Dan Saleaumua played DL in college at Arizona State, where he racked up 190 career tackles.
Selected by the Detroit Lions in the 7th round of the 1987 Draft.
Spent two seasons primarily as a backup NT for Detroit, before heading over to Kansas City in 1989.
It’d be with the Chiefs that Dan saw the most success, posting 495 total tackles, 2 safeties, 4 forced fumbles, 28 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
Posted a career high 7 sacks in both 1990 and 1995.
After playing primarily Nose with the Chiefs, he’d move to RDT in 1994.
He’d hop over to the Seahawks in 1997, adding 3.5 sacks 42 tackles and a safety to his resume.
Dan retired after the ’98 season and has been active in coaching since then.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1995
All Pro 1990
Polynesian Hall of Fame 2019
NOTES:
People constantly sleep on guys like Saleaumua, and he developed into a monster force in the middle at NT. Keep in mind NTs frequently are double-teamed by the C and G- and this guy pulled out 7 sacks in 1990 and 6 and 1992. He also had a penchant for safeties, recording 3 over his career.
CARDS: Fleer 1992, Pacific 1992, Topps Stadium Club 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2025, C/o Home SENT: 2/19 RECEIVED: 3/3 (12 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Vinson Smith started his college career as a DL at East Carolina.
It wasn’t until he was a junior that Vinson was converted to ILB.
He finished his college career with 294 total tackles, 4 picks, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Undrafted he joined the Atlanta Falcons in ’88 as a free agent, but spent most of the season battling injuries.
Spent the entire 1989 season on IR with the Steelers.
Signed as a Plan B free agent with the Cowboys in 1990.
As the starting WLB, posted 71 tackles and 3 QB pressures in ’91.
Had 69 total tackles and 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries in ’92.
Traded to Chicago in 1993 along with Barry Minter.
Recorded 111 total tackles and 4 sacks in 1995.
Returned to the Cowboys in 1997 and was a key backup to all 3 LB positions.
Joined the New Orleans Saints in ’98 where he again contributed as a backup and special teamer.
Retired after the 1999 season.
ACCOLADES:
ECU Pirates HOF
NOTES:
Vinson was another one of these Cowboys from my childhood at St. Edwards I never got at training camp. When he popped up on my radar I sent these cards out immediately. I’ve held onto the Fleer 1992 card for some 30+ years…
CARDS: Fleer 1990, Topps Stadium Club 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 11/2/2022 RECEIVED: 11/18/2023 (381 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Big and strong, Ken Lanier played OL at Florida State.
Started 46 contests and set the school record in shot put with a toss of 60.2.
He was a 5th round selection of the Denver Broncos in 1981.
Durable and reliable, he became a fulltime starter at RT in 1982 and did not look back.
He played in 169 consecutive games and started 131.
Signed with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1993, seeing action in 2 contests before injury ended his season.
After reaching an injury settlement with LA, resigned with the Broncos in 1994 as a depth move.
Played in 4 contests and retired after the season.
NOTES:
Despite protecting John Elway‘s blindside for the majority of his career, and being a well rounded and respected lineman in the NFL- Ken never got his due or even a Pro Bowl nod. His cards came late in his career but must have been a welcome sight- even in year 10.
The Fleer 90 was a set need, but I really love the old orange crush look. I also miss the style of that era with the neck rolls and extra large padding.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
