Monday, August 31, 2009

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.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Dallas Cowboys cards

James Jones "has inspired his teammates with his exciting, gritty style of play," says his 1982 card.

Jay Saldi, originally a defensive end, coaches the Cowboys' basketball team, says his 1981 card.

In his fifth pro season of 1981, Tony Dorsett became Dallas's all-time rusher, says his 1982 card. His 1981 card had already dubbed him "the most electrifying runner in Cowboys' history. ... Tony is in the fire alarm business."

Efren Herrera's 1977 card says he had his own radio show.

Bob Breunig's 1983 card says he's married to Mary with two sons, is interested in Christian and civic organization and works for a real-estate company. "Bob is a self-taught guitar player," his 1981 card adds. "Bob's intelligence and intensity are his biggest attributes. He does a good deal of audibilizing and he knows just when it's called for."

D.D. Lewis's 1981 card says he was named after Dwight Eisenhower and Douglas McArthur.

Randy Hughes's 1980 card says he had a key interception in Super Bowl VII. (Also: "The Cowboys tackled the passer 12 times in game vs. Steelers, November 22, 1966.") Hughes, says his 1981 card, “is in the custom home building business. Big plays are part of Randy’s style. He tied a Cowboy club mark with interceptions in 3 straight playoff games after the 1978 season.”

Charlie Waters's 1981 card says he has a company that develops western wear.

"Revered by his teammates for his strength and speed, he's also received praise for his attitude and for his coachability," says Randy White's 1978 card. "Randy works on his farm during the off-season." "Randy," says his 1981 card, "is known as a 'game-maker,' the type of player who can singlehandedly control the outcome of a game. Teams have to double and triple-team Randy on pass rush. He gets so much attention from the opposition that it makes it easier for Cowboys' other linemen. ... Randy can bench-press 475 lbs."

Robert Newhouse's 1977 card says his one pass completion of 1975 went to Drew Pearson for a 45-yard touchdown at Pontiac Stadium. His 1981 card says he rated as Dallas's third all-time rusher. "Robert started his own pump business."

Harvey Martin and Dwight White were teammates at East Texas State. Martin's 1978 card says he "works for a soft drink firm during the off-season." Harvey Martin, says his 1981 card, "has been the key to the Cowboys' feared pass rush the past 8 seasons. Swooping in from his right end position, he has led or co-led the Cowboys in quarterback sacks during each of those 8 campaigns. Harvey has recorded a total of 104 quarterback sacks for the Cowboys. A fiery competitor, he has been the club's emotional leader on the field. ... Harvey has worked as a television commentator."

Ed "Too Tall" Jones's 1982 card calls him "a mentally rejuvenated player after his 1979 experience in professional boxing." Says Too Tall's 1981 card, "Ed Jones returned to the Cowboys in 1980 after a celebrated one-year hiatus to become a professional boxer. His presence gives the club an overwhelming defensive line as the 'Doomsday Defense' continues to haunt opposing offenses. ... Ed owns two custom tailor shops."

According to his 1977 card, Butch Johnson attended California-Riverside on a pole-vault scholarship.

The Cowboys' first-round draft choice in 1973, Billy Joe DuPree "caught 60 passes for 1222 yards & 6 touchdowns in run-oriented offense at Michigan State," says his 1977 card. His 1981 card says he had opened his own concrete-slab business.

After Dallas selected him in the fourth round out of Stanford in 1975, Pat Donovan spent a couple of seasons as an offensive-line reserve, says his 1980 card. He became the Cowboys' starting right tackle in 1977 and then moved to left tackle in 1978, attaining All-Pro status in 1979. His 1981 card says Donovan "was a high school shot put champion" and "2-time All-American defensive end at Stanford."

Danny White's 1983 card points out that he was the NFC's second-rated passer and fifth-rated punter in 1982.

Roger Staubach's 1979 card says he enjoys billiards.

