Tag Archives: topps 1980

NFL

Barber, Mike

Topps 1981, #99

CARDS: Topps 1981, Topps 1980, Topps 1979
ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Work*
SENT: 1/11 RECEIVED: 1/29 (18 days)
FAILURE: TTM 2014, C/o Home
* Donation Enclosed

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Converted from QB to TE while playing at Louisiana Tech.
  • In 1975 caught 25 passes for 577 yards and 6 TDs.
  • Second round pick of the Houston Oilers in 1976.
  • Saw first sustained action in 1977 used primarily as a blocking TE in the Oilers run based offense centered primarily around Earl Campbell.
  • Grew into role as receiver in ’78, catching 32 passes for 513 yards and 3 TDs.
  • Although ’79 was a down year, had best year in ’80 setting marks with 59 receptions for 712 yards and 5 TDs- all career highs.
  • After largely injury plagued 1981, joined Los Angeles Rams in 1982.
  • Had another solid year in ’83, posting 55 receptions for 657 yards and 3 TDs.
  • Played with LA through 1985, splitting time with Rams (5 games) and Broncos (10 games), before retiring.
  • Has been involved with coaching and ministry work since retirement.
Topps 1979, #37
Topss 1980, #272

NOTES:

Second time is a charm, and I was happy to add Mike to my collection of Oilers. Unfortunately I saw on Twitter, that he like many Houston Oilers, has forgotten his HOUSTON Oilers fan roots, and has embraced the Tennessee Titan traitors, appearing in Tennessee for franchise’s ‘homecoming game’.

RECYDSAVGTDLG
222278812.61779
NFL, University of Texas

English, Doug

Cards: Topps 1980, UT Upper Deck 2011, UT Upper Deck ATA 2011
Acquired: TTM 2016, C/o Work
Sent:  12/12   Received:  12/24    (12 days)

Doug English is an under-recognized defensive lineman out of the University of Texas. Over the years he’s known for being a member of the Detroit Lions Silver Rush Defense, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, Longhorn Hall of Honor, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Wearing the number 74 in honor of his favorite player Bob Lily, English went out and wrecked havoc on opposing defenses during his time in the SWC from 1972-1975. With explosive quickness, tenacity, size, and smarts, Doug parlayed his dominance into a second round selection by the Detroit Lions in 1975, who used him alongside Bubba Baker. English spent his entire career in Detroit, sans a one year retirement in 1980 due to injuries and a lack of passion for the game. Over his career in the NFL, English garnered 4 Pro Bowl appearances and one All Pro Nomination (1982).

Doug was named the Lions defensive MVP In 1979, after recording 122 tackles (90 solo) and 6.5 sacks, His unofficial count of 59.0 sacks ranks 6th all-time on the Lions charts- and he is considered the franchise leader among interior linemen. His best season came in 1983 when Doug had a career high 13 sacks, helping the Lions claim the 1983 NFC Central Division title. He shares the NFL record for most career safeties (4), and is one of a select few players to record 2 in a season. He retired in 1986.

Doug currently resides in Texas where he has business ventures. I was able to get his autograph on these 3 cards.  His All-Time Alumni card is quite heroic, and I am surprised that with his accolades he was not selected for an Upper Deck Legends card or something of the sort.

G/Gs  131/114            Tac  N/A          Sac 59.0           Fum  9
Int 0          Yds   0            Avg -.-       TD 0         Lg   -.-

 

 

College Football HoF, NFL, usfl

LeClair, Jim

Cards: Topps 1980, Topps 1978
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

After a short stint at Minnesota-Crookston, Jim Transferred to North Dakota.  Still not gaining the eyes of professional scouts, it took an incredible banner year for the linebacker to finally get the attention he deserved. He was credited with 187 tackles, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries, 11 forced fumbles, and 20 tackles for loss in 1971, and captured Little All-American Honors for his titanic performance. – Just incredible numbers. LeClair was selected by Paul Brown’s Bengals in the 3rd round of the 1972 draft, where he’d spell equally impressive Bill Bergey and primarily play special teams. While Bergey moved on to the Eagles in ’73, it was obvious that the mantle at middle linebacker soon would rest on Jim’s shoulders. By 1975 LeClair had really taken off at the position, making a career high 3 picks in 14 games that year. In 1976, Jim received his first Pro Bowl nomination. In 1980, the Bengals switched to a 3-4 defense, and Jim moved to LILB, playing for the team through 1983.  Bill by this point had been playing for 12 seasons, but still had the sport in his veins, and signed with the USFL’s New Jersey Generals. He’d finish his career there in 1984, but still manages to make it down to a game or two to cheer on the Bengals each season.

He’s currently retired and lives in North Dakota, spending time as an insurance agent. Jim has done some wild stuff over his days, as an Army reservist, including  wrestling a bear to a draw. Not a Chicago bear, – a real bear. He’s been a mayor and was head coach of the Mayville State University football team from 1986 – 1988. He has been inducted into the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame and also is a 1999 member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

G 158    Tac  N/a     Sac N/a     Fum 10
Int 10    Yds  64    Avg   6.4     Td  0   Lg 21