Tag Archives: topps stadium club 1991

NFL, University of Texas

Braggs, Stephen

tosc91 braggsud92 braggs

Cards: Action Packed 1992, Upper Deck 1992, Stadium Club 1991
Acquired: 2/16/2013, Longhorn Neighborhood Foundation Bowling Tournament

Stephen Braggs quietly entered the NFL in 1987, as a 6th round pick of the Cleveland Browns from the University of Texas. He played 7 seasons in the NFL, 5 of them for the Browns at FS and CB, (where he split time with another former Longhorn, Raymond Clayborn,) and then later with the Dolphins from 1992 to 1993. Stephen started 18 games in his career, recording 4.5 sacks and 5 picks. Valued for his special teams play, ability to block kicks and his speed, Braggs was a nice find for the Browns, and a pretty fiesty defensive back for a guy who stands at 5-9, 180.

ap92 braggsBraggs was the first one I got at the Bowling Tournament. He had a team of coworkers with him who were also getting footballs signed. He gave them a word of advice by saying, “Hit them up as soon as they leave the showroom.” Taking his advice, I promptly walked up to him and asked him to sign 3 cards for me. He smiled and penned them all for me. I then helped his coworkers ask players for autographs when they were too nervous to which they all appreciated. Since football, Braggs has sworn off head coaching stating that he likes to sleep. Currently he’s a defensive coordinator at Harmony, a private school institution for learning.

Braggs had actually quite a few cards over his career, and I’m sure I’ll track him down at another event since he is an active NFL and Longhorn alum. In his spare time Stephen (at least used to) enjoy hunting rattlesnakes- a hobby he picked up while at the University of Texas.

G/Gs 83/18   Tac N/a  Sac 4.5   Fum 0 |
Int 5     Yds 28    Avg 5.1   Td 0    Lg 16

NFL

Givins, Ernest “EG” (3)

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Card: Action Packed 1990, Topps Stadium Club 1990
Acquired: 11/23/2012, Fiterman Autograph Event, 2012 Canton Acquisition.
See Also: Ernest Givins, Ernest Givins (2)

Ernest Givins after all these years still remains one of my favorite players not only as an entertaining professional who understands the relationship between player and fan but also as an avid TTM signer. If there was a an award that could be handed out for sincerity and kindness, this guy would be near the top. He was rumored to have stepped out during pregame warmups and go up into the stands to greet fans. That’s the sort of guy he is. It’s a good thing he is because Givins had no shortage of very photogenic cards during his playing days for the Oilers from 1986-1994. EG and his teammate Haywood Jeffires have a lot of love for each other- and almost seem to be the Yin and Yang when paired together especially in public. He’s also an accomplished semi-pro coach where he was with the Jacksonville Sharks for many years. In 2011, he took over the reins of the Sarasota Millionaires. Along with Givins quest to have his jersey retired at Louisville, he recently has expressed an interest in having his jersey retired with the Titans. I personally, would love to see the Texans stick it to the Titans and offer him a Texans Ambassadorship.