Tag Archives: ttm football autograph

AAF, NFL

Coyle, Kevin

Cards: Topps AAF 2019, Topps AAF 2019 Certified
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home. EBay 2019
Sent: 7/3 Received: 7/11 (8 days)

Kevin Coyle has a long coaching resume, and is a well respected and decorated players coach . His coaching story begins in 1978 with the Bearcats of Cincinnati. He’d then embark on a series of stops through the 1980s beginning with the US Merchant Marines (1981), and Holy Cross (1982-1990). Carving out his reputation as a defensive coordinator, he’d then jump up to the challenge with Syracuse (1991-1993), Maryland (1994-1996) and Fresno State (1997-2000).

In 2001, Kevin ascended to the NFL ranks and became cornerbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, eventually being promoted to defensive backs coach in 2003- a position he held through 2011. From 2012 to 2015, Coyle was the Dolphins defensive coordinator, before returning back to the Bengals for 2016 and 2017 as their defensive backs coach again. He spent 2018 working for LSU as a defensive analyst and then decided to be the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Legends from the fledgling Alliance of American Football.

Early in 2019, he’d be named the head coach of the Legends when Brad Childress resigned. Coyle had to make some tough decisions, so the last problem he needed to deal with multiple coaching changes throughout the season. Despite the bad luck that seemed to chase the Legends, the team finished 2-5 and had the #1 rated defense in the league.

So I opened up the mailbox and inside was a package for me from Coach Coyle himself. When I unsealed the oversized envelope, I found a nice handwritten letter on LSU stationery, my card (signed) and two hats- a purple one signed by him, and the second, a white game worn hat. Coach Coyle’s letter was touching and personal. We talked about my father, and Coach’s passion for the players in the AAF. He too was mightily disappointed in how it all ended. Coach wished me well, thanked me for the extra card that he hadn’t seen yet, and let me know that he had landed on his feet back at LSU as a ‘game analyst’. This response ranks up there as one of my favorite TTM of all-time.

That evening when I was on cloud nine about Coach’s response to me, I found a certified autograph of his from the AAF set for just 5.99. I was elated to add it to the collection- as coaching cards from the set typically ask anywhere from 15-50 dollars. Afterwards the company that I fleeced this card from jacked up their remaining inventory of other player cards to a minimum of 9.99.

NFL, WLAF

Marlatt, Pat

Card: Ultimate WLAF 1992
Acquired: 2017, C/o Work
Sent: 4/18/17 Received: 2/4/19 (655 Days)

Patrick Marlatt played defensive tackle for the West Virginia Mountaineers where he looked to go into sports management, but after WVU produced an undefeated season in ’88, Marlatt was thrust into the National spotlight along with the rest of the team. He’d be selected by the New York Jets in the 1989 NFL Draft and later see a brief stay on the practice squad of the Washington Redskins. After subsequent quick stops with the Dolphins, Lions and Bills, Pat was selected by the New York/ New Jersey Knights of the WLAF in 1991. He’d rotate in for the team and lodge 27 tackles and 3 sacks during the 91 season, and 4 sacks in the 92 campaign.

After the dissolution of the WLAF’s North American teams after 1992, Patrick transitioned into the business world earning an EMDA from WVU. Working in the financial field, Pat helps people achieve their retirement goals and plans through CAPTRUST.

Although it took Pat nearly two years to respond to my letter, it was obvious that he read it as he enclosed a nice note and also wrote down the name of many of the Knights training staff that had moved on and into other fields since their days in the WLAF.

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NFL

Tillman, Lewis

Cards: Topps 1991, ProSet 1989
Acquired: TTM 2018, C/o Home
Sent:  10/8        Received: 10/20     (12 days)

Lewis Tillman is another member of the solid 1989 NFL Draft Class.  Graduating from Jackson St, Tillman was a two time I-AA All-America, breaking Walter Payton’s single season rushing (1,436 yards) and career rushing record with 3,969 yards. Tillman was selected in the 3rd round by the New York Giants, who collected runningbacks for their offensive rotation. 

Lewis finished his rookie season with 79 carries for 290 yards as the Giants won Super Bowl XXV. He’d score his first professional TD in 1990, during a 31-7 win over the Rams. The Giants continued to employ Lewis consistently, but sparingly in 1991. He’d rush for another 287 yards on 65 carries.  After a quiet 1992, Tillman had 585 yards and 3 TDs including a career long 58 yard long run. 

Lewis signed with the Bears in 1994. He’d have the best season of his career. He’d set across the board personal highs with 275 carries for 899 yards and 7 TDs to go along with 27 receptions for 222 yards.  He wouldn’t be able to duplicate his feat in 1995- as the Bears drafted Rashaan Salaam in the 1st round. Buried on the depth chart behind Salaam and Robert Green, Tillman retired after the conclusion of the season.

Tillman has enjoyed a fine career after his playing days. He’s gone into coaching and has climbed to the college level. Currently in 2019 he’s a coach for the Texas Southern Tigers.

Great cards of Lewis here, but I really would’ve loved to have gotten his autograph on his Score 1990 entry, but he must have really liked it and didn’t have it for his collection, as he kept it. A solid TTM repsonder, I loved getting his autograph on these cards nonetheless.

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109/2765923833.61258
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433157.3039