Made the jump to coaching later that year, joining Penn State for 1991 and 1992.
Over the 90s got more seasoning first as a DB coach at Wake Forest (1993-95) and then later as a Defensive Assistant at Syracuse (1996-98) and Michigan (1999-02).
Saw first turn in pros with the Seahawks (2003-06) and then Cardinals (07-09) as a DB coach.
After one year stint as DC at Florida (2010), worked for the Ravens as a Secondary Coach from 2011-13.
Then took reins with Lions (2014-17) and Bengals (2018) as defensive coordinator.
In 2019, joined Steelers as Senior Defensive Assistant and Secondary Coach, and in 2022 was promoted to defensive coordinator.
NOTES:
Another success story, Teryl has quietly made the puddle jump up the ranks of football coaching ranks after getting some seasoning in the World League.
Teryl came to my attention around 7 or 8 years ago, when he was considered for the head coaching position at the University of Texas. He actually played– so I wanted to get him on something. Since many players did not have cards who were in the World League, I thought this helmet card was the next best thing.
CARDS: Pro Set 1990, Score 1990 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 9/26 RECEIVED: 10/4 (8 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Nate Odomes played CB at Wisconsin from 1985 to 1986.
A fast and dangerous speed merchant, Nate was also utilized by the Badgers in the return game, returning 36 punts for 359 yards, and 25 kick returns for 616 yards.
Selected in the second round of the 1987 draft by the Buffalo Bills.
He’d start right out of the gate and be the youngest starting DB in the NFL that year.
On the year his 12 pass deflections led the team.
Nate recorded his first interception of his career against the New England Patriots in 1988.
The following season he developed a true nose for the ball, notching 5 picks.
In 1991, Odomes had another 5 picks for a career high 120 yards and a TD.
And in ’92, he put up 5 interceptions again for a 3rd time.
Still not satisfied, Nate had a ’93 to remember, intercepting a career high 9 passes to lead the NFL, garnering Defensive Player of the Year attention.
After the season, Nate signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Unfortunately he’d blow out his knee during a pickup game of basketball in 1994.
He’d never suit up for the Seahawks, and after two years of rehabilitation, was released by the team.
Nate played half a season for the Falcons in 1996, but early in October of that year, his sports car slammed into a tree in the suburbs north of Atlanta, and he was charged with DUI, effectively ending his career.
ACCOLADES:
1987 All Rookie Team
Pro Bowl 1992, ’93
All-Pro 1993
NOTES:
I was going through a friend’s collection of Pro Set 1990 cards, and I stopped to look at Nate’s card. It left such a mark in my mind that when I saw that he was signing, I decided to send it right out.
I sent out three cards. The Pro Set, Score, and a Topps 1990 card. He kept the Topps card, which I wasn’t surprised because it was for once a pretty good looking card.
I really got into these Upper Deck Legends Marquee Matchups too late, but for the ones I could get I have been extremely pleased to get a few dual autographs on. Getting both Charlie Joiner and Steve Largent on the same card for a cheap price was worth it- especially for these two legends.
Despite his playing career ending early in the card revolution, Steve has continued to have a bevy of cards released. I really like the Panini Luminance set, even with the gaudy looking script typeface and despite my known hate for the Pro Line set, this one really was a great canvas to have his autograph grace.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
