Ontiwaun Carter played RB at Arizona from 1991-94.
In each year he saw his rushing yards increase, to a career high 1,163 as a senior.
At the time his 3,501 total rushing yards ranked 2nd, and his 805 carries ranked first in school history.
Signed as a FA with the Miami Dolphins in ’95 but was among the final cuts.
Joined the NFLE in 1996 playing for the Rhein Fire, rushing 22 times for 110 yards.
He returned to the league in 1997, and as the defacto #1 back for the Fire, ran for 587 yards on 120 carries and 2 TDs to lead the WLAF.
Key cog in the franchise appearing in World Bowl ’97.
Started working with troubled youths back in the states.
Returned for one last season with the Rhein Fire in 2000.
Went into ministry after playing days were over and is the founder of Restorer of the Breach Ministries in Las Vegas.
NOTES:
Pastor Carter was kind enough to write me a nice note, thanking me for bringing a smile to his face. -These are the responses that make what I do feel rewarding.
Ah my friend, The Legendary Knight. I remember watching those AAF games. They were a blast. Whenever the Atlanta Legends would come on, they had to show their greatest fan: The Legendary Knight. He fought hard for his team even if he was only there to witness one win against the Arizona Hotshots. The camera loved it, and showed him on TV at every instance. He was their (un)official mascot.
The brave Knight and I talked from time to time over Twitter. He spoke in elegant Shakespearean prose and he was also kind enough to provide the background to many of the Legends’ battles over the course of the 8 games.
He was very touched by my gesture of cards, and sent me back this one autographed. He donned his armor to honor me one last time and sent me a limited edition Legendary Knight t-shirt.
When I talk about leagues- again, the AAF was where it was at. Not only did it provide the best entertainment, it brought fans together from all over the world- or at least Atlanta.
Neil Rackers was a kicker for the Fightin’ Illini from 1996-’99.
Over that period he was 96.3% on XP (77/80) and 68% (34/50) on FGs, scoring 179 points.
Selected in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
After a rocky rookie season, he settled in kicking 17 FGs in 2001, and 15 in 2002.
He’d join the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
In 2004, he hit 22/29 field goals, including a league long 55 yarder.
In that game against the Seahawks, he hit two other field goals of 50+ yards tying the single game NFL record held by Morten Anderson.
Then he went on to hit an improbable 31 straight field goals.
During the 2005 season, set the NFL record with 40 field goals in a season (42 attempts).
He again led the league in attempts in 2006 with 37 (28 FGM).
In 2010, Rackers was allowed to test free agency and decided to play for the Texans.
He’d provide great stability at the position after the departure of Kris Brown– who’d been with the team since its inception.
Rackers posted 27 FGs in 2010, and 32 in 2011.
Tied a franchise long 57 yard field goal in 2010 (since surpassed).
ACCOLADES:
All Pro 2005
Pro Bowl 2005
Golden Toe Award 2005
NOTES:
Incredibly underrated over his career, I must admit I was disappointed when the Texans opted not to sign him, in favor of drafting ‘Beercan’ Randy Bullock in 2012.
Rackers was also a head hunter- A rare trait among kickers. From time to time he was known to dish out some jarring hits. I seem to remember some odd fact that he’s the the NFL record holder for career special teams tackles by a kicker.
My old friend Erik, told me stories about chugging beers in the parking lot at NRG with Neil, saying he’s a real cool dude so I had to get him eventually. I was a bit disappointed. I think this Adrenalyn card was the only Texans card they made of Neil. I love how Rackers’ autograph incorporates the goal posts into it.
XPA
XPM
PCT
FGA
FGM
PCT
LG
PTS
378
372
98.4%
330
264
80.0%
57
1164
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
