Hunter played for the Nevada Wolfpack from 1982-85.
Selected in the 3rd round of the 1986 draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
In 1987 became a starter in the secondary and a gunner on special teams.
Blocked punt in 1991 that led to score against Steelers in 27-7 win.
Also picked off a pass that season that he returned for TD against Raiders.
Played for the Seahawks through 1994.
Finished out career playing one final season in 1995 with the Arizona Cardinals, picking off 2 passes.
Skybox 1992, #264
NOTES:
Patrick appears in not only Tecmo Bowl but also in Tecmo Super Bowl, but didn’t have that many cards. He had a few off-brand and Topps cards, but these represented the only set needs I really had. He had a really interesting helmet. I believe that it was the same issue that the World League used during 1991-92.
Long returned in time for the 2015 season, but was released in a cost saving move by the Rams.
He signed a one year contract with the Falcons.
In 2016, Jake briefly flirted with Baltimore, but ended up in Minnesota.
He’d tear his Achilles in week 10 ending his season.
Long retired during the 2017 offseason.
NOTES:
I had been meaning to get back to Jake for a while after getting a freebee back in 2014. I think I’d been kicking the tires on him for 3 to 4 years, so it makes sense he’s the first calendar success of 2023.
These Upper Deck cards- meh- they’re okay, but they were better than the junk that was designed for the ’08 season. The Score ’09 was definitely a set need, while the Topps 2014 was the slow evolution of the product from I think 2011. The design started resembling more of a fender, but eh I’m sorta okay with that. I thought it’d be nice to get one of him in his Rams attire- even if it is St. Louis.
Ran for 1,212 yards and 12 TDs his Senior season, accumulating 3,547 total yards on the ground over his 4 years with the Tigers.
Also displayed explosive skills as a kick returner and punt returner accumulating 8 TDs.
Was selected 9th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills.
Spiller quickly ascended the depth chart, surpassing both Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch in the lineup.
Rookie season was considered a disappointment, but still managed to produce his share of highlights with a 95 yard KR TD.
It’d be in 2012, CJ really came into his own, running for a career high 1244 yards and 6 TDs on 207 carries.
He’d also catch 43 passes for 459 yards and 2 TDs including a 66 yarder.
CJ followed up 2012 with a solid ’13 outing, posting 933 yards on 202 carries.
Unfortunately injuries derailed the remainder of his career, as over the next 4 years, he’d be limited to just 7 starts in 29 contests.
After his time in Buffalo concluded, CJ hopped over to New Orleans.
He’d catch an 80 yard TD that season- Marking QB Drew Brees 400th passing TD.
Released in 2016, Spiller saw some playing time with the Seahawks and Jets that season.
In his final season with the Chiefs, Spiller was an emergency back for the team, and was literally on and off the roster multiple times throughout 2017.
After a few years off, Spiller went into coaching.
As of 2022 he’s a RB coach at his Alma Mater, Clemson.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 2012
Jersey Retired #28 (Clemson)
NOTES:
While CJ’s career in the pros was limited, he had moments of absolute breathtaking electricity. The pass he caught from Drew Brees (for Brees 400th TD), sparked some laughs, embarrassment, and controversy. It came in OT against the Dallas Cowboys and was the first play from scrimmage, as OT rules end games if a team scores on the first possession.
Two late card set additions that I like here from Panini in both the 2015 Prestige set and the Rookies & Stars set (2013). I really like how the Prestige set is very minimal, although I’m not a huge fan of the transitioned edges. The focus is on the player and the name. That’s it. Pretty classy.
The Rookies & Stars set from 2013 was something I got into late. I loved the 2009 and 2010 set, but I absolutely hated the 2011 and ’12 sets. That caused me to take my time checking out this set. One of my big complaints about cards is that it doesn’t feel as though they are proud of their designs. They just don’t showcase them on the sides of the box. Spiller’s card is top notch in this set and I like the design and look as it’s pretty unique.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
712
3451
4.8
12
77
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
198
1454
7.5
9
80t
KR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
74
1754
7.5
2
102t
PR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
25
302
12.1
0
45
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