In 1986, John Rienstra (OL) was a first round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Temple.
With exceptional mobility and strength, he was well suited for the Steelers trap run game.
Injuries hampered his first 3 seasons in the NFL until the 1989 season, where John established himself as a starter in 14 contests.
He signed as a Plan B free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
Started all 16 games for the first time in his career that year at LG.
Retired after the 1992 NFL season due to injury (rotator cuff).
NOTES:
Rienstra was a fearsome OL, who left it all on the field in some 7 injury riddled seasons of play, and 20 some odd scars from his playing days. He earned his nickname for his hard charging style of play, and preference to go for defenders throats. A collegiate power lifter- Rienstra at his peak lifted some 785 pounds.
I think that when I got Mike a few years back, I was later thumbing through my Skybox 1992 binder and realized he had a card. Thankfully my friend Rick came through in a pinch for me. He asked me if I needed him and sent him to me unprompted.
I think one of the hardest things to take from a hobby- especially things like autograph collecting, is not to become jaded, not to become insular to making new friends or helping others. Rick and I met through the autograph group that I manage on Facebook. He and Jake have been constant contributors and fast friends. I always pay it forward, so I am always thankful when I get something. This is really what the hobby is about, and I am so thankful that others think of me.
Robert ‘Bull’ Wilson played RB/FB for Texas A&M from 1988-90.
Ran 343 times for 724 yards (5 TDs) and had 32 catches for 277 yards and 3 TDs.
The premier FB of the 1991 NFL Draft, Robert was selected in the 3rd round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
An outstanding blocker, Robert started 15 contests his rookie year, scored 2 TDs on pass receptions, and led the team with a 4.3 yard per carry average (42 carries).
With the franchise going through some turmoil between coaches, (Richard Williamson to Sam Wyche), Robert didn’t see any playing time again until 1994, splitting time with the Cowboys and Dolphins.
He’d spend the 1995 and ’96 campaigns with the Dolphins playing special teams and as a blocking fullback.
Retired and lives in the H-Town area, and recently wrote a book ‘Big Hits & Politics’ – about his time in the NFL.
Thanks to Richmond Webb, I was able to track down Bull. I had some very insightful conversation and comments back and forth with Richmond, when all of a sudden Robert started following me. Staying true to the rule I have of not trying to scare players by immediately engaging them on Twitter, I got really excited when I saw that Robert was releasing his book ‘Big Hits & Politics’. When I asked about a book signing, he and Bam Bam told me to stay tuned.
A non-signer TTM, I considered this one a major coup and a jump start to my 2022. Robert and I talked and he graciously signed the cards I brought. I even gave him a few and put them in a nice binder, since the ones he had were quite beat up.
It was a nice event. Not only was Richmond and Robert there, Kevin Smith also popped in- and I just happened to have cards of him too. Now I gotta say I stuck out like a sore thumb, but everyone was really impressed I made the journey to come down to celebrate his book and his playing career. It was a nice event, and although my phone almost died I was able to navigate my way back out of town.
Pro Set 1991, #809Wild Card 1991, #85
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
45
183
4.1
0
20
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
23
129
5.6
3
15
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
