Randy did some signings around Dallas in the early 20-teens but I missed out on them because they were on such short notice. I got really close a few times to going, but couldn’t bring myself up to calling in sick to go. His cards were grossly overpriced at the beginning of the pandemic even before the prices started shooting up. I knew all I had to do was wait, and I got this one at a bargain for under 10 bucks when the smoke cleared.
Randy was one of the last of the old guard from Tom Landry‘s days. He retired due to injury shortly after Tom was ingloriously fired by new owner Jerry Jones, and Jimmy Johnson was hired.
Randy makes an appearance on the ‘Dallas Wings’ franchise (Tecmo Bowl) on the NES.
Earl Morrall is considered probably the best clutch backup QB of his generation -if not of all time. He played an undeniably long career in the league lasting some.. what 22 years? Although not considered for the HoF conversation, Morrall has been inducted into the ‘Hall of Very Good’. An excellent athlete, Morrall had also caught the eye of MLB playing SS in the College World Series for the Spartans, but opted to play football instead.
I had been eyeballing his autograph during the pandemic but thought it was too pricey. Once it hit about 10 bucks I pounced. It later got lost in the shuffle of incoming autographs and I had forgotten to scan it in.
ATT
CPD
YDS
PCT
TD
INT
RAT
LG
2689
1379
20809
51.3
161
148
74.1
98t
EPITAPH:
April 14th, 2014- Earl Morrall passed away at the age of 79 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. It was later discovered he suffered from Grade 4 CTE.
Kellen Winslow played TE for the Missouri Tigers from 1975-78.
Concluded college career with 71 catches, 1,089 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
First round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 1979.
He’d become a catalyst for the Air Coryell offense and lead the NFL in catches in both 1980 (89) and ’81 (88).
His 89 reception in 1980, shattered the record previously held by HoFer Mike Ditka.
Caught 5 TDs in a single game, tying the NFL record in ’81.
Put together perhaps one of the finest post season single game performances, catching 13 passes for 166 yards (TD), and blocking a FG to send it to OT in ‘The Epic’ at Miami.
Had a career high 1,183 yards and 88 catches in 1983.
Played for the Chargers through 1987, retiring after the season.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1980-’83, ’87
All-Pro 1980-’82
Pro Football Hall of Fame
#73 Greatest Football Players of All-Time (Sporting News)
NFL 1980s All-Time Team
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
College Football Hall of Fame
San Diego Chargers #80- Retired
San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame
NOTES:
It can not be understated how much Winslow had an effect on the pro game. Tight ends during the 70s had become almost an afterthought during the Dead Ball Era. Winslow revolutionized the position, breaking Ditkas catch record, and had 2 back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and later a 3rd- something forgotten about since the 60s.
Winslow was always on my short list of players I might not ever get, so when he popped up, I wrote this letter and pretty much had this card in the mail to him the next day. I added a donation to grease the wheels, and he gladly signed it, adding the HOF inscription.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
541
6741
12.5
45
67t
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
