and was the first play from scrimmage, as OT rules end games if a team scores on the first possession.
Two late card set additions that I like here from Panini in both the 2015 Prestige set and the Rookies & Stars set (2013). I really like how the Prestige set is very minimal, although I’m not a huge fan of the transitioned edges. The focus is on the player and the name. That’s it. Pretty classy.
The Rookies & Stars set from 2013 was something I got into late. I loved the 2009 and 2010 set, but I absolutely hated the 2011 and ’12 sets. That caused me to take my time checking out this set. One of my big complaints about cards is that it doesn’t feel as though they are proud of their designs. They just don’t showcase them on the sides of the box. Spiller’s card is top notch in this set and I like the design and look as it’s pretty unique.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
712
3451
4.8
12
77
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
198
1454
7.5
9
80t
KR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
74
1754
7.5
2
102t
PR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
25
302
12.1
0
45
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