Defensive force Bennie Blades burst onto South Beach and helped lead the Miami Hurricanes to a National Championship in 1987. He was a key component of the famed defense, even earning the unit the moniker of "Bennie and the Jets" due to free flowing and hard hitting the style of play exhibited by the squad. His play that year also earned him the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, … [Read more...]
Quinn Early Q&A: Seeing His Rookie Card for First Time, Steelers Fandom, Martial Arts Journey and Being a Stuntman
West Hempstead, New York's Quinn Early was a standout wide out at the University of Iowa. The college star then forged a long career as a pro. As a 12- year NFL veteran, Early suited up for the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills and New York Jets. During his decade plus in the National Football League, he caught over 500 passes for more than 6,000 yards … [Read more...]
From Rookie Season to the Hall of Fame, Pat Waters Has Been Brian Dawkins’ Right Hand Man
Pat Waters has been a heavy hitter in the Philadelphia area sports collectibles market for over two decades. Waters began his career in the industry as the COO with BCC Sports Collectibles over 20 years ago. Now working with The Sports Vault, in Exton, PA, he has been at the forefront of the business and responsible for appearances and signings with some of the biggest stars … [Read more...]
Gus Frerotte Q&A: NFL Trading Card Glamour Shots, Collecting Clemente and Punting in a Pinch
Quarterback Gus Frerotte was a standout during his time at the University of Tulsa. Drafted in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, he went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL for seven different teams. His finest season was the 1996 campaign, one in which he threw for nearly 3,500 yeards and was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2008, Frerotte tied … [Read more...]
Tyoka Jackson Q&A: Penn State Game Days, His First Card, Jersey Swaps and Autographs
Tyoka Jackson was a defensive force during his time at Penn State University. He graduated as the school's all time sack leader along with a laundry list of honors and awards. He was named the Defensive MVP of the 1992 Fiesta Bowl, named All-Big Ten first team, a starter in the Senior Bowl, and a member of the Penn State All Decade Team of the 1990's. Jackson went … [Read more...]
Former Big Leaguer Kelly Stinnett on Visiting Card Shops, Collecting Mickey Mantle, Dmitri Young Maildays
Kelly Stinnett played the better part of fourteen seasons in the big leagues. The Lawton, Oklahoma native suited up behind the plate for eight different teams during his MLB career, having his best year in 1999 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Stinnett transitioned from player to the manager role shortly after his retirement in 2007. He became the skipper of a number of minor … [Read more...]
Jarrod Bunch Talks Rookie Cards, Signing Autographs in High School and Blocking Lawrence Taylor
Jarrod Bunch was a standout running back at the University of Michigan in the late 1980s, serving as captain on the Wolverines' 1990 team. Selected in the first round of the 1991 draft by the New York Giants, he averaged 4.8 yards per rushing attempt in 1992, ranking second in the NFL. His playing career was cut short due to injuries and he then transitioned to coaching and … [Read more...]
Levon Kirkland Q&A: Card Backs, Fun Facts, Encyclopedias and Signing Body Parts
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the richest traditions of linebacker greats in the history of professional football. One name that probably isn't mentioned as often as it should be is that of Levon Kirkland. The Clemson graduate and South Carolina native was a two time Pro Bowler, a two time All-Pro, a two time team MVP and he was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of … [Read more...]
Chatting with Sid Bream: His Earliest Cards, TTM Requests and Greg Maddux
Sid Bream spent over a decade in the big leagues, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. He played in two World Series during his time with Atlanta and is best known for 'The Slide' in game seven of the 1992 National League Championship Series, where he scored the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning against his … [Read more...]
Tyrone Nesby Talks Celtics Themed Childhood Bedroom, Buying Karl Malone’s Boots and Shadowing Michael Jordan
Tyrone Nesby was a star on the college basketball scene during his time at UNLV. His professional basketball career spanned nearly a decade as he played all around the world including spending time in the CBA, the NBA, the ABA and beyond. A native of Cairo, IL, Nesby is currently the men's head basketball coach at Muhlenberg (P.A.) High School. This past season, he led the … [Read more...]