Sept. 23 Report: Former Chicago Bears Kicker Bob Thomas

Nearly 200 days ago (194 to be exact) I sent a a few cards off to former Chicago Bears kicker Bob Thomas to get signed. This has turned out to be my longest wait to date on this project, but I am happy to report a triple success.

Thomas, a former Notre Dame player, went on to become the 388th pick in the 1974 NFL Draft. Though he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, Thomas never played a game for the West Coast team.

He is primarily know for his career with the Bears (1975-84). He also suited up for the Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers and New York Giants.

One of the col things in researching players I used to watch in my youth is finding out what they are up to today. Thomas is a justice for the Supreme Court of Illinois. Pretty cool to establish such a prestigious career after enjoying a lengthy and successful NFL career.

Returning to the autographs, Thomas signed all three cards I send to him, despite me asking him to keep the duplicate. In addition to signing the cards he also added the inscription "Romans 5:8".

Day of the Year: 264
Number of Autographs This Year: 242

April 21 Report: Former Houston Oilers RB Allen Pinkett

Breaking up the golf successes lately with a football one today.

Allen Pinkett was an exceptional player at Notre Dame, where he became the first player in school history to ever rush for 1,000-plus yards in three consecutive seasons (1983-85).

He was a third-round selection in the 1986 NFL Draft, and played for six seasons with the Houston Oilers. He rushed for 2,324 yards and 21 touchdowns.

As of this writing Pinkett works as the color commentator for Notre Dame games on ISP Sports.

Day of the Year: 111
Number of Autographs This Year: 158

January 9 Report: Catherine Zeta Jones, Chris Hanburger and Rick Mirer

Glad to report three successes for the third day in a row today, two of them football and the other is my first actress addition of the year.

Ladies first I suppose, so here is Catherine Zeta-Jones. The stunning actress from Wales was performing at the Walter Kerr Theater in New York when she signed this program from her performance in "A Little Night Music".

She's an avid golf nut and I was hoping to get her to autograph a golf ball for me, but she instead opted for this program. Still very happy with this success from a beautiful and talented leading lady.

Alongside the Zeta-Jones signature came that of two former football players. One was more successful than the other on the professional level, but a nice add nonetheless.

Chris Hanburger was one of the finest linebackers of his day back in the 1960s and 1970s. Somehow he's managed to be overlooked for Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration to date, but he's certainly got some impressive stats. He was an All-Pro four times and was selected to nine Pro Bowls in his career. He amassed 19 interceptions and was a feared competitor who earned the nickname The Hangman because of his clothesline tackles.

Truly one of the greatest Washington Redskins of all time - and there's been some serious quality there over the years.

The third in my trio of successes today came from former Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer. He was brilliant in college but a bit of a disappointment in the NFL. My worst memory of Mirer was when he led Notre Dame against Florida in the 1992 Sugar Bowl. My former school (UF) was trounced by Notre Dame and RB Jerome Bettis was a one-man wrecking crew. That game stung a bit as you can still tell.

That sour memory aside, I'm still happy to add a great NCAA autograph to my collection.




Day of the Year: 9
Number of Autographs This Year: 10