Football Daily Card Tribune
Read and learn about the history of the gridiron, through cards. Remember... you heard it here first!
ROOKIE SENSATION BREAKS RECORDS
Williams didn't want to disappoint Dolphins fans watching his first mini-camp. "I'm a physical player," he said. "People aren't going to see my best until we put the pads on." When that happened, the rusher lived up to it with 1,853 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2002, leading the league in rushing.
Dick was the Lions' No. 1 draft choice and they are counting on him to develop into an outstanding defensive lineman. Strong and rangy, Chapman won All-America and All-Conference honors as Rice enjoyed a great season, winning the Cotton Bowl bid. Chapman plans to enter the field of nuclear physics.
Steve has been Seahawks' leading receiver in all 3 seasons. Last year he topped AFC with 71 receptions to set new club mark. He earned All-Rookie honors in 1976 and holds nearly all club receiving marks.
Steve's receiving coach in college was Jerry Rhome, now coach with the Seahawks.
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The deeper the Jaguars got into the 2023 season, the deeper Walker breached into the backfield. Unstoppable as a pass-rusher down the stretch, the defensive end pounced for 6.5 of his 10 sacks in his final eight games. He concluded the year with at least one QB takedown in four consecutive contests.
FOOTBALL TRIVIA
Q: What is Norn Van Brockln's nickname?
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Q: Who was the leading scorer in 1953?
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Drafted from the Minnesota Vikings organization in 1967, Mike worked hard and fought his way into the Saints' starting defensive unit last season. He stands 6'6" and is extremely effective at rushing the quarterback. His continued fine play has vastly improved the New Orleans' front four.
Mike was a two letter man at Montana
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Even the best quarterbacks couldn't help turning the ball over to Law. Over his five appearances in the Pro Bowl, the star cornerback snagged a trio of interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He and receiver Keyshawn Johnson were named co-MVPs of the 1999 event.
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VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT
Don was a hero on the Dartmouth campus because of his sensational play on the gridiron field. The New England youth was a high school star in football and basketball and a teammate of the Patriots' Art Graham, too. A rough, tough linebacker, Don made every collegiate All-East club. Labeled as a can't-miss prospect, Don had a great rookie campaign with Boston last year.
After spending his first two years in pro football with the Vikings, this end was dealt to Dallas. Lance led the Cowboys in receptions in 1967 and 1968. This sure-handed flanker holds the Dallas record with 13 catches in one game vs. Wash.
Andra barely got a sniff of the action as a 2002 rookie, but last season he proved the Browns got a steal with the 141st pick of the draft as he led the team in tackles. A club record-tying four of his five sacks came in a single game, but it took a review of the tape five days later to get the fourth when a play that originally was charted as a rush was changed to a potential pass attempt.
The NFC's third leading passer in 1971, Bill took over for injured Sonny Jurgensen and led the Redskins to a playoff berth. Bill was named Offensive Player of Week in 1969.
Bill missed '63 & '65 seasons due to injuries.
RETRO CORNER
As the Cards' leading pass receiver for the past three campaigns, Don starts his fifth year with the Cards. At Northwestern he set pass receiving records by catching 13 in one game and 378 yards gained in one season. All-America selection. Attended Schurz High in Chicago. With the Cardinals he holds record for most passes caught (181 in 4 years) and most passes caught in one game (10 against the Redskins in 1953).
Ray ranked number 5 in the NFL and number 1 for the Steelers on the basis of average yards returned of punts in 1953. Second highest scorer for the Steelers in 1953 with 44 points. Plays baseball in the off-season. Starting his fourth season in the NFL.
The No. 1 pick in the '91 draft, Russell amply justified his high ranking by being picked for his first Pro Bowl in '93. Quick and active, he explodes off the ball and pursues relentlessly.
A giant of a man in size and desire, Eldon has gradually developed into one of the league's outstanding offensive tackles. Using his speed and mobility, he is tops at opening up the defensive line. His brother Bill recommended him to Denver. Eldon immediately impressed the brass and was rewarded a contract. He is looking forward to penetrating the defensive wall again this year.
Eldon serves as the Broncos' player representative.
MODERN ERA
In about a half-season of action in 2022, Stafford compiled 2,087 passing yards. In other words, the veteran leader was on pace for yet another of his stellar seasons, like his Super Bowl-winning 2021 campaign. That's good news for Rams fans as the star quarterback gets set to return in 2023.
2 years ago, Dick was voted the league's "Comeback Player of the Year" as well as the Ram's M.V.P. In '66, he was 3rd in NFL in rushing.
After spending his first two years in pro football with the Vikings, this end was dealt to Dallas. Lance led the Cowboys in receptions in 1967 and 1968. This sure-handed flanker holds the Dallas record with 13 catches in one game vs. Wash.
Lance returned a kickoff 101 yds. as a rookie vs. the Colts.
80s-90s ERA
It's official: Reed is the best Buffalo Bills receiver ever. He holds or shares nine club career records, including most catches. In 1991, as the NFL's fifth-leading receiver, Andre made his fourth straight trip to the Pro Bowl.
Dispelling rumors of retirement, "Cowboy" returns to hunt down a fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
Roger enjoyed a superb season in 1971 as he led the Cowboys to the NFL Worlds Championship. He was voted as MVP of the 1972 Super Bowl and named to all-star teams of almost every poll. One of the outstanding collegiate players of all time, he was winner of the Heisman Trophy as a junior at Navy.
Roger deals in real estate in the off-season.
Dominic burst into the NFL in 2001 with 1,104 yards rushing as an undrafted Colts rookie free agent who replaced injured Edgerrin James for much of the year. After four subsequent seasons spent mainly as Edge's backup, he could return to a primary role in '06. His 4.5-yard career rushing average compares favorably to James's 4.2 per-carry mark.
Deion Sanders is the only man to play a Super Bowl and a World Series.
CLASSIC vs. MODERN
CLASSIC ERA
When experts get together to select the tops of the pros, Chuck's name is always mentioned. He's a devastating tackler and clears away enemy interference reminding one of a threshing machine.
MODERN ERA
Goedert has special skills with the ball. "He's got the ability to make guys miss like a receiver or a back would," tight ends coach Jason Michael told The Athletic. "But he's also got the ability to run through guys. And his (spatial) awareness on the field - he has a natural feel of being able to find space and run."
When Bobby came to the Bears in '55 he had a reputation as a speedy breakaway back. He has not disappointed anyone. He can flash 'round an end or bang away at the line to roll up yardage.
Bobby can plunge as well as scamper. Bobby led Ohio State in scoring two years.