Football Daily Card Tribune
Read and learn about the history of the gridiron, through cards. Remember... you heard it here first!
ALL-PRO MAKES HISTORY
Overlooked by colleges despite a decorated career as a quarterback and defensive back at Wautoma High, Jared walked on at Wisconsin and auditioned at a variety of positions his first season. He became a full-time starter at flanker by his sophomore year, earning a scholarship
after that season. In 2013, Abbrederis set a school record with 78 catches and became the fourth 1,000-yard receiver in Badgers annals.
Atlanta tabbed Penix early in the first round to be the team's QB of the future. He ascended to the starter role late in 2024 and impressed, throwing for 312 yards and two TDs against Carolina in Week 18. He became the first Falcons rookie to log 300 yards and two scores in a game since Erik Kramer in 1987.
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Not many men could propose marriage at a McDonald's and live to tell about it but that's where Fitzpatrick and his wife became engaged during his rookie year. "I was looking at her in the eye, she was doing the sweet and sour sauce everywhere, licking her fingers," he said. "So the ring slid right on. It was wonderful."
FOOTBALL TRIVIA
Q: What is the longest run from scrimmage?
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Q: Which team scored the most points in 1 season?
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Last season marked the 8th time Boyd led the Packers in pass receiving. He is now the second leading receiver in Green Bay history. Boyd has all the moves and blazing speed to spring free. A real clutch performer!
In 1959, Boyd was Green Bay's Rookie-of-the-Year.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
48 yards
He's made big plays his entire career. And in 2022, Jones made one that will go down in NFL lore. When New England attempted an ill-advised lateral with time expired in the fourth quarter, the veteran hauled it in. He then took it 48 yards for one of the most incredible touchdowns ever seen and a Raiders win.
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VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT
Intercepted 12 passes in NFL rookie year (1950) to tie for second place in that department. Attended Los Angeles City College in 1946 and 1947, then transferred to Oregon. Played halfback. Had great year in 1949. Intercepted 8 passes, returned them 127 yards. Returned 3 kickoffs for touchdowns. Led Oregon in rushing. Has all that it takes to make a top-notch defensive halfback.
Lester led Raiders in interceptions last season and returned 2 thefts for touchdowns. He's a great hitter and intense competitor on gridiron for club.
Schultz is a player who always brings his best against top competition. For proof, check out the Texans' two games against Kansas City in 2024. The tight end tied his season high with five catches and a TD when the teams met during the regular season. Then he caught all four of his targets during the playoff rematch.
The rugged linebacker is one of the original Boston players. Alert, with quick reaction and a hard-nose tackler, Tom is one of the best defensive players in the American Football League. Tom is the Patriots' defensive captain.
Tom has played in every AFL All-Star game.
RETRO CORNER
Tobin is a familiar name to pro football fans. Last year the popular veteran played in his first American Football League campaign and became the circuit's top quarterback. Completing 59% of his passes, he won the Most Valuable Player of the Year honors for 1963. Tobin is also a good runner and scored two touchdowns rushing. Tobin's brother was a top football star, too.
As a pro rookie, Fred copped the punting championship of the National Football League. Completed the season with an average of 43.3 yards per punt on 57 kicks, edging out Horace Gillom who kicked 66 times for a 43.2 average. Led the Big 10 scorers and punters in senior year at Ohio State. Starred in Ohio State's Rose Bowl triumph over California. Member of College All-Stars.
Wilson displayed his clutch gene late in the fourth quarter of the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024. First, the WR hauled in a 29-yard pass to move the ball inside Alabama's 10-yard line. Then he capped off the drive with a 4-yard TD snag, forcing overtime and helping the Wolverines secure the eventual 27-20 win.
Since 1962, Walt has been a starting tackle for the Houston Oilers. He is considered one of the best pass blockers in all of professional football. Despite his huge size, Walt is extremely mobile and quick. He leads the way on end sweeps to clear a path for his backs to pop through for big gains.
In 1967, Walt was an All-Star selection.
MODERN ERA
He's a monument to the power of persistence. Singleton was cut by three teams and played in Canada, but never gave up on his NFL dreams. And today he's one of the league's premier tacklers. Denver's standout linebacker finished 2023 with 153 combined tackles, good for third in the league.
Garrett joined a who's-who list of pass-rushers in 2022 after mauling QBs for 16 sacks. He became the seventh player in NFL history to record at least 10 sacks in five of his first six seasons. The others in the club are Richard Dent, Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White, DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller.
Dan really blossomed into one of the best split ends in professional football. He led the New Orleans Saints in pass receptions and wound up fourth in the league standings! Dan has the speed and all the moves.
In a game in 1967, Dan caught 12 passes.
80s-90s ERA
An unsung team player, Tim became a starting safety with the Falcons for the final 8 games of his rookie campaign. Last season he had 44 Tackles, 30 Assists and 12 Passes Defensed.
All-Rookie, Guy is a strong member of Dallas' defensive forward wall, called the "Maverick Line" because it's made up of young members of Dallas' team.
An All-American at Michigan State where he broke nearly all career receiving records, Gene also starred in track, winning six Big-Ten hurdles titles. Drafted on the first round by the Vikings in 1967, he emerged in 1968 as one of the top deep receivers in the NFL. He has excellent speed, good hands and has responded very well to the challenge of being a starter.
Gene works as a counselor at MSU in the off-season.
Was called upon by Steelers to spell injured Terry Bradshaw in 1976 & responded with outstanding poise and leadership qualities in rookie year. Was a unanimous All-East selection during his senior campaign at Boston College and won the Harry Agganis Award as the outstanding college football player in all of New England. Had career marks of 235 completions for 2590 yards at Boston College.
Ranked 20th nationally in average passing yardage per game at Boston College in 1975.
CLASSIC vs. MODERN
CLASSIC ERA
A perfectly built flanker, Otis is a tremendous blocker and an accomplished pass receiver. He has fine hands, elusive moves, good speed and is an exciting player to watch. Otis is the quarterback's favorite target on key third down plays.
Otis led the Chiefs in pass receptions in '66 and '67.
MODERN ERA
Worthy's 261-yard day against Oklahoma in 2021 set everything in motion. He scored a 75-yard TD on the first play, instantly becoming a subject of national attention. Not really knowing the rivalry's magnitude played a big part in his day. "I'm from California, it was basically another game for me," he told The Athletic.
Atlanta led the league in Kickoff Returns, with 82 for a NFL high of 1737 yards. The most exciting feature of the '66 season, however, was the way their offense performed. Atlanta finished strong last year. Watch their smoke in '67.
ILLEGAL MOTION AT SNAP. Horizontal arc with either hand.