1975 Topps #35 Dan Dierdorf

The NFL is a mess right now. No I am not writing about the possibility of a strike or Lock out next season. No I am writing of the real possibility we may see a 7-9 team in the playoffs (thanks NFC West). Currently the Saint Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks own an astonishing 6-6 record. Now I am not saying that as a joke, it is astonishing for them, so they are not part of the problem. The problem is the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers are not living up to their inflated expectations.

Like the Saints, and to some extent the Buccaneers, the Cardinals were finally able to lose that appellation of doormat franchise a few years back when they almost beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl. But like all good Super Bowl Losers the Cardinals have fallen.

So in honor of Saint Louis (whom might have a division winner on hand)and the Cardinal Franchise I am going to honor the best Cardinal and Wolverine (A real Michigan Man Rich Rodriguez)ever.....

Dan Dierdorf


• Born Daniel Lee "Dan" Dierdorf in Canton, Ohio (born June 29, 1949)
• 6× Pro Bowl selection (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980)
• Dierdorf did not give up a sack for the entire 1976 and 1977 seasons.
• He is the co-proprietor, along with former Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart of Dierdorf and Hart's, a St. Louis steakhouse.

Why I like this card?

• Portrait was taken in the park right after a wedding.
• Perfectly combed part, nice touch.


Beckett value is $2.00 - $4.00.

1971 Topps #13 Buck Buchanan

You have to wonder what the NFL would look like if the AFL didn't start up. Would their be teams in Dallas, Houston, Denver, Minnesota, Atlanta by now? It is hard to say.

Lamar Hunt was the driving force behind the new league. When the NFL wouldn't sell him the Chicago Cardinals, (he wanted to relocate them to Dallas) he decide to contact the other potential owners to created their own league.

The American Football League stands as the only Professional Football league to successfully compete against the NFL. When the two leagues merged in 1970, all ten AFL franchises and their statistics became part of the new NFL.

Lamar Hunt's Franchise was based in Dallas Texas, the NFL decide to an expansion franchise to Dallas named the Cowboys. In 1963 Lamar cut his losses and moved to Kansas City.

The Chiefs represented the AFL in the first Super Bowl. The lost to the Packers, however the continued to improve as did the rest of the AFL and in 1969 (well 1970) the Chiefs won Super Bowl IV beating the Minnesota Vikings. That's in part to their great defense, lead by Bobby Bell and Buck Buchanan.


Facts about Buck Buchanan

• Born Junious "Buck" Buchanan in Gainesville, Alabama September 10, 1940 – July 16, 1992)
• 6×AFL All-Star selection ( 1964 , 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969)
• 2×Pro Bowl selection (1970, 1971)
• Has an Award named after him, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding defensive player in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA)
• Buchanan was the first black number one draft choice in Professional Football.
• NY Giants Drafted him 265th Overall.



Why I like this card?

• The afro, moustache and side burns scream 1970’s
• The Red Background, with the Red uniforms.


Beckett value is $0.75 to $2.00.

2003 Topps #1 Michael Vick

Last nights game was unbelievable. What an ass whopping. And I thought the Oakland-Denver game was bad was the worse beating we would see all year. Wasn't Michael Vick was unstoppable? That first half was probably the best quarterback play I have seen from anyone. I can't think of Manning or Brady having a half like that. Marino, Kelly, even the Great John Elway? From the first play on. (Well I went to bed after the 3rd Quarter. The Redskins never had a chance, maybe the Eagles with a healthy Michael Vick are the team to beat in the NFC.

I have seen Vick in person (vs. Bills 2005) and I have always appreciated his talents. He is that rare QB that can scramble, make smart decisions and throw the ball well. He is Michael Bishop but with a half of brain. Could he be the next Steve Young? I'll tell you this, if he can get the Eagles to win a Super Bowl (something McNabb couldn't do) We might be talking HOF?

