Tag Archives: skybox 1992

NFL

Query, Jeff

Skybox Impact 1992, #112

Cards: SkyBox 1992, Score Supplemental 1989, Topps 1990
Acquired: TTM 2021, C/o Home
Sent: 3/31 Received: 4/5 (5 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Jeff Query went to Milken college and represents the school’s only drafted NFL alumni, being selected in the 5th round of the 1989 draft by the Green Bay Packers.

  • Query set career records at the tiny school finishing with 2548 yards, 28 TD catches, 30.9 yards on kick off returns, and 10.9 on punt returns.

  • A track junkie, Query had breathtaking speed (4.3), and was a two-time CCIW 100-Meter Champion.

  • Immediately stepped in as the team’s #3 receiver and as the Packers’ primary return man.

  • Trademark blonde mullet brought all the girls to the yard.

  • After 1991 season, signed with the Houston Oilers via Plan B, but did not make the roster.

  • Picked up by Cincinnati and played the next 3 seasons with the team, and a final 2 games between the Bengals and the Redskins in 1995.

  • Best season came in 1993, catching 56 passes for 654 yards and 4 TDs.

Score Supplemental 1989, #432S Topps 1990, #144

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NOTES:

I was very excited when Jeff joined the Oilers. It didn’t make much waves but I was convinced that he was going to be that missing part that was going to take the receiving corps to the next level. He then just disappeared in camp and I never heard from him until he was cut. I am not sure if he was an injury settlement, but I just remember being very disappointed.

Jeff had some great cards over the years and I was very happy to get these finally knocked out as they had been in ‘the box’ for a long time waiting for him to appear.

NFL

Smith, Billy Ray

CARDS: ProSet 1989, Score 1989, Fleer 1990, SkyBox 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2020, C/o Home
SENT: 5/16 RECEIVED: 5/26 (10 Days)

Coming from excellent bloodlines (his father Billy Ray Smith Sr played from 1957-1970), Billy Ray Smith Jr was the San Diego Chargers #1 pick in 1983 after an outstanding college career, where he finished second in Lombardi Award voting in both 1981 and 1982. A two time All-American at Arkansas, he started 48 games over his college career, posting 195 unassisted tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 8 fumble recoveries, 13 pass breakups and a pick. A fearsome and instinctual linebacker, Billy Ray Smith quickly established himself as the defensive play caller for the Chargers defense.

In 1985 Billy was voted the team’s most valuable player on defense, from his inside linebacker position. He moved outside in 1986, and immediately paid dividends, notching 11 sacks and again earned the praise of his teammates, earning the team’s defensive MVP award. Billy completed the trifecta in 1987 leading the team in tackles for the second consecutive year and pulling down 5 picks. Over his first 5 seasons with the franchise, Billy finished first or second in tackles on the Chargers defense. He also was named defensive player of the week by the NFL twice in his career. Most notable was a game in 1991 against the Saints, Billy Ray forced and recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass and had two pass breakups, to power the Chargers to a 24-21 win. All in all, Billy Ray Smith had a very solid and productive NFL career, playing 9 seasons for the Chargers retiring after the 92 season.

Smith was inducted into the University of Arkansas HoF in 97, earning both All Decade (80s) Honors and All Century Honors from the Razorbacks.

One of the kindest players in the TTM business, Billy Ray Smith went out of his way to sign these 5 cards for me and write me a personal response, thanking me and praising me for sending him one of his best letters.

I am always blown away by when a player takes the time to respond personally to my requests, and this one was no different. Billy Ray Smith was a pretty solid player and I always thought his omission from the game was a big slight, so I had no problem creating him and having him go one on one inside with big backs and taking them down.

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NFL

Smith, Sammie (2)

CARDS: Skybox 1992, GameDay 1992, Action Packed 1990, Action Packed 1991
ACQUIRED: TTM 2020, C/o Home
SENT: 1/21 RECEIVED: 2/3 (13 DAYS)
SEE ALSO: SAMMIE SMITH

Sammie Smith’s career was short, but was punctuated by all the high flying brands at the time. I had and still have a few more cards of his I’d love to get signed, but due to rules that I impose on myself about asking too many and too soon, I waited about 10 years to give Sammie another shot.

Sammie since his release and redemption from his time in prison, has gotten his degree, and worked for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is the Chaplain/ Director of Character Development for the Ole Miss football team and has recommitted himself to Christ. Sammie also acts as an assistant with the recruiting trips as well.

A real treat of cards here of Sammie, I was really hoping he’d be my first success for 2021. I can’t say enough about the Skybox and his Action Packed entries. His 91 Action Packed is probably one of my favorites, especially the way the light hits his helmet. Really goes to show you how sports photography is an art.