Pittsburgh Steelers cards

Matt Bahr, who played pro soccer for two years, "became the highest scoring rooking in Steelers history in 1979 and the club's first player to score 100 points since the goal posts were moved to the end line in 1974," says his 1981 card.

A Pittsburgh second-round draft choice in 1977, Sidney Thornton set the school rushing mark with 2,662 yards at Northwestern Louisiana and capped his collegiate career by being named MVP of the Blue-Gray Game, says his 1979 card. Thornton’s 1981 card: “A very tough short-yardage runner, Sidney has the potential to be a consistent 1000-yard rusher. One of the NFL’s finest blocking backs ...”

According to his 1977 card, Mike Kruczek "was a unanimous All-East selection during his senior campaign at Boston College and won the Harry Agganis Award as the outstanding college player in all of New England." Drafted in the second round by Pittsburgh, Kruczek "was called upon by Steelers to spell injured Terry Bradshaw in 1976 & responded with outstanding poise and leadership qualities in rookie year."

Terry Bradshaw, says his 1979 card, "is active as a country and western singer." His 1981 card says, "Terry may star in a television show."

Signed as a free agent out of South Carolina State way back in 1974, Donnie Shell "was Pro Bowl starter for 4th consecutive season in 1981," says his 1982 card. His 1981 card noted Shell's master's in guidance & counseling.

Mike Wagner "holds Western Illinois records with 9 interceptions in one season and 3 in one game," says his 1977 card. He "was selected to Pro Bowl squad for first time in 1975 after having intercepted 3 passes in post-season play including 2 in AFC Title Game."

NFL Pittsburgh and CFL Toronto played an exhibition Feb. 9, 1960, in Toronto, with the Steelers winning, 43-16, according to Theo Bell's 1980 card. Bell's 1981 card says he "works for an electric co. during the offseason. "Theo set an AFC Championship record in 1978. His 6 returns for 91 yards against the Oilers were more than anyone in playoff history."

Says the 1976 card of Steve Furness, a fifth-round draft choice out of Rhode Island in 1972: "The Steelers' top backup at all four defensive line positions, Steve got his first pro start vs. Saints, 1974, and had 2 quarterback sacks & 12 unassisted tackles. A good example of Steelers' outstanding depth, he could start on a number of other NFL clubs. Steve was an All-New England and All-Yankee Conference selection at Rhode Island in 1971. He played fullback, tight end, defensive end and offensive tackle and lettered in track as hammer thrower." His 1981 card adds: "As a spot performer in 1975 he started 6 games and played the entire 2nd half of Super Bowl 10, leading both teams in tackles."

Randy Grossman turned in four key receptions in AFC title game loss to Oakland, Jan. 4, 1976, says his 1977 card. He's an insurance executive, according to his 1981 card.

Jack Lambert's 1976 card: "He played a furious Super Bowl Game last January, gaining wide acclaim for his 3 fumble recoveries." And his 1981 issue: "Jack was MVP of the 1972 Tangerine Bowl. Jack has extraordinary speed and quickness. He gets deeper pass drop than any MLB."

Mike Webster's 1979 card rates him as "perhaps the best of the young centers in pro football" and "on the verge of becoming a perennial All-Pro." Indeed, his 1981 card confirms, "Mike is now the premier center in pro football and should occupy that role for a number of years. He was a unanimous All-Pro for the 3rd straight season in 1980 and is Steelers' first offensive lineman ever to win such recognition. Mike is most effective when an opponent is playing over him in a 3-4 or an oddman front when he has a chance to utilize his strength which is one of his greatest assets." Webster was an honor student at the University of Wisconsin.

Joe Greene's 1981 card says he was "a unanimous choice on all 1970 Teams of the Decade."

Jack Ham's 1981 card says he's a coal company salesperson.

Jim Allen's newsy 1978 card: "Jim saw regular duty with Steelers in 1977 filling in for injured Mike Wagner. As a rookie in 1974 he did an outstanding job in a relief stint vs. Raiders in AFC Championship Game. Jim is UCLA's 6th-leading interceptor in history with 9. Jim was an all-city swimmer in high school."

John Stallworth, an off-season real-estate exec, in 1979 became the first-ever Steeler to pick up more than 1,000 yards on receptions, according to his 1981 card.

Jim Smith's 38-yard punt return keyed a come-from-behind Pittsburgh win over St. Louis in 1979, says his 1981 card.

Franco Harris's 1981 card remembers that he majored in hotel management at Penn State.

Craig Colquitt's 1981 card: "One of Craig's longest punts came in 1979 playoffs vs. Oilers when he boomed a 66-yarder. He was All-Southeastern Conference his final 2 seasons at Tennessee. ... Craig majored in art at Tennessee."

"Jon (Kolb, says his 1979 card) came into pro football at his college position of center and had to work very hard to make the adjustment and master the new post. He has become the best offensive tackle in Steelers' history and has become the outstanding offensive lineman on a team that has become a perennial contender. A fine all-around athlete. Jon can bench press 550 lbs."