Highly underrated CB that played 7 seasons for the moribund Tampa Bay Buccaneer franchise from 1987-93.
Second round pick out of Washington State in 1987.
Frequently was on an island against opposing team’s top receiving talent.
Finished second on team in tackles (74), while breaking up 15 passes.
Stellar campaign in 1988, with 4 interceptions and 22 pass breakups.
Had two touchdowns in back to back games in 1989- one on an interception and the other on a punt block, along with 5 picks.
Starter at CB from the first game of rookie season, was the most tenured member of the Bucs defense by 1992.
Played for franchise through 1993, joining the Patriots after the season.
116 pass breakups was a Buccaneer franchise record.
Continued career with New England through the 1996 season, adding 6 more interceptions to career totals.
Pro Set 1989, #416
Fleer 1990, #353
NOTES:
Ricky had some really nice cards over the years, and I wanted to get him on them. I love his Fleer 1990 card as it really showcases that creamsicle orange.
CARD: CFL All World 1991 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home SENT: 7/13/21 RECEIVED: 2/28/22 (230 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Equally dangerous defensive back and punt returner for Clemson Tigers, had 5 career interceptions and 28 punt returns for 173 yards in college career spanning 1982-84.
Selected in 6th round of 1985 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, playing in 3 games during rookie season, and briefly with the Bucs in 1986.
Joined the CFL Toronto Argonauts in 1987 and immediately contributed on defense pulling in 9 interceptions for 182 yards, 58 tackles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
With great speed and leaping prowess, dominated opposing wide receivers, despite 5’9″ stature.
Returned interception for TD in 1988 against the Ottawa Roughriders.
Incredibly, logged 34 total interceptions in just 4 seasons (87-90).
In 3 of those seasons, had 9 picks.
Blocked 3 punts in 1990.
While numbers tailed off after the 90 season, played for Argos through 1994, earning a Grey Cup in 1991.
Made two critical interceptions during 1991 Grey Cup game, including one in the endzone.
Finished out career with the Edmonton Eskimos in 1996/97.
CARD: Pro Set WLAF 1991 ACQUIRED: 2021, Gift FAILURE: TTM 2015 & 2018, C/o Home
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Converted from tight end to offensive tackle while playing for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.
Saw playing time significantly increase during Senior campaign playing both ways at both OT and DE in ’88.
Joined the LA Rams in 1990, but was released before the season.
Second round selection of the London Monarchs of the WLAF in the 1991 positional draft.
Solid pass blocker, who helped Monarchs grade out as the best offensive line in the league.
After completing second tour in WLAF, joined Seattle Seahawks for the 1992 campaign, suiting up for 10 games.
In 1993, played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Returned to World League in 1996, playing another season with the Frankfurt Galaxy.
Closed out career with the San Jose Sabrecats of the Arena League, playing both OL/DL in 1996 and 1997.
ACCOLADES:
2nd Team All-World League 1991
NOTES:
I couldn’t understand why Theo Adams failed to respond to me on the two separate occasions I sent out to him in 2015 and 2018, but one of my friend who collects WLAF autographs, Corey, came through with extra autographs of this card, and kindly packaged this up and sent it to me. Unfortunately he’s dropped off of social media. I hope he’s doing well.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
