Tag Archives: stephen braggs

NFL, University of Texas

Braggs, Stephen (2)

Cards: Bowman 1992, Topps Update 1989, Fleer 1992
Acquired: In Person 2016, Jordan Shipley Camp
See also: Stephen Braggs

Stephen was really surprised to see that there are a few fans of his still out there, and shocked that I had so many of them.  He knew my friend Nathan and while they were packing up stopped to sign them for me.  Nathan couldn’t find any cards of Braggs, so I spotted him a few extras that I had floating around from over the years.

Stephen’s Fleer 1992 photo was probably the best looking of the bunch, although the design was quite boring. The framing of the Browns helmet with the outline of the NFL logo is unnecessary and the angled Browns helmet is an absolute no-no. Of the 3 the Topps 88 is probably more of a classic than the others, just because the design style (as boring as it was) matched the aesthetic of what was being created then.

Coach Braggs, as of 2017, was  head coach now at Trinity Episcopal School in Central Texas. He also serves as the track and girls basketball coach.  Stephen also runs the Stephen Braggs Foundation.

NFL, University of Texas

Braggs, Stephen

tosc91 braggsud92 braggs

Cards: Action Packed 1992, Upper Deck 1992, Stadium Club 1991
Acquired: 2/16/2013, Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament

Stephen Braggs quietly entered the NFL in 1987, as a 6th round pick of the Cleveland Browns from the University of Texas. He played 7 seasons in the NFL, 5 of them for the Browns at FS and CB, (where he split time with another former Longhorn, Raymond Clayborn,) and then later with the Dolphins from 1992 to 1993. Stephen started 18 games in his career, recording 4.5 sacks and 5 picks. Valued for his special teams play, ability to block kicks and his speed, Braggs was a nice find for the Browns, and a pretty fiesty defensive back for a guy who stands at 5-9, 180.

ap92 braggsBraggs was the first one I got at the Bowling Tournament. He had a team of coworkers with him who were also getting footballs signed. He gave them a word of advice by saying, “Hit them up as soon as they leave the showroom.” Taking his advice, I promptly walked up to him and asked him to sign 3 cards for me. He smiled and penned them all for me. I then helped his coworkers ask players for autographs when they were too nervous to which they all appreciated. Since football, Braggs has sworn off head coaching stating that he likes to sleep. Currently he’s a defensive coordinator at Harmony, a private school institution for learning.

Braggs had actually quite a few cards over his career, and I’m sure I’ll track him down at another event since he is an active NFL and Longhorn alum. In his spare time Stephen (at least used to) enjoy hunting rattlesnakes- a hobby he picked up while at the University of Texas.

G/Gs 83/18   Tac N/a  Sac 4.5   Fum 0 |
Int 5     Yds 28    Avg 5.1   Td 0    Lg 16