Tag Archives: Tennessee Titans

NFL

Bowden, Joe


Cards: StarPics 1992, Classic 1992, Upper Deck 1992, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: In Person, 1992,1994,1995 , Houston Oilers Training Camp
Failure: TTM 2010, C/o Central Oklahoma University

Joe Bowden was a talent coming out of OU back in 1992, and going in the 5th round to the Houston Oilers, I knew they had gotten him at a bargain price. At 5’11”, 230 the knock on Joe was that he was undersized to play linebacker, but Bowden certainly made up for it with a motor that never quit. He didn’t start any games in 1992, but in 1993 under Buddy Ryan got to start in 6 games, making a sack, fumble recovery and 28 tackles. Over the years the team transitioned to Tennessee and in 1999 Bowden would start 15 games at right linebacker, making 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 FF and 36 tackles.  He’d sign with Dallas in 2000, and but not start any games and retire shortly afterwards.

At least when he played, Joe was an excellent signer in person. I sent out again for him in 2010, hoping to get what was left of my cards of him signed, however as of the time of this post, he has not responded from his work at Central Oklahoma University where he coaches.

G/Gs 139/84     Tac   306      Sac   12.5     Fum   9    Int  3    Yds  39     Avg   13.0       Td   1    Lg  29

NFL

Matthews, Bruce

Cards: Action Packed 1990, Topps 1988, SkyBox 1993
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1994. TTM, 2009. Houston Oilers Training Camp, Texans Blitz

One of the greatest linemen to play the game, Bruce Matthews is one of the most decorated linemen in NFL history. At 6’6″, 289 he is the perfect blend of speed and power to play the guard position. In fact over his career Matthews would play every position along the line, being named to the Pro Bowl at both center (5 times) and guard  (9 times), playing in more games than any other player (outside of kicker and punter) with 296 games in three different decades.  Named All Pro 9 times and selected to the NFL All Decade team of the 1990s, Matthews was originally a 1st round choice out of USC by the Houston Oilers. He, along with Mike Munchak would form the best guard combo perhaps in league history allowing the team to soar to new offensive heights, blocking primarily for the Oilers during the Warren Moon and Steve McNair eras.  Matthews resented the move of the team from Houston to Tennessee due to the roots he had planted in the city, but played there through 2001 before retiring.  He was named to the Hall of Fame in 2007 during his first year of eligiblity.

Bruce has remained fairly close to the sport since retiring. Ironically he had not suffered any notable injuries through out his long career- but has had knee problems since colliding with children while standing on the sidelines of one of his children’s pee wee games. He worked for the Houston Texans through the 2010 season but was hired to coach the offensive line for Mike Munchak in Tennessee beginning in 2011.

Action Packed made some nice cards, and with their second run in 1990, had great photos and a simple gold frame and an embossed card. It stands in contrast to the Topps submission, with an inglorious sideline shot of Matthews. This SkyBox 1993 Impact was a nice idea, but the Impact logo is just too big on the card. It also takes away from Bruce’s moving figure and his name in that pastel Oiler Hawaiian blue. The moving figure effect was probably created by a motion blur in the background, and is primitive yet effective.

The first time I met Bruce Matthews was back in 1988 or 1989. Josh and I didn’t have cards at the time and were outside waiting for the players. As Josh walked up to the door an player ran him over. Josh stumbled to his feet and it was none other than Bruce Matthews who clobbered him by accident. He apologized and gave us a hearty laugh and went back inside. Good times.

NFL

Jackson, Steve

Cards: Score 1991, Playoff 1992, Star Pics 1991, ProSet 1991
Acquired: In Person 1991, 1992, Houston Oilers Training Camp.  TTM 2010, C/o The Washington Redskins
Sent: 3/26/10    Received: 1/26/2011  (324 days)

So far, Steve Jackson takes the prize for the longest wait now at a whopping 324 days (not that I don’t have ones pending that have been out there longer at the moment); However, well worth the wait I’d say. Part of my Oiler blitz of cards I sent out in 2010, I’ve got to say the former members of the squad have been highly responsive with 11 out of 16 from that blitz have responded now. Jackson’s Playoff card remains one of my favorite. With bright colors and a definite contrast between the players it just makes them pop off the background.

Steve Jackson was one of the Oilers ‘Young Guns’ drafted in 1991 when the team went gangbusters for defensive backs in that draft. Taken in the 3rd round out of Perdue, Jackson was an excellent man to man defender, with good size, speed, and among his best attributes- not afraid to tackle. (Steve reminded me a lot of recently retired Oiler defensive back and Autograph Hall of Fame member Steve Brown.)  Jackson felt like the happy middle between Mike Dumas and Darryll Lewis taking a completely different path than the two other Young Guns.

Starting only two games his rookie season Steve would play backup to Dishman and Lewis, making 34 tackles a sack and 2 fumble recoveries. It was impressive enough that by 1993, Jackson would start 12 games for the Houston Oilers on their last good squad and playoff run. He’d make 5 interceptions and 55 tackles. In 1994 he’d also serve as secondary kick returner for the team returning 14 kicks for 285 yards. After the season he’d return to the bench providing valuable depth starting 11 games over the next 6 seasons. Jackson would also win the team’s comeback player of the year award in 1998 after he returned from a ruptured tendon making 72 tackles. He’d transition with the franchise to Tennesee and appearing in the Traitor’s SuperBowl in 1999 and would retire.

Jackson headed over to Buffalo and served as safeties coach for the team from 2001-2003. Jackson thereafter joined the Redskins after the conclusion of the 2003 season, and has served in the same capacity for them as the Bills for the last 7 seasons with distinction.

G/Gs  118/26     Tac  280    Sac  9   Fum  4     Int 13        Yds 74       Avg  5.6     Td  1        Lg  22