San Diego Chargers cards

An All-Pacific Coast pick as a junior at the University of California in 1971, Clarence Duren was not drafted by the NFL--but latched on with the Cardinals on the recommendation of his college coach, says his 1978 card. "Clarence was acquired by the Chargers in a trade with the Cardinals, June 24, 1977. A starter in the NFL since his rookie season."

Bo Matthews was the Chargers' first-round draft choice of 1974. He was San Diego's second-leading rusher as a rookie, racking up 328 yards on 3.5 yards per carry. "Bo is devastating blocker with 4.6 speed," says his 1975 card. "He gained 1385 yards rushing and scored 11 touchdowns during Colorado career after which he played in Bluebonnet, Gator & Senior Bowl Games. Bo was All-State in high school."

Mike Thomas is a brother of Cardinals wide receiver Earl Thomas, says Mike's 1976 card. Brother Earl Thomas is a former NFL-er, too, says Mike's 1981 card.

A 40-yard Ray Wersching field goal against the Browns claimed a 1974 win for San Diego, says his 1976 card.

Rickey Young started at fullback at Jackson State from his freshman year on, according to his 1976 guard, and he gained 565 yards on 6.7 per carry as a senior. (He shared the backfield with Walter Payton.)

Dwight McDonald went undrafted in 1975 despite leading the nation with 86 catches at San Diego State in 1974, according to his 1979 card. "One of Dwight's biggest days in pro football came for the Chargers in 1976. He caught 3 passes for 73 yards including touchdowns of 44 and 18 yards in club's 43-24 triumph over Cardinals, September 26th."

The Oilers selected Doug Wilkerson in the first round out of North Carolina Central in 1970, and the Chargers picked him up in a trade that same season. "Doug was named to the AFC Pro Bowl Squad for the first time in his career in 1980 after toiling many years as the highly regarded but unrecognized Charger left guard," his 1982 card says. "He continued his stellar play and was accorded All-Pro recognition and earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl Game." His 1981 card says "he represents one of the best trades in Chargers' history. ... Doug played defensive end as a rookie."

Louie Kelcher's 1979 card says his shoe size is 16EEEE. "Fans chant LOO, LOO, LOO when Louie makes a tackle," says Kelcher's 1981 card.

Joe Washington played his high-school football for his father and averaged 6.1 yards per carry at Oklahoma, says his 1978 card.

Charlie Joiner's 1981 card says he works for an oil company.

Gary Johnson's 1980 card highlights his one career interception: recorded against the Seahawks in 1978, returned 52 yards for a touchdown and clinching San Diego victory. Says his 1981 card: "Gary was nicknamed 'Big Hands' in the 8th grade."

Dan Fouts's 1981 card says his dad is a play-by-play announcer.

Ralph Perretta, says his 1977 card, "was co-captain at Purdue in 1974 and played in the East-West and Hula Bowl games. ... Earned a degree in physical education at Purdue and competed in track with a shot put distance of 62 feet 1 1/2 inches.

Bob Rush, the 24th overall selection in the 1977 draft, out of Memphis State, "appeared to be headed for a splendid season in 1978 until sidelined by knee injury," says his 1980 card. "He returned in 1979 and won a berth as Chargers' starting center."

Russ Washington "now holds Charger records for longevity," says his 1980 card. "He has played in more games (172) and has made more consecutive starts (142) than any other player in club history."

Jeff West's 1978 card says he teaches carpentry in the offseason.

Fred Dean, who "likes to tinker around automobiles," according to his 1981 card, "may have set a record for defensive linemen with 2 touchdowns in 1977. He ran 11 yards with a fumble for a score and returned an intercepted pass 22 yards."

Kansas City native Don Goode "was All-City football selection in high school and excelled in track with 53 feet 10 inch shot put distance," says his 1977 card. "... He made the transition from college lineman (at Kansas) to pro linebacker in 1974."

Mike Williams, says his 1978 card, was a high-school saxophonist.

Rolf Benirschke hit 12 straight field goals in 1978, says his 1981 card, and he established a fellowship at the San Diego Zoo.

George Roberts's 1982 card labels him "an ethusiastic cheerleader."

"John (Jefferson) wears patented goggles on the field," says his 1981 card. "John set an NFL record in 1980 with his 3rd consecutive 1000-yard receiving season."

Kellen Winslow is a chess player, his 1981 card says.

Chuck Muncie, says his 1981 card, "didn't joint Chargers until midway into 1980 but still led club in rushing." After a trade with New Orleans, he gained 659 yards rushing on 135 attempts (4.9 per) for the 1980 Chargers.