I have to admit I was routing for him last night. I know what he did in the past was horrible and I felt that he should have received a harsher punishment. I do like what I have seen from him both on and off the field over the past few years. I do believe in forgiving people. I also believe in second chances. I really hope Michael becomes the role model for younger people that I believe he can be.


Facts about Michael

• Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980)
• Selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 1st selection in the 2001 NFL Draft
• Vick's Falcons were the first team to beat the Packers at home during the playoffs.
• 3× Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2005)
• Only quarterback in to rush for over 1,000 yards during the regular season (2006).
• Yesterday, Vick became the first player in NFL history with 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game.

Why I like this card?

• Prime time Michael Vick Mania. Card is #1 in the series.
• Nice action shot. Love the smile in the Pic.

Beckett value is $0.25 to $0.60.

1998 Topps #183 Marvin Harrison

The Giants win the world series! The Giants win the world series! Great series, happy for the Giants to final win one. Lincecum is a freak! Now back to Football, what an interesting week. McNabb being benched in the forth quarter. Moss being cut. The Cowboys 1-6. Peyton starting in his 199 consecutive game. 1998 seems like a life time ago.

Back in 1998 Peyton Manning was just a rookie. He threw his first TD pass to Marvin Harrison. It would become the first of 112 TDs between the two, a NFL Record. Marvin also caught passes from a College rookie at Syracuse, Donovan McNabb.


Facts about Marvin

• Marvin Daniel Harrison (born August 25, 1972 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 19th selection in the 1996 NFL Draft
• 6× First-team All-Pro selection (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006)
• 8× Pro Bowl selection (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
• Holds the NFL record for receptions in a single season with 143, set in 2002
• Only player in NFL history to catch a pass in every game

Why I like this card?

• Looks like the beginning of the Patriots-Colts rivalry
• I know my blog is becoming receiver heavy. But Herman Moore, Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison are special players that were game changers. Harrison did have the opportunity to play for Manning. But remember he did catch TDs prior to Mannings arrival and helped Manning become the QB he is today.

Beckett value is $.20 to $.50.

1950 Bowman #23 Steve Van Buren

I just got back from an awesome trip to Philly last weekend. Saw Sid the Kid vs. the Flyers (pens won) and Falcons and Eagles. Caught the ball games at the bars. I also had the opportunity to visit Franklin Field former home the the Philadelphia Eagles and current home to the Pennsylvania University Quakers. Quakers beat Columbia by the way 27-13.

I started thinking about my blog and my football cards, and I remember my oldest card,(older than my Dad by a year) and knew it would be a great choice to add next. (Side note Van Buren never played in Franklin Field the Eagles didn't move there until 1957)

Currently my oldest card is my 1950 Bowman Steve Van Buren. Steve is what I would call an original Eagle. Lead the Eagles to the first NFL Championship in 1948, scoring the only touchdown of the game.

Facts about The Original Eagle

• Stephen W. Van Buren(born December 28, 1920 in La Ceiba, Honduras)
• First running back in NFL history to achieve three consecutive rushing titles
• Retired as the NFL record holder for career rushing yards (5860)
• Retired as the NFL record holder for career rushing touchdowns (69)
• His #15 Jersey was the first jersey retired by the Eagles.
• A seven-time NFL All-Pro

Why I like this card?

• It's fucking sixty years old
• He looks like the offspring of Babe Ruth & William Shatner

Beckett value is $50.00 to $90.00.

1990 Fleer #397 Joe Montana/Rice MVP's

What a week, I started this post on Tuesday morning. Finally finishing it. Week 2 is complete, and we are on our way to Week 3. I watched a lot football over the last weekend CFL, College and NFL. But they saved the best for last. Saints-Niners on Monday Night.