A quarterback as a freshman and sophomore, Tulsa's Drew Pearson was not drafted by the NFL but latched on with the Cowboys as a free agent in 1973, says his 1977 card. "Establishing himself as the 'Mr. Clutch' receiver of pro football, he has uncanny ability to get open and catch the football in key situations."

Tom Rafferty's 1980 card says, "An exceptionally adept pulling guard, he also performs as snapper for field goals and extra points."

Herbert Scott's 1980 card says, "Herbert played tight end, tackle and guard for Virginia Union and was also a top-notch shot-putter."

Everson Walls's 1984 card: "Everson is the only player ever to lead the NFL in interceptions his first two years. A Pro Bowl participant in each of his 3 campaigns, he owns Pro Bowl record of 4 Thefts; 2 in 1982 and 2 in 1983 Classic. Everson earned a degree in accounting from Grambling."

"John (Dutton) is part-owner of a racquetball club," says his 1981 card. "A right defensive end with the Colts, John was moved to the left side upon joining the Cowboys in 1979. He switched to tackle last season and enjoyed a fine campaign at that post."

Rafael Septien's 1981 card says he has appeared in Mexican movies.

St. Louis Cardinals cards

UCLA's leading rusher in 1976 and 1978 was Theotis Brown, says his 1981 card.

Ken Greene's performance in a 1980 win over the Saints earned him a game ball, says his 1982 card.

Neil O'Donoghue's 1981 card reports that his 57-year field goal in 1976 set an Auburn record and that he enjoys going to the beach.

Pat Tilley, says his 1977 card, "has sure hands to go along with his excellent 4.3-second time in the 40-yard dash during his college days" at Louisiana Tech.

Dan Dierdorf "anchored club's offensive line that tied NFL record of allowing only 8 quarterback sacks in 1975," says his 1977 card. "Named to 7 All-America teams and was 2-time All-Big 10 at Michigan." His shoe size is 15, says his 1981 card, and "Dan has been a mainstay of the Cardinal line which allowd the fewest quarterback sacks in the NFL for 3 years."

"Drafted by Cardinals in 1974, Ike played a season (with Southern California Sun) in WFL before joining Big Red," Ike Harris's 1976 card says. "... Ike had 2 touchdown catches (for Iowa State) in 1972 Liberty Bowl Game vs. Georgia Tech."

Roger Wehrli was a stud high-school sprinter, says his 1981 card.

The Cardinals' first-round draft choice out of Miami in 1979, Ottis Anderson "gained 193 yards rushing in 1st NFL game, one short of league record," says his 1981 card. "Ottis became first Cardinal to win NFL Rookie honors since Johnny Roland in 1966. Ottis once appeared as an extra in a motion picture."

"Drafted by the Big Red in 5th round of 1972 college draft, Conrad was released during final cutdown before season opener but came back after the 2nd game and became starting guard," says Conrad Dobler's 1975 card. "Conrad played on both offensive and defensive lines at Wyoming."

"Nicknamed 'Crush' for his bruising tackles," according to his 1981 card, Rush Brown was selected all-rookie in 1980 after being a 10th-round draft pick out of Ball State, where he had been "a mainstay of one of the nation's top defenses."

Wayne Morris's 1982 card says he earned the team's "Greatest Effort" award for 1981.

Terry Metcalf's 1976 card: "The NFL's most dangerous offensive threat, Terry gained 2,462 yards on runs, receptions and kick runbacks in 1975, breaking by 20 yards the all-purpose record set by Mack Herron of the New England Patriots in 1974."

Ottis Anderson, the Cardinals' first-round pick out of the University of Miami in 1979, became the team's all-time leading rusher in his third NFL season, says his 1982 card.

Seattle Seahawks cards

Eddie McMillan, the Rams' fourth-round draft choice out of Florida State in 1973, was the team's rookie of the year, says his 1976 card. "Ran 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds."

Ken Geddes's 1976 card: "One of the highlights of Ken's career was his interception in final minute of game to preserve Rams' 20-17 victory over the Vikings, November 24, 1974."

