After transferring from East Carolina, QB Kurt Benkert got the starting nod at Virginia in 2016.
In 2017, he went 298/509, for 3,207 yards, and 25 TDs to just 9 picks.
He signed as an UDFA with the Atlanta Falcons in 2018 and spent a good time of the season on their practice squad that year.
He spent 2019 on IR with a toe injury sustained in preseason.
Waived in 2020, he then spent the season with the Saints primarily on their practice squad.
In 2021, Benkert joined the Packers, also seeing time on the practice squad.
The 49ers had him for 2022 on and off their practice squad.
Kurt was assigned to the Houston Roughnecks in 2023 to play in the XFL, but refused to report.
After the injury bug hit the San Antonio Brahmas, the team traded for Benkert and he quickly saw the field in 2 contests.
Unfortunately he broke his ribs against the Vipers and was placed on IR.
He opted to retire from the sport in August of that year.
With the Roughnecks staff essentially replacing the Brahmas in 2024, there was renewed interest in keeping Benkert, but it is unknown whether or not he even attended camp.
NOTES:
I went to all the San Antonio Brahmas games in 2023, but since Benkert got a crash course on the offense, came in for Renegades contest, quickly got injured the next week and was not heard from again- I wasn’t able to get his autograph on these cards.
After the Brahmas signed him, I was peppered with Facebook football 101s on how to understand football concepts (basic and advanced) for fans and aspiring Madden players from Kurt, so I decided to buy one. Nestled in the downloadable program, was his address, so I shot these 4 out and he kindly signed them for me.
Packers traded their first and second round pick to acquire Ruettgers in the first round of the ’85 draft.
By ’88, established himself as one of the best OL in the league.
Known for shrewd preparation, meticulous record keeping of opponents, game film study, and weight room work ethic.
Played against Lawrence Taylor and shut him out in the final game of the season as he was attempting to eclipse the NFL sack record.
Played for the Packers through 1996, but as injuries mounted over his career, he ultimately had to retire.
Over his playing time he appeared in 156 games, starting 140 and winning Super Bowl XXXI.
Has coached high school football in Oregon and teaches sociology at the college level.
Action Packed 1990, #89
ACCOLADES:
Packers Hall of Fame 2013
Packers Offensive MVP 1989
NOTES:
Ken appears in both Tecmo Super Bowl and the follow up Super Nintendo/ Genesis games as a member of the Packers. Ken had some great cards and among them were these two beauties that I really wanted to add to their respective sets. He still has a few more and I may look into those at a much later date.
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.
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
218
1020
4.25
2
50
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
26
133
5.1
0
15
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