What a game, the niners kept turning the ball over, but their Defense lead by Patrick Willis and an old pro Takeo Spikes, remember him Bills fans dominated the Saints, if fact the front seven only gave up one first down on the ground. Secondary held Bress and Co to 237 yards in the air. But if you turn the ball over 4 more time than your opponent convention says "You're going to Lose" and convention isn't wrong. Interesting though cause I do believe a 0-2 team will make the playoffs. You have the Vikings, 49ers, Lions, and Cowboys all 0-2, and I think two of these teams get in.

Now I don't believe the Bucs are for real. I do believe the Saints are. They were the best team on the field last night, but in football the best team doesn't always win. The most discipline team does.

The 49ers honoured Jerry Rice during half time (retired his jersey). Jerry Rice is definitely the best wide out of my generation, I wasn't a fan of his but appreciated his work ethic, and there is no denying his greatness.

I currently own 21 Jerry Rice cards, but i pick this one out because it has Joe Montana

Facts about Jerry Rice

• Jerry Lee Rice (born October 13, 1962 in Starkville, Mississippi)
• Played for the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks.
• 13× Pro Bowl selections
• Records for Receptions (1,549), Receiving yards(22,895), Touchdown receptions (197)
• Total touchdowns (208) [197 receiving, 10 rushing, 1 fumble return]
• Oh and has the most All-purpose yards (23,546)

Why I like this card?

• Two Hall of Fames, back to back Super Bowl MVPS.
• Love Joe's smile.
• I actually like the fleer set even though it's worth $5.00

Beckett value is $ .50 to $.75.

1997 Topps Autographs #6 Herman Moore

I am writing on a Wednesday since I didn't have time yesterday. I was so hoping to update this blog every week, on Tuesdays, no so worried thought since nobody is following me yet so I am sure there isn't anyone upset this is a day late.

Week One in the NFL is officially in the books. As in every year a few surprise's in week one. The Texans beating up on the Colts wasn't a big surprise to me. Now the Browns losing to the Bucs was. I really thought Cleveland was going to pounded the Bucs. Overall broke even on the gambling side. Took the Browns to win (instead of the pts), Lions, Ravens and Chiefs all covered. Falcons and Bengals did not. 3-3 not so great.

Now lets get back to the Detroit Lions for a moment. 31 seconds left 2 and 10 from the 25 yard line, Sean Hill in for the injured Stafford throws a nice pass to Calvin Johnson for an apparent Touchdown, a called touchdown, but wait is it? The booth calls for a review, and the play is overturned. What a bunch of horse shit! The NFL dropped the bomb on this one. I really hope this is motivation for the Detroit Lions. I would like nothing better than to see the team that went 0-16 in 2008 win the NFC in 2010. Here is the highlight (or lowlight) for those that can't search on the internet.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010091207/2010/REG1/lions@bears/watch#tab:watch

Now I have always liked Calvin Johnson, since watching him at Georgia Tech. He is turning into a great received, and could possibly be the greatest Lion receiver of all time. He does have a long way to go though before he can knock Herman Moore off the mountain.


Facts about Herman Moore

• Herman Joseph Moore (born October 20, 1969 in Danville, Virginia, USA)
• Played for the Detroit Lions 11 years, and one game with the NY Giants.
• He holds Detroit's records for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns
• A four-time NFL Pro Bowl selection
• First Career Touchdown was in the post season a Lions win over Dallas in 1991
• Curse of Moore, Lions haven't had a .500 since he left in 2001.

Why I like this card?

• It's one of the few autographs I have.
• You can see his face, yet he is still wearing a helmet.

Beckett value is $15.00 to $20.00.

1975 Topps #520 Alan Page

Season starts today Hooray!! Unfortunately I don’t have the time to write each day, however I felt Obert looked a bit lonely so I decide to add a Minnesota Viking(the other team playing tonight) to the mix.

When I think of the Vikings I think of the “Purple People Eaters”. Sure they played before I was born, but watching football for all these years and seeing all the highlights that I have seen I feel like I did watch them live. I also grew up watching the “Purple People Eaters 2” You know John Randle and Company, but we well talk about those greats from the 1980’s later.

