Tag Archives: topps 1985

NFL

Leahy, Pat

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Pat Leahy was an ageless kicker for the New York Jets, that provided stability to the position for 18 seasons from 1974- 1991. He was one of the new breed of soccer style kickers (in the mold of Jan Stenerud), and after graduating from St. Louis University, (where Pat had not played football,) it was a whole new start for him under the bright lights of NYC. Leahy bridged many generations of Jets players (Namath to Nagle at quarterback), coaches (Buddy Ryan was his special teams coach, before there were ST coaches), and teams. He retired as the Jets All-time leader in scoring, and most games played. At one point he also made a team record 22 straight field goals which also stood for some 22 years.  After the 1991 season he’d retire, as his back finally gave out on him. At the time of his retirement, he was ranked top 5 in career points. (He also made it into the digital age, appearing on Tecmo Super Bowl as the Jets kicker.) Pat has enjoyed his life since then thankful for the opportunity that NFL football gave him. He’s owned his own business and also worked for Home Depot for many years as a district merchandise manager.

G 250   XPA 558    XPM  584      
FGA 304    FGM 426    PCT 71.4%    Pts 1470

NFL

Fencik, Gary

Card: Topps 1985
Acquired: Canton Acquisition, 2012

A 10th round draft choice out of Yale- by the Miami Dolphins in 1976, nobody really gave Gary Fencik a chance to make the team roster; However by the time he retired after the 1987 season, he was the Chicago Bears All-Time leader in career interceptions (38) and tackles. Gary didn’t even make it out of camp before he was cut, and the Bears snatched him up where he appeared in 13 games his rookie season. In 1977 Fencik, earned the starting job at Strong Safety and held the position for the next 5 seasons, before he shifted over to Free Safety. Gary earned AP honors in 1981 with 6 interceptions for 121 yards and a touchdown, and a Pro Bowl nomination for his efforts both in 1980 and 81.

With the shift to Free Safety in 1983, Gary saw his time increase as an enforcer closer to the line of scrimmage in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan‘s scheme. Although Fencik had a super 1984 season with 5 interceptions, a sack, and a fumble recovery, he didn’t find himself earning anymore accolades, but in 1985 contributed to the Bears 15-1 Super Bowl winning season, playing in one of history’s greatest defenses and participating in the Super Bowl Shuffle. Retirement came after the ’87 season, which came on his own terms.

Gary has been in the in the financial industry since 1995. He’s also spent time as a color and in studio commentator for WGN and CBS.

G/Gs 164/140      Tac  1220        Sac  2.0     Fum 13
Int 38          Yds 488       Avg      Td  1       lg 69

NFL

Duhe, A.J.

Cards: Topps 1985, Topps 1979
Acquired: Canton Aquisition 2012

AJ Duhe was a defensive end drafted in the first round out of LSU by the Miami Dolphins with the 13th pick of the 1977 draft. His rookie campaign netted him AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors that season where he started all 14 games and forced 2 fumbles, recorded 7 sacks, and 83 tackles. After another solid season in 1978, AJ was moved to linebacker in 1979 and played there the rest of his career. You see during that period, offensive linemen were really starting to get bigger, and Duhe was about 20 pounds too light to be at defensive end.  Things paid off for him and the Dolphins by 1981 where AJ was named to the AFC All UPI team at linebacker, recording 84 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He’s probably best known for helping the Dolphins reach the 1983 Super Bowl, by making 3 interceptions against the Jets in the AFC Championship Game that season. One of his interceptions set up a crucial score and the second pick he returned for a touchdown. (In Dolphins history AJ’s Championship performance remains one of the team’s greatest single player defensive efforts in a game, outside of Jake Scott in Super Bowl VII.) Injuries over the final 18 months of his career to his knee, ankle, and shoulder finally ended it in 1984.

Duhe is considered an LSU legend. Over his time at the college he averaged over 72 tackles a season and earned All SEC Honors in 1976 at defensive tackle. He makes appearances from time to time for the college to sign autographs for fans. AJ is also an avid cook and outdoor grill artist. He’s also done some small bit acting including an episode of “Miami Vice” from the 1980s.

 

G/Gs 109/89    Tac N/a   Sac  N/a   Fum 6
Int 3   Yds 18  Avg 6.0  Lg 11