Tag Archives: topps 2008

NFL, University of Texas

Ross, Aaron (2)

CARDS: Playoff Prestige 2007, Topps 2008, Press Pass 2007, Playoff 2007, UT Upper Deck 2011 HACK, Memorabilia
ACQUIRED: 2025, In Person

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

I fought my way through a torrential downpour and traffic from the north part of town all the way to New Braunfels to see Aaron. I had printed his hack card on a whim a few months ago since he had signed in person for me in the past. When I originally printed the card I made a mistake and hadn’t updated the back so I had to reprint it with the correct player information. Aaron really liked the hack card I gave him and he gave it to his son.

We talked briefly about the game that was played today (Vanderbilt) and how Texas toppled #7 all the way from #20. I also lamented about how people have been treating Arch- which he wholeheartedly agreed. As I left I realized that the hack card he signed for me in bronze had smeared. Luckily my friend Mark had a white eraser and we were able to take most of it off and have him resign it properly. It looks fantastic!

CFL, NFL

Bowman, Adarius

Card: Topps RP 2008
Acquired: 5/11/12, Target Authentic Autograph Memorabilia

Things seem to be looking up for Adarius Bowman, who’s professional career had been rocky since his senior year at Oklahoma State in 2008. A highly regarded receiver at one point, injuries left questions about Bowman’s durability, and combined with a slow 40, doomed Adarius to free agency.

He’d eventually find a home in the CFL with the Saskatchewan Roughriders that season. In 2009, Bowman found himself traded to the Blue Bombers, putting up respectable numbers with 925 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’d play for Winnipeg through 2010, and then be signed by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2011, recording his first 1,000 yard season. He’s had a few frustrating injury plagued seasons, but in 2013 he reupped with Edmonton with a 2 year deal.

Wow, Topps never seems to outdo itself with this uglier than ugly card. Even the Photoshop mask of Bowman, seems shoddy. What is he on, a TV monitor? I’m confused. Does the BOW refer to BOWMAN or does it refer to Bowman cards? Just a horrible, horrible entry that Topps should forever be embarrassed by.

NFL

Long, Jake

Card: Topps 2008
Acquired: Trade 2013, Sportscollectors.net

The Long family has an impressive pedigree that has emerged (at relatively the same time as the Matthews clan) as quality players in the NFL. Following in the footsteps of his father Howie and his brother Chris, Jake chose to attend college at Michigan back in 2003. He was so highly touted, that Jake accepted the college offer before his Junior year of High School concluded.

A consensus All-American in 2006 and 2007, Jake was drafted with the first overall pick of the 2008 draft by the hapless Miami Dolphins, and immediately became a fixture on the team’s offensive line at left tackle. Jake was to be the cornerstone to the team’s overhaul along the line, and started 61 consecutive games before a torn biceps sidelined him ending his 2011 season. Again in 2012, he landed on IR with a season ending injury. Due to his large contract, recent spate of injuries, and declining rating among starting tackles in the league, Jake was allowed to test the free agent waters in 2013.  While the Dolphins did make a push to resign the venerable right tackle to a more cap friendly contract, the St. Louis Rams aggressively courted (with no less than 8 physicals) and signed him to a 4 year $34 million dollar contract, stunning the Dolphins. Long had a very good season blocking for the Rams, but in a week 16 contest against the Buccaneers, he tore both his ACL and MCL. Due to the seriousness of the injury, there is grave concern that Long will miss the entire 2014 season.