I mean- are there anymore cards that I can get signed by Haywood at this point that from a design point I like that are from his HOUSTON Oilers era? Probably a few, but there are only a few more left.
I decided to get a few more during the GTSM event in Houston in 2023. The Skybox Premium insert is the backside of a Thunder & Lightning with Warren Moon– that I’ll probably have to get at a later time, since Warren cancelled at the last second and GTSM was slow to notify everybody. It’s a great looking card. I wish I had a paint pen. I’d have had him sign in light blue.
Defensive lineman Greg Kragen played for Utah State from 1980-83.
He finished his collegiate career with 223 tackles.
Signed with the Broncos as a free agent, and then was a mainstay, particularly at NT for the next 8 seasons.
Truly emerged as a leader on the defense in ’88, nabbing a club leading 140 total tackles, 4 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Followed that up with 72 total tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks in ’89.
Best game arguably came against Chiefs that year, when Greg notched 6 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery for a TD.
In 1992 had a career high 5.5 sacks, to go along with 101 tackles.
Joined the Chiefs for the 1994 season.
Expansion selection of the Carolina Panthers in 1995.
Scored franchise’s first defensive TD returning fumble against Chicago that season.
Still had enough gas in the tank for 2 more additional seasons after that- retiring after the 1997 campaign.
ACCOLADES:
AFC Defensive Player of the Week 1989 (Week 10)
Pro Bowl 1989
1st Team All-Pro 1989, ’91
2nd Team All-Pro 1992
Utah Aggies Hall of Fame
NOTES:
Greg had some sexy cards for a defensive lineman. The Action Packed cards of him were really nice, and I didn’t even send the Pro Set ones! I love that Action Packed 1991 with his hands up there being blocked out by Mike Webster. Great card.
I always felt like these were going to make their way back to me. Greg usually clocks in at about a year on average for his returns.
CARDS: Classic 1992, Star Pics 1992 ACQUIRED: TTM 2022, C/o Home SENT: 4/14 RECEIVED: 4/29 (15 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Originally saw limited action at QB for William & Mary in ’88.
Worked way up depth chart to starter in ’90.
Posted 3415 yards and 22 TDs on 245 of 414 throws that year.
Followed up breakout season with 2974 yards, throwing 18 TDs, and completed a whopping 65% of passes in 91.
Also rushed for 16 TDs over college career.
Selected in the 4th round of the 1992 draft by the Washington Redskins.
Spent the 92 and 93 seasons with the Redskins, losing the majority of 1992 to injured reserve.
Joined the Falcons practice squad in ’93, finishing career in ’94 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Has worked as a coach at the high school level since 2007.
NOTES:
I really liked the Star Pics set at the time. (It was battling Classic for the college draft card market at the turn of the 90s.) As it was quite a niche market, unfortunately Star Pics was one of the first inglorious victims of the card market implosion by 93. As I casually collect the set, it’s more for the design and photos than player notoriety.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