"Ron has been described as a great competitor," says Ron Howard's 1976 card. "He came to the Cowboys in 1974 as a free agent basketball player with no college football experience but made the squad and was a valuable and fierce hitter on the specialty teams. Ron was a two-year starter at forward for the (University of) Seattle basketball tean, turning down an offer to play pro basketball in France, to join the NFL. In being drafted by the Seahawks, Ron will be playing in his home state of Washington in 1976." Howard, who is 6-foot-4, lives in Pasco, Wash.

Efren Herrera is a restauranteur, says his 1981 card.

"The first draft selection in the history of the Seahawks, he won job with club during pre-season and performed sensationally during the (NFL76) campaign," says Steve Niehaus's 1977 card. "His father, Ralph, had trial with the Cleveland Rams, his brother, John, is a defensive end at Alabama. ... Was a 2-way performer in high school as team won 3 straight city titles. ... A four year starter at Notre Dame, he was 2nd in Outland Trophy voting in 1975."

Dave Tipton recovered two Falcons fumbles on Nov. 7, 1976, says Dave Brown's 1980 card. Brown "is the only member of the Seahawks to start every game in franchise history."

At Tulsa, Steve Largent's receving coach was Jerry Rhome, who had joined Largent with the Seahawks as of Largent's 1979 card. Largent's 1981 card notes that his five receptions in the 1978 Pro Bowl tied a record for the game.

Sam McCullum's 1980 card says, "the Seahawks chose 39 players in NFL veteran allocation draft, 3-30-76."

The Southern California College Division Player of the Year in 1973 at Cal Poly-Pomona, Jim Zorn went undrafted by the NFL and did not play after signing with the Cowboys in 1975. In 1976, having signed with the expansion Seahawks as a free agent, Zorn "establed new all-time pro football record for passing yardage in rookie campaign with 2571 yards, breaking former mark of 1997 set by Fran Tarkenton of the Vikings in 1961." Zorn’s 1981 card says he “has learned to play the violin. Jim is one of only 3 quarterbacks to pass for over 10,000 yards his 1st 4 pro seasons. Was NFC’s Offensive Rookie of Year in 1976.”

Terry Beeson, a water-skier, was “named to virtually all the NFL All-Rookie teams for 1977,” says his 1981 card.

Manu Tuiasosopo’s name translates as “Happy Bird,” says his 1981 card. Adds the 1982 card: “He has now started 48 consecutive games since joining the Seahawks in 1979. Among Manu’s cousins are Bengals’ Jack Thompson & Chiefs’ Frank Manumaleuga.”

John Yarno’s 1982 card: “Renown throughout the league as one of the NFL’s most outstanding centers, … John was the first lineman ever to be named as Big Sky Conference MVP.”

Dan Doornink’s 1982 card: “His first pro touchdown came on his initial NFL carry for the Giants in 1978.” His 1981 card: "Dan took over as Seahawks' starting fullback in 1979. His biggest game came on Monday night vs. Falcons when he rushed for 122 yards on 21 carries and scored 2 touchdowns."

Washington Redskins cards

Depicting him in a football uniform counting snow-capped mountain peaks, Bill Brundige's 1971 card notes that he was a math major at the University of Colorado. "The Redskins' first selection in the 1970 college draft, Bill signed with the club February 25, 1970. He had a fabulous pre-season in which he won a starting berth at defensive tackle. ... With Bill and Manny Sistrunk as Washington's defensive tackles, the club will have a much stronger defense in 1971."

Bobby Hammond, whom the Redskins acquired as a free agent in 1979, is the Giants' all-time punt returner, says his 1981 card.

Clarence Harmon's 1981 card dubs him "Mr. Clutch."

Arriving via trade with Houston on Aug. 17, 1976, Ron Saul "helped the club set a record the most yards rushing in Washington history in 1976," says Saul's 1979 card. "Ron has been the starting left guard for the Redskins the past 3 seasons."

