Tag Archives: spx 2003

CFL, NFL, University of Texas

Williams, Ricky (7) ‘Little Earl’

CARDS: Adrenalyn 2009 Extra, Adrenalyn 2010, Bowman’s Best 2000, Bowman’s Best 2001, Collectors Edge 2000, Donruss Classic 2004, Donruss Classic 2006, Donruss Elite 2004, Donruss Elite 2009 Chain Reaction Black, Fleer Showcase 2003, Leaf 2000, Panini Phoenix 2018 Adrenalin, Panini Classics 2016 Monday Night Moves, Playoff Contenders 2003, Donruss Gridiron Gear 2009, Panini Threads 2009, Panini Ultra 2016, Panini Vanguard 2000, Playoff Prestige 2004, Playoff Signatures 2002, Playoff 2006, Score 2001, Skybox Dominion 2000, SP 2001, SPx 2004 Winning Materials, SPx 2003, Topps Heritage 2003, Upper Deck 2000 Piece of History, Upper Deck 2001 Vintage, SPx 1999 Authentic, Upper Deck 2000 Ionix, Upper Deck 2002 MVP
ACQUIRED: IP, 2025

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

Well after a long wait, Ricky appeared again in… 2023- but I missed him. I didn’t realize he showed up early- and pretty much was leaving as I came in, again putting my cards on hold. I kicked myself over it, but really, is that what it’s about?

Fast forward to 2025. I finally got a last second notification of an event he was appearing at, and I was not going to miss it. He was promoting a mocktail and they were giving away samples at an HEB, so I packed my stuff, sent out the notifications to all the friends who would be interested and went.

Mark G contacted me and had me stop by his house. I picked up his cards along the way and met him there. I was the first person in line and Ricky was pretty happy to see me. We talked for a bit and caught up. When the gatekeeper came over and asked me to move along after 10 or so autographs, Ricky said, “It’s no big deal. I’m not going anywhere.” I got back into line and went through multiple times- and we just kept chatting. I ended up giving him one of my trading cards with my contact information, and told him if he just wanted to hang out to HMU.

In total Ricky signed 65 cards for me. The lines were not long and by the time I got to him for the 4th or 5th time, there was almost nobody in line. Now… You’re looking at this and saying, “Wait a minute… There’s not 60 cards here!” -That’s true. I cleared out ALL the favors and SHiLs I had over the years, and gave away almost half of them to members of my Facebook group.

I’ve always said to share the wealth, but the best gift you can get- is one that you do not expect. Thanks again Ricky! I’m reloading already!

NFL, NFLE, ufl

Ragone, Dave

Card: SPX 2003  (0331/1100)
Acquired: 2017, EBay

Dave Ragone was one of the granddaddy’s of Louisville respectability when it comes to quarterbacks. He posted some good numbers there while with the Cardinals as a 3 year starter setting numerous records at the school, finishing 685/1180 for 8564 yards and 74 TDs to just 29 interceptions.  He was picked near the top of round 3 by the Houston Texans in the 2003 NFL draft.

At the time the young Houston Texans franchise were looking to groom a competent, low cost backup to incumbent starter David Carr.  (The sexy thing to do in the league during those days was to groom a 3rd stringer that had potential enough to entice other teams to drop draft picks in order to get after a one game audition.) The pick by the Texans was widely panned.  Dave got to start 2 games his rookie season throwing for 135 yards and an interception.

Ragone went to NFL Europe in the meantime. He’d play for the Berlin Thunder in 2005 and was named the league’s Offensive MVP, as he threw for 1,746 yards and 13 TDs en route to an appearance in World Bowl XII.  Dave returned to the Texans and backed up David Carr for the full 16 game slate, not seeing any action.

In 2006, the Texans team was completely scrapped, front office down. The Texans new head coach Gary Kubiak decided to go in another direction at quarterback and waived Ragone. He’d be claimed by the Bengals and quickly traded to the to the Rams, who cut him during training camp.

Dave has gone into coaching since his playing days ended, first being seen on the pro scene honing his skills as a quarterbacks coach (under his former OC from Houston, Chris Palmer) for the UFL Hartford Colonials, helping to turn Josh McCown into the biggest UFL success story.  He then had stops with the Titans (2011-2013) as both a WR and later as a QB coach, the Redskins (2015) as an offensive quality control coach, and finally with the Bears, who he has been the quarterbacks coach of since 2016.

NFL
G/GS 2/2    ATT 40    COMP 20    YDS 135     PCT 50.0
TD 0     INT 1      RAT 47.4
RUSH  6     YDS  51   AVG 8.5         TD 0              LG 14

NFLE
ATT 251   COMP 158  YDS 1746   PCT 62.9  TD 13   INT 2   RAT 97.5
RUSH 35    YDS 166    AVG 4.7    TD 1   LG 14T