CARDS: Pro Set 1990, Score 1991, Action Packed 1990 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home SENT: 10/11 RECEIVED: 10/30 (19 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played college ball for the Fightin’ Illini at Free Safety.
Originally a 5th round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 1988, but couldn’t crack roster.
Signed by Colts as free agent and developed into a full time starter in 3rd NFL season.
Had 22 tackles in 1989, but a monstrous 7 picks for 225 yards and a TD as the team’s nickleback.
At the time his 80 yard pick for a TD against Buffalo was a club record.
In his first full season as starter in 1990, had 104 tackles and 3 more picks.
Rejoined Saints in 1992, playing the next season there, recording another 4 interceptions.
Then joined Redskins in 1994 playing for Washington through 1996.
Action Packed 1990, #108Score 1991, #121
NOTES:
Keith sneakily got into some fine sets for his 1989 contributions. He was kind enough to personalize three for me. I especially like the Action Packed and the Pro Set cards. -Great profile cards. Keith is the brother of 49ers WR John Taylor.
Finished college career in 1989 as the USC Trojans all-time leading passer completing 630/1081 passes for 8225 yards and 54 TDs.
Selected in the 6th round of the 1989 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
Won the starter job outright in camp, but was injured before the first game.
Nevertheless started 8 games that season, winning 3 games, while throwing for 1479 yards and 5 TDs.
Early in career, added an extra wrinkle to the Silver Stretch Offense keeping drives alive rushing for 4 TDs in 89, and 6 TDs (363 yards) in 1990.
Injuries and constant QB battles punctuated career with the Lions.
In 1991, posted career best 6-2 starting record.
Played with Lions through 1993, winning only start for Cowboys in 1994.
Signed with Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.
Thrust into starting lineup for Randall Cunningham, and led team to 9 wins and a playoff berth.
Journeyman phase of career arguably began in 1999 after signing for the Washington Redskins for one season.
Saw action sparingly, and then joined the Raiders in 2000, also seeing little playing time over two seasons.
Signed with Panthers in 2002, experiencing the best season of career, throwing for career highs in attempts (381), completions (223), yards (2630), and TDs (15).
Retired after the 2004 season and has done a lot of TV and sports commentary work.
NOTES:
Rodney is not a TTM signer, so when my friend offered to trade me Rodney and Mel Gray for a Jamaal Charles autograph consignment, I jumped at the chance. Hopefully I’ll get another shot at him on a few more set needs in the future.
CARDS: Pro Set 1989, Topps Stadium Club 1992, Pro Set 1990 ACQUIRED: TTM 2021, C/o Home SENT: 4/17 RECEIVED: 5/12 (25 days)
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Made the transition in his Senior year in ’88 from TE to OT for Notre Dame.
Earned sweeping accolades in college, and was especially praised for his size (6’7″, 262) and run blocking.
Seahawks first round pick in the 1989 NFL Draft (15th overall).
Started 9 games his rookie season- including 1 at TE.
By 1990, became fixture at left tackle, but in 1992 switched to left guard to accommodate for Ray Roberts, and then again in 1993 to right tackle.
Only player in Seahawks history to start 13+ games at 3 different positions, in 3 straight seasons.
Signed with Bears in 1994, becoming entrenched at left tackle for the next 4 seasons.
Departed Bears for Redskins in 1999, closing out career there after the 2000 season.
Went into coaching, first at the college level, eventually landing with the Jaguars in 2004.
Despite the turmoil on the Jaguars coaching staff- remained with the franchise through 2014.
Joined the Chiefs in 2013, earning a Super Bowl ring in 2019.
ACCOLADES:
2nd team All Pro (Conf.-UPI) 1995
Topps Stadium Club 1992, #134Pro Set 1990, #647
NOTES:
Andy had a lot of cards throughout his career. Oddly he didn’t make the cut with any of my favorite pet sets, but he happened to be in my favorite draft- 1989. His son currently plays OL for the Houston Texans.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
