Tag Archives: topps 1985

NFL

Cross, Randy

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Randy Cross was a UCLA All-American guard selected by the San Fransisco 49ers in the second round of the 1976 NFL draft.  An outstanding lineman for the Bruins, he originally started at center and was later moved to guard, and helped the Bruins get past Ohio State in what is considered one of the largest upsets in Rose Bowl history.

Over the course of his 13 season career, he’d suffer through the doldrums of the NFC West, witness the drafting of Joe Montana, Roger Craig, and Jerry Rice, the transformation of the 49ers into a West Coast offense, and the team’s rise to dominance as the NFL’s premier team. Randy played his entire time with the 49ers,  was named as an AP selection 3 times (1981, 1982, & 1984), numerous Pro Bowl nominations, and earned 3 Super Bowl rings. He retired shortly after winning his 3rd ring in 1988.

Randy so seamlessly transitioned into the booth right afterwards, I had forgotten that he played. A natural behind the mic and on camera, Randy has worked for CBS and NBC both in the booth and as a color commentator for games. (I thought he hated the Oilers.) He’s also done college game casts and preseason games for the Patriots. Currently Randy has his own radio show on Sirrus NFL radio. I also think he should grow back his mustache for old times sake as Cross sorta looks like Tom Selleck.

NFL

Lewis, Albert

to86 a lewisCard: Topps 1987
Acquired: Canton Acquisition, 2012

Albert Lewis was part of a fearsome secondary and special teams for the Kansas City Chiefs. With breathtaking speed for his size, Lewis could have easily been an wide receiver with his far reaching talents. Paired with Kevin Ross, Lewis and him made an impressive duo that shut down opponents passing games and frustrated receivers week in and week out. Lewis’ physical play and speed allowed him to handle both man to man and zone coverages with ease.  Jerry Rice, arguably the greatest receiver of All-time called Lewis, his most difficult opponent.  Still the Hall of Fame eludes Albert, since it seems to view the work of the secondary with some disdain.

A 3rd round pick out of Grambling in 1983 by the Kansas City Chiefs, Albert spent 11 fine seasons as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He started 128 games recording 4.5 sacks, 38 picks for 329 yards, 555 tackles, and 7 FF. Deciding to go younger at the position, Albert signed with the Raiders in 1994, starting an additional 61 games for LA/ Oakland retiring after the 1998 season.

G/Gs 225/189    Tac 797       Sac  12.5      Fum  13      Int  42     Yds 403    Avg 9.6      Td  1   Lg 74t

 

NFL

Fuller, Steve

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

With Jack Thompson and Phil Simms off the board of the 1979 draft, the Kansas City Chiefs nabbed Steve Fuller at the bottom of  the first round. A quarterback with good legs at Clemson, Fuller rushed for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns on 153 carries and threw for 7 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions in his final season for the Tigers. During his time there he’d set 3 passing records for the school, accumulate 22 TDs and 4359 yards.

He’d spend the next 4 seasons with the Chiefs, and throw for 22 touchdowns. His best season came in 1980 when Fuller had 2250 yards and 10 touchdowns to rank 4th in the AFC. Fuller moved to the Rams as a backup in 1983 but saw no playing time, and then signed with the Bears in 1984 to back up oft injured Jim McMahon.  Fuller played a vital role in the offense during the 1985 season and guided the team to a 4-1 record in Jim’s absence. This allowed the Bears to reach Super Bowl XX with little fanfare in the NFC. (While he wasn’t the fanciest of passers, Steve managed to find the endzone 5 times during the season.)  He’d appear in the memorable “Super Bowl Shuffle” video along with most of the starting cast. Fuller played one final season in 1986 and retired to South Carolina soon thereafter.

G/Gs    90/42     Att 1066     Comp 605     Yds 7156      Pct 56.8%        Td 28    Int 41       Rat 70.1     |        Rush 186        Yds 908       Avg 4.9       Td  11       Lg  49