Brad Dusek's 1976 card says he starred at safety for two years at Texas A&M--where his dad had also played, according to his 1981 card--before switching to fullback during his fullback season. The Patriots selected him in the third round of the 1973 draft. "Rated by Redskins as a top prospect when acquired from Patriots in 1973, Brad has shown steady improvement each season."

Dave Butz's 1984 card says he "helped the Redskins to their victory vs. Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII. His recovery of key fumble gave Redskins the ball in clutch situation. ... Dave lists wine-making among his hobbies." His 1981 card notes his jersey size ("52-extra large extra-long") and recalls, "Dave first earned a starting spot in 1976 and alternated in 1977 before laying permanent claim to his berth as starting defensive tackle."

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.

Frank Grant and Bill Kilmer collaborated on NFL's longest pass of 1976, going for 96 yards against the Giants on Nov. 9, his 1976 card says. "Frank played mostly on special teams, 1973 & 1974."

Bob Kuziel's 1979 card says he holds a degree in economics. For three seasons, he played every game as a member of the Redskins' specialty teams. He became Washington's starting center in 1978.

Ricky Thompson's 1979 card says he "set a Southwest Conference indoor long jump mark of 24'5" at Baylor." His 1981 card, however, says he "long-jumped 25' 7 3/4" at Baylor."

Coy Bacon's 1981 card says his career began in the Continental Football League in 1965.

"Terry was voted lineman of the year in 1969," said Terry Hermeling's 1981 card. "... A fierce competitor, he earned a spot on Redskins' roster in 1970 despite not having been drafted, and has battled the injury jinx along the way. Terry can play both tackle and guard and was a starter on the Redskins' Super Bowl team of 1972."

Karl Lorch's 1981 card: "Karl lived the defensive lineman's dream in 1979 when he intercepted a pass and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown on Monday night television against the Giants. ... Originally drafted by the Dolphins (ninth round in 1973, out of Southern California), he played in 31 games with The Hawaiians of the World Football League in 1974 and 1975." Lorch is a native of Honolulu and made his home in Ewa Beach, according to the card.

Mark Moseley owns a travel agency, says his 1981 card.

Art Monk’s 1981 card: “Art was national high school hurdles champion. … He set Syracuse records with 102 catches for 1644 yards and caught 14 passes for 188 yards in one game vs. Navy.”

Mark Murphy is the Redskins’ defensive signal-caller, in the huddle and at the line via audible, says his 1982 card.

Denver Broncos cards

At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Luke Prestridge is "unquestionably the largest punter in pro football," according to his 1981 card. He flies.

Otis Armstrong was the Broncos' first-round draft choice out of Purdue in 1973. "His phenomenal sophomore season saw him become only the 5th player in NFL history to average over 100 yards rushing per game over the course of a season," says Armstrong's 1976 card.

"A very aggressive player, Tom (Graham) became Broncos' middle linebacker in 6th game of 1972, game won by Broncos over Raiders, 30-23. He was a college teammate of Ahmad Rashad ... (H)e was credited with 20 tackles in college debut vs. Utah," says his 1975 card. Graham was a fourth-round draft choice by Denver, out of the University of Oregon in 1972.

Fred Steinfort's 1981 card says he lettered in soccer in high school.

Rick Upchurch has two punt returns for touchdown in 1982, giving him eight on his career, tying the NFL record, says his 1983 card. "Had 67-yard kickoff return in Super Bowl XII," says his 1981 card.

"A Pro Bowl selection the past two seasons, Louis (Wright) was recognized as AFC Defensive Player of the Year by Football Digest in 1977," says his 1979 card. "The Broncos' fastest player, he has developed into a strong pass defender."

Haven Moses, says his 1981 card, "works for a luggage firm during the off-season."

Craig Morton is in the oil business, says his 1981 card.

