Tag Archives: track and field receiver

NFL

Wright, Alexander (2)

Pro Set 1990, #695
Score Supplemental 1990, #58T
Score 1990, #621

CARDS: Pro Set 1990, Score Supplemental 1990, Score 1990
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 3/16/23 RECEIVED: 3/15/23 (364 Days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

NOTES:

Joe, sent me a pack of Score 1990. Inside was this rookie card of Alexander Wright. It was in such fresh condition, it still had some ‘printer’s artifact dust’ on the front of the card. It brought back some memories of going to Cowboys training camp and hustling for autographs.

It seemed serendipitous that I noticed that Wright was signing TTM around that time. He hadn’t done so for many years, so I fired these three out, and thought I’d have them back within a few weeks or something, but it appears I was at the bottom of the mailbag as he kept getting more and more, signing after 11-15 days, while mine languished for a year. Patience pays off however.

Wright had a penchant for signing ‘ACE’, his nickname on his card instead of his full name. I remember the horror fans had when he’d do this at training camp, and when he was asked, he’d rebuff the request. So to see him now sign his full name, I’m good for that on these cards.

NFL, Pro Football HoF

Mitchell, Bobby (1935-2020)

Upper Deck Legends 1997, #AL-51

Card: Upper Deck Legends 1997
Acquired: EBay, 2020

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • In 1955, halfback Bobby Mitchell set the Big 10 collegiate record for yards per attempt in a season with 8.6 per carry.
  • Led the Collegiate All-Star team in 1958 to victory over the Detroit Lions when he caught 2 TD passes.
  • Mitchell could do it all, and with his diverse athletic skillset he played 4 different positions over his career (LH, HB, FL, SE).
  • A 7th round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1958 where he was put in the backfield with HOFer Jim Brown.
  • Used on special teams his rookie season, he had a 98 yard kick of return and a 78 yard punt return for a TD.
  • In his second season ran for 743 yards on 131 carries.
  • 232 of it came against the Washington Redskins, including a league leading 90 yard scamper.
  • Led the Browns with 45 catches for 612 yards and 4 TDs, and rushed for 4 more for the Browns averaging 4.6 yards per carry in 1960.
  • In 1962, was traded to the Washington Redskins- ironically the last team to integrate, and moved to FL.
  • Had another 90+ yard TD that year, with a kick off return against the Cowboys.
  • Posted a banner season with 72 catches for 1384 yards and 11 TDs.
  • Set a franchise record catching a 99 yard TD pass in 1963.
  • Mitchell posted another 1436 yards and 69 catches (7 TDs) that season.
  • Led the league with 10 TD grabs on 60 receptions in 1964.
  • Over the next 3 seasons, averaged roughly 60 catches a season.
  • Retired during training camp in 1969.
  • Moved into the Redskins front office as a scout and served in the front office of the franchise through 2003.

ACCOLADES:

  • Pro Bowl 1960, 1962-’64
  • All-Pro 1962-1964
  • Washington Redskins Ring of Fame
  • Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
  • Washington Redskins #49 (retired)
  • Greatest 90 Washington Redskins
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • University of Illinois Hall of Fame

NOTES:

It can not be said enough that Bobby Mitchell helped integrate the Washington Redskins, which in itself was a challenge, since the franchise was the last one to do so. He is also considered the first black player to play for the team. It was amazing that I found his certified autograph for so cheap on the secondary market.

In an era that prides itself on speed, Mitchell is one of those players who would’ve fit right in. Over his career he had NINE plays from scrimmage going 90+ yards.

RUSHYDSAVGTDLG
51327355.31890t
RECYDSAVGTDLG
521795415.36599t
KRYDSAVGTDLG
102269026.4598t
PRYDSAVGTDLG
6969910.1378t

EPITAPH: 4/5/2020- Bobby Mitchell passed away at the age of 84. No cause of death was given.