The New Orleans Saints are Superbowl bound and the hype-machine’s about to kick into high-gear. The Saints should be greeted by the sun-drenched coastline of southern Florida any day now, but until then we’ll linger on the past.
There’s very little doubt that Archie Manning has become the Saints most memorable player in their history, but he’s probably not the best. When it comes to the best player in Saints’ history, I’m very tempted to lean the way of the absurdly dominant, Willie Roaf.
I’d like to take a step back from Roaf though — just one more generation — to the DOME PATROL. (more…)
Team/Position: Kansas City Chiefs / Defensive Tackle
Cost: $6.00
There’s so much history wrapped up in this card I’m just not sure where to start. Rather than digging into the history of Topps, the AFL, or Buck Buchanan right off the bat; I’ll just discuss the overall appearance of the card. While ‘64 can’t compare to the downright gold that is the 1965 Topps set; I love the bold colours and star-spangled border.
When you compare the ‘64 Topps to it’s NFL-counterpart, the ‘64 Philadelphia, it’s really a matter of taste. The AFL cards are flashy and filled with bright colours, while the NFL cards are beautiful in more of a historical kinda way.
Team/Position: Los Angeles Rams / Defensive Tackle
Cost: $4.00
Depending on when you discovered the wonderful game of football, you’ll definitely have a different opinion of Merlin Olsen.
Olsen played 15 years of Pro Football all with the same team: The Los Angeles Rams. If you were watching the game anywhere from 1962 to 1976, you know Merlin Olsen as a hard-working, smart, defensive beast that couldn’t help but work his way to the Pro-Bowl in 14 of his 15 seasons.
Arguably more impressive than the 14 Pro Bowls, a record that he shares with Bruce Matthews, is Olsen’s participation in every single game. Olsen didn’t miss a game in his entire 15-year career, as a defensive end! (more…)
With the Saints and the Indianapolis Colts recently losing, what better time than to feature a member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins remain the only team in the history of the NFL to complete a perfect season, although they only won fourteen regular season games as opposed to the current 16-game regular season schedule.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a single person that has any respect for the ‘72 Dolphins squad. Every year they celebrate by popping the cork on a fine bottle of Champagne when the final undefeated team loses and somehow,Mercury Morris finds his way onto ESPN. The Dolphins’ perfect season will always put them in the conversation for the greatest team ever, but for what it’s worth — they’re not even close.
Team/Position: Philadelphia Eagles / Wide Receiver, Defensive End
Cost: $15.25
I had yet another chance to add a 1948 Bowman to my collection, but once again decided on the Leaf alternative. It’s not that the ‘48 Bowman set is ugly or the ‘48 Leaf set is gorgeous, it’s just a preference thing.
The Leaf Gum Co., set offers a little bit of colour and a couple different variations; whereas the Bowman offering is a simple, but gorgeous, black and white photograph. If you’re interested in checking out the Bowman, here’s the link:
Cost: $15.50 for this snowed in version of one of the greatest rookie cards of all time
There were three or four cards that I genuinely thought I’d have no chance in hell of acquiring for a reasonable price. The two big boys from the 1957 set, Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr, are almost impossible to acquire on the cheap regardless of condition — so they’ve been back-burnered. Then there’s Topps’ 1965 version of Joe Namath, which literally offers no hope for eventual purchase. Namath’s numbers don’t jump out at you, but when you’re the quarterback of the New York Jets and you captivated a nation of young people, your rookie card’s going to sit at 250 bucks with 24 bids and 4 days left in an eBay auction as a PSA5 . (more…)
1984 is one of the few years in the modern era that can compete with the big-boys of the 1950’s. Marino and Elway alone keep the year amongst the greatest of all time.
With that said, I have no use for John Elway or any other Quarterback that refuses to abide by the rules of the NFL Draft – I’m looking at you, Mr. Eli Manning. (more…)
Team/Position: NY Giants, GB Packers / DB, Safety.
Cost: Acquired in a Lot ($15)
As a side-project, I’ve started to put together than 1951 Bowman set. That year really doesn’t offer a lot of value in the Rookie Card department, but it’s definitely cheaper than the ‘50 or ‘52 sets. Emlen Tunnell is one of the few rookies in the set, along with Tom Landry and Stormin’ Norman Van Brocklin. (more…)
Team/Position: Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions / End, Defensive Back
Cost: $8.50
After a brief hiatus, I’m back with one of my favourite cards. While the posts stopped; the cards just kept filling tiny apartment mailbox.
When it comes to defensive backs, Night Train Lane is the best of the best. Dick was named the best defensive back of the first 50 years of professional football. (more…)
I knew this deal was too good to be true, I knew it. I purchased this Earl Campbell with a Dan Fouts Rookie Card because the seller agreed to ship it via standard airmail.
Rant Ensues, Feel Free To Skip
I didn’t feel like spending 11 dollars on shipping for 5 dollars worth of cards and she agreed, yet every time that I requested an invoice she sent it back with shipping of 11 dollars. In her messages, she said she was going to ship it via the two dollar option, but her invoices said differently. (more…)