Randy Gradishar's 1978 card informs that he became a Bronco starter in his second year out of Ohio State, 1975, and made the Pro Bowl that season. "Randy is in the beer business when not playing football."

A fourth-round draft choice out of Yankton in 1971, Lyle Alzado became a starter in his rookie season with the Broncos and earned the team's "Man of the Year" award in 1976. His 1978 card says, "Lyle once had 27 straight wins as an amateur boxer."

Rick Parros’s 1982 card: “Rick recovered successfully from a 1980 knee injury to lead the Broncos in rushing last season. He rushed for 3621 yards at Utah State. Set school mark of 252 yards vs. Fresno State in 1978 contest.”

Matt Robinson's 1981 card says he planned "to breed and raise appaloosa horses. Matt joined the Broncos for 1980 and split club's quarterbacking chores with Craig Morton last season."

Baltimore Colts cards

Roosevelt Leaks, who was third in voting for the 1973 Heisman Trophy while a junior at the University of Texas, ran for a touchdown on his first NFL rushing attempt after being selected in the fifth round of the 1975 draft by the Colts, says his 1977 card.

Curtis Dickey's 1981 card says he set Texas A&M's records with 3,703 yards and 697 rushing attempts. He became the Southwest Conference's second-leading all-time rusher.

Stan White, a 17th-round draft choice in 1972, placekicked for Ohio State as a sophomore, led the Buckeyes in tackles as a junior and played in the North-South Game following his senior season, says his 1975 card.

From Ed Simonini's 1978 card: Texas high-school wrestling champion as a prep senior, four-year starter with Texas A&M, Baltimore's third-round draft choice in 1976, Colts special-teams standout as a rookie and regular middle linebacker starting in 1977.

Bruce Laird's 1981 card said the safety held the Colts' mark for kickoff returns.

Bert Jones's 1975 card says he won the Colts' starting quarterback job from the start of his rookie 1973 season on the strength of two strong preseason performances: 11 of 15 for 93 yards and a score against Detroit and 12 of 19 for 130 yards and a score against Denver. He's a scuba diver, says his 1981 card.

A 90-yard Bert Jones-to-Roger Carr connection against the Jets in 1975 set a Colts record, says Carr's 1977 card. "Led nation in receiving as a junior (at Louisiana Tech) in 1972 with 40 catches for 1018 yds and 5 touchdowns ... His first NFL action came in 4th game of 1974 at New England where he had one catch for 9-yard gain. Best day of 1974 was 6 catches for 91 yards in season finale vs. Jets." He had been a Baltimore first-round draft choice that spring. Adds his 1981 card: "Roger once won the Louisiana state long-jump title. Roger is one of only two Colt receivers in club history to gain over 200 yards in game."

As a rookie vs. the Redskins in 1970, Raymond Chester had eight receptions for 110 yards, setting a Raider team record for tight ends, says his 1975 card.

Fred Cook's 1981 card: "He set a Colts' club record (since broken) by returning a fumble 49 yards for a touchdown against the Jets, November 16, 1975. Fred captained the Southern Mississippi team as a senior. He had career totals of 263 tackls, 108 assists and 45 quarterback sacks as a 4-year defensive end. Was MVP in Blue-Gray Game. Fred enjoys swimming as a form of relaxation."

Raymond Butler holds a degree in speech, says his 1981 card.

Reese McCall was an all-state basketballer, says his 1981 card. His first play as a pro after being selected by Baltimore in the first round of the 1978 draft was recovering a fumbled Dallas kickoff return.

"Herb (Orvis, says his 1981 card) once palyed on an Army football team in Germany ... In 1973 he became the first defensive lineman ever selected as Lions' Most Valuable Player."

Mike Bragg's 1981 card says he "is employed by a beer distributor."

1974: "Don (McCauley) is a bachelor."

1977: "Kicked 31-yard field goal in overtime enabling Colts to defeat Dolphins for AFC Eastern title in 1975 ... Attended Austria Tech where he participated in soccer and skiing."