Now for those of you who are too young and/or live under a rock, the Purple People Eaters were a nickname for the defensive line of the Minnesota Vikings, whose motto was “Meet at the quarterback”. Gary Larsen, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller and Alan Page were the original members that terrorized QB’s in the late 1960’s early 1970’s. When I got back into this hobby I decide I want to collect cards of greats, funny looking cards and general interesting characters. One of the first ebay purchases were all four of these greats. I decide to buy the 1975 Topps Cards which was the only year Topps produced a Gary Larsen Card. My favourite card of the four is Alan Page. Not only was Alan Page the best and first Hall of famer of the group (only Carl Eller is in the HOF to date), but also has the best Afro of the bunch and frankly the Eller card might scare kids away from this blog.

So they you have it, I am the proud owner of all four 1975 Topps “Purple People Eaters” cards.

Facts about Alan Page

• Alan Cedric Page (born August 7, 1945 in Canton, Ohio) the following day the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima
• 9 time Pro Bowl Selection, 6 time All Pro
• First defensive player to win MVP award
• He is an Associate Justice with the Minnesota Supreme Court
• He is the only person in NFL history to have both worked on the construction of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and be inducted into the Hall of Fame


Why I like this card?

• The afro, moustache and side burns scream 1970’s
• The field in the background looks about 120 yards wide
• The overall design of the 1975 Topps cards, my favourite of the 1970’s

Beckett value is $0.60to $1.50.

1996 Topps #30 Wayne Chrebet

I figured it would be fitting to honour the New York Jets with one of their fan favourites and to honour fans that hate the Jets, on one of their worst teams, the 1996 Jets.

1996 was the last year of the Rich Kotite era. The Jets finish 1-15 worst in franchise history. The Defence allowed 454 Pts also a worse. The takeaway/giveaway differential was -20 worse in the league. But good news was on the way. Kotite was fired and enter stage left was the Big Tuna, and Bill Belichick. Wayne lead the Jets in receptions at 84 and yards 909. He also handle punt returns, but judging by the 454 points given up I’m sure their weren’t to many.



Facts about Wayne Cherbet

• Wayne Chrebet (born August 14, 1973 in Garfield, New Jersey)as the last person in the NFL to wear the single digit 0 before its use was discontinued by the league.
• Played a total of three seasons, record 8 interceptions.

Why I like this card?

• Love the Jets uniforms, back of the card has a picture in their home green.
• Picture taken just before the snap.

Beckett value is $0.25 to $0.60.

1968 Topps #4 Obert Logan

The 2010 season starts tomorrow. I can’t think of a better time to start this blog.

With the Super Bowl Champs hosting the Minnesota Vikings I felt it was best to start this blog off with a New Orleans Saint.

New Orleans was granted a NFL Franchise for the 1967 season, the same year the Toronto Maple Leafs won their last Stanley Cup. The NFL needed congressional approval of the AFL-NFL Merger. Louisianan politicians wanted a Pro Football team, they met in a seedy hotel room, a little back door dealing (is that the right term) and you can guess what happen next. Now why on earth did I choose Obert Logan instead of Archie Manning or Drew Brees. Two reasons…..

1) Obert is my oldest Saint Card.
2) My Son’s first name is Logan.

Facts about Obert Logan

• Obert Clark "Butch" Logan (December 6, 1941 - January 21, 2003)
• Played safety for the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints.
• He played college football for Trinity University.
• Was the last person in the NFL to wear the single digit 0.
• Played a total of three seasons, record 8 interceptions.

Why I like this card?

• Logan reminds me of Jerry van Dyke who played Luther Van Dam in Coach.
• He wore number Zero or O and his name is 'O' bert.
• Don't forget to visit Obert Nebraska.

Beckett value is $0.75 to $1.50.