Ray Guy was an incredible athlete that played 3 positions (K, P, SS) for Southern Mississippi from 1970-72.
Over his time at the school he set multiple single game and career records.
Became the first punter to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft (1973).
Right out of the gate, averaged 45.3 yards per punt his rookie season.
From there he led the NFL in punting average in 1974 (42.2) and ’75 (43.8).
Punted a career high 96 times for 4,195 yards in 1981.
Over his career he had a streak of 619 punts without being blocked.
ACCOLADES:
College Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
Georgia Sports Hall of Fame
NFL All 1970s Team
Golden Toe Award
NFL 75th Anniversary Team
NFL 100th Anniversary Team
Pro Bowl 1973-78, ’80
All-Pro 1973-78
Second Team AP 1979-80
NOTES:
Ray was greatly disrespected by not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame sooner. This was due to the fact that there is a longstanding stigma against special teams players. He was finally elected in 2014… and promptly stopped signing TTM.
I waited to acquire Ray’s autograph until the prices started dropping. Thankfully before the prices spiked again after his passing, I was able to pick his certified up on his Legends card.
EPITAPH:
Ray passed away on November 3rd, 2022 at the age of 72 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
An undersized LB with a great motor, Tom Jackson played college football at Louisville from 1970-72.
He’d be a 4th round pick of the Denver Broncos in 1973 and form a key element of the team’s famed Orange Crush Defense.
Extremely durable, Tom played from 1973-1986 for the Broncos, appearing in two Super Bowls for the team, and 191 games.
In 1976, he had an incredible 7 interceptions, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles from his OLB spot.
After his playing days ended, Jackson seamlessly transitioned to the studio where he worked alongside Chris Berman for ESPN- a role he held for 29 years.
ACCOLADES:
Pro Bowl 1977-79
Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor
Second Team All-Pro 1978-79
All Pro 1977
Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2016
NOTES:
Tom Jackson was not really known as a prolific signer so when he popped I made my move instead of paying inflated prices in the secondary EBay market. Tom Jackson was such a great LB, I thought he was a S. I loved watching him on ESPN Primetime and Countdown. He didn’t really give any love to the Oilers outside of Ernest Givins– “From Louiville!” – Tom’s signature line in the studio.
Over his college career he accumulated 1573 yards passing and 10 TD passes, 2009 yards from scrimmage and 20 TDs on 366 touches.
Selected in the second round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.
Caught 22 passes for 339 yards and 2 TDs his rookie year.
Also played on special teams, racking up 348 KR yards, and 26 punt returns for 320 yards and a 60 yard TD.
Although not a factor in the Dolphins passing game the following two seasons either, he was a devastating punt returner, posting a 79 yard TD in ’76, and 11.4 yards per return overall in Miami.
After a 252 yards from scrimmage against the Bills and 3 TDs, San Fransisco’s interest was piqued.
Traded to the 49ers in 1978 along with safety Vern Roberson, and first and fifth round draft picks for RB Delvin Williams.
The 9ers saw Freddie’s potential and gave him plenty of opportunities at WR.
Set the franchise mark for longest TD grab at 92 yards in 1980.
Freddie had a career high 59 catches for 969 yards in 1982.
He’d also do PR duty as well, returning 2 for TDs in 1980.
A key member of SF’s early Super Bowl runs, Freddie played 8 seasons for San Fransisco, posting 310 receptions for 4,873 yards and 43 TDs.
Freddie retired after the 1985 season.
ACCOLADES:
1975 All Rookie Team
NOTES:
I waited this one out for about 3 years, until the market started collapsing. I gambled that since Freddie was considered a lesser star, I would be able to get him at a pretty decent price.
EPITAPH:
Freddie passed away February 13th, 2012 after a 9 month battle from liver and colon cancer. He was just 59.
REC
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
371
5846
15.8
48
93t
RUSH
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
61
519
8.5
4
59t
KR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
32
694
21.7
1
90t
PR
YDS
AVG
TD
LG
177
1614
9.1
4
79t
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
