Oakland Raiders cards

Burgess Owens's 1981 card says he "always carries a book on Raiders' road trips."

Kenny King's 1981 card: "Kenny's acquisition was a key trade for the Raiders in 1980. He's a strong and speedy runner who's also an effective blocker and receiver. Kenny was Oklahoma's top rusher in 1976 with a 5.6 average per carry."

Bob Chandler was a high-school javelin thrower, says his 1981 card.

Arthur Whittington's 1981 card points out that his 661 yards and seven touchdowns rushing in 1978 set Raiders rookie records.

Rod Martin's 1981 card celebrates his record-breaking three-interception performance in Super Bowl XV and points out that he was a high-school triple jumper.

"Neal was selected as the high school athlete of the year in 1970," says Colzie's 1978 card. "... Neal played in 3 consecutive Rose Bowls at Ohio State and intercepted 2 passes vs. USC in the 1974 classic." He was Oakland's first-round pick in 1975.

Mark van Eeghen "shattered Colgate rushing record with 2591 yds. & set mark with 14 rushing touchdowns in 1973," says his 1977 card.

Illustrated with a drawing of a smiling football player with upheld wine glass, Gene Upshaw's 1978 card points out that he "operates two night clubs in Oakland. ... (H)e was a key factor in the club's setting a new rushing mark against the Vikings in Super Bowl 11. Gene is Raiders' offensive captain." His 1981 card says he's "a 14-year starter on the Raiders' offensive line ... He has played in 202 consecutive regular-season games for the Raiders, more than any other active player. ... Gene competed in the broad jump in h.s."

Art Shell's 1977 card said he had played in 126 straight games entering the new season. His 1981 card pointed out that the streak reached 156 and that he was named Raiders' "Lineman of the Year" for 1976. "Art majored in industrial arts in college."

At 6-feet-8, 285 pounds, John Matuszak is "the biggest player in pro football today," says his 1976 card. "... John began his collegiate career at Missouri but transferred to Tampa during sophomore season. He started as tight end but switched to defense." "John was a h.s. discuss champion," his 1981 card adds.

Dave Dalby's 1976 card says Oct. 22, 1939, brought the first telecast of the pro-football game. At UCLA, Dalby earned the team's Red Sanders Trophy for MVP. "Dave played 1st base on his high school baseball team," says Dalby's 1981 card. "Dave became only the 2nd starting center in Raider history with the retirement of 15-year veteran Jim Otto in 1975. He's an excellent long snapper for the extra point and field goal."

Before coming to the Raiders as a fourth-round draft choice in 1972, Cliff Branch "set NCAA career record with 8 TD's on kick returns & was named as Colorado's outstanding college athlete for '71." Against the Steelers in the 1974 AFC final, Branch recorded nine receptions for 186 yards.

Jack Tatum in 1972 set a league record with a 104-yard fumble return vs. the Packers, says his 1978 card.

The Raiders' second-round draft choice in 1968, Ken Stabler "guided Alabama to 11-0 mark and national title in 1965 and was MVP of 1966 Sugar Bowl Game," says his 1977 card. Also a college-baseball southpaw, says his 1981 card.

The nation's 1972 leader with a 46.2 punt average at Southern Mississippi, the third-best mark in NCAA history, Ray Guy in 1973 became "the first kicker ever selected in the first round of a college draft," says his 1977 card. "The premier punter in pro football, he has been chosen to the Pro Bowl game in each of his 1st 4 seasons ... (H)e has played in 56 straight league games and 12 post-season contests. Had 5-week string of 48.0, 46.7, 45.2, 51.3 & 46.0 averages." His 1976 card: "Ray had distinction of booming a punt that struck the giant overhanging television screen in the New Orleans Superdome during the 1976 Pro Bowl."

His 1977 card says Clarence Davis was the third-best rusher in Southern Cal history and the Raiders' fourth-round draft choice in 1971. "Enjoyed perhaps his greatest game of pro football career in Super Bowl 11. Was game's leading rusher with 16 carries for 137 yards including a long-gainer of 35 yards as Raiders pummeled Vikings, 32-14, for NFL Title."

Phil Villapiano's 82-yard interception return against the Rams in 1972 is the second-longest in Raider history, his 1974 card says. "Phil plays the tuba."

Jim Plunkett was a high-school wrestling champ, according to his 1981 card.

Lester Hayes, his 1981 card says, was a 220-yard-dash champ in high school.