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Oscars Remind Collectors About Michael Oher Cards
Posted by: | CommentsMichael Oher’s story The Blind Side has become a national sensation, raking in millions at the box office and making the Tuohy family into celebrities. This whirlwind of coverage culminated last night with a Best Picture nomination and a Best Actress win for Sandra Bullock, the actress who played Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film. Having such amazing success in the theatre didn’t just resonate with Oscar voters, as collectors have recognized Oher as a 2009 hobby all-star as well. Even after The Blind Side moves into Hollywood’s back log of great movies, Oher’s career will continue to be a testament to overcoming a difficult life.
I saw The Blind Side when it was first released around Thanksgiving of last year, and even wrote a post for this blog detailing my observations of the film. I could not help but feel great about its message, and even said to my wife that it was an Oscar contender at the time. My predictions came true, and Bullock won her first Academy Award playing a person that brought hope to many people over the last few months. The three subjects of the film were present at the Oscar ceremony Sunday night, and for many of us, it was the first time we got a look at the person that Bullock had so wonderfully represented.
For those of us who watched the draft before the 2009 season, Oher was a prominently featured prospect during the entire telecast. Though he was the last person present in the green room at the end of the first round, he didn’t look a bit disappointed. At the time, we only had what ESPN was commenting on, but now, thanks to the recent success of the movie, we know why he was just happy to be there.
Don’t get me wrong, Oher deserves all the credit he gets from what the movie displayed about his background. He is a great player, and anchored the offensive line of the Ravens during a season where injuries forced him into the starting lineup at left tackle. Though he had played right tackle for a good portion of the games before, he fit right into his role that was chronicled in the movie. He eventually moved back to the right when Jared Gaither returned from his injury, and played every game during the 2009 season and playoffs. After the 2009 campaign was done, he was named to the NFL All Rookie Team, and is primed for a sizable contribution to the Raven’s 2010 Super Bowl hopes.
Oher’s cards initially responded very well to the release of the movie, earning him some of the top values ever for a non-skill position player. As of the release of SP Authentic, his cards have not dropped at all. His SP Authentic rookie auto redemption consistently sells higher than some of the players more prominently featured on their team’s offense, including some that were in the running for Rookie of the Year.
In addition, his Ultimate collection rookie card (one that doesn’t feature an auto) is still among the top selling non-autographed cards of the set, which shouldn’t be surprising. It is one of the first ones to feature a game photo of him in his Ravens garb, and it is one of my favorites out of all of his rookie cards.
Oher was also featured on some dual autos in SP Signature Edition, which many collectors jumped on as soon as they had the chance. The cards pair him with Ole Miss alum and other offensive line prospects, and are some of the more valuable cards in the set.
Now, I have been in the hobby for a long time, and I have never seen anything like what Oher brings to the hobby. It’s very rare that a movie subject brings on as much value as The Blind Side did for him, and I don’t expect that will ever go away. I think it’s just as much a result of his exceptional play, as it is the wonderful job done by author Michael Lewis in writing the book, and John Lee Hancock in directing the movie.
It’s tough to say whether or not Oher will continue to live up to expectations set during a great first year, but I will comment that he has shown great determination. Because of his uncanny skills, he shouldn’t have a problem continuing his success, but the NFL is more than just skill. Regardless of how he does in the seasons to come, there will always be a great movie built around a truly amazing story. Because of that fact, collectors will continue to seek out “Big Mike” as an addition to their collection. I know I did not hesitate to add him to my list of players to cheer for, and I suspect that I am not alone.
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!).
Popularity: 14% [?]
2010 NFL Draft Preview: Sam Bradford
Posted by: | CommentsPlayer: Sam Bradford
Position: Quarterback
College: Oklahoma
Projected Draft Position: Top 10
Every year, there are teams looking for quarterbacks at the top of the draft to jump start their franchises. This year, with the stellar crop of defensive players and offensive tackles, there is a good possibility that a quarterback may not be taken in the first ten picks. As of the beginning of the combine, there were a few that had prospects of taking the place of players like Ndamukong Suh at the top of the draft. Out of all of them, Sam Bradford has emerged as the favorite with many teams in need of QB help. With the struggling Rams drafting at number one, the highly touted quarterback prospect out of Oklahoma has rocketed up the draft boards to become a potential number one pick.
It’s been a rocky road for Bradford over the last year, ever since he declared that he was going back to school instead of taking his place next to former number one pick, Matthew Stafford, in last year’s draft. Coming off a huge year, he was expected to be at or near the top of the draft in 2009, but he instead decided to go back for another year, and another shot at a BCS championship with the Sooners. He played well for most of the season until a shoulder injury sidelined him for the latter part of 2009, causing him to miss bowls and workouts alike. This unfortunate injury seemed to have put his millions of NFL guaranteed dollars in jeopardy, until he showed up at the NFL combine 14 pounds heavier and looking stronger than ever.
Although Bradford did not throw at the combine or do any of the drills, he improved his stock to the point where Jimmy Clausen now looks to be the number two prospect. The Rams have publically said that they love what Bradford brings to the table, and one draft insider has even reported that they are dead set on taking him at number one.
There is still a lot of time between now and the draft (including Bradford’s pro day), but his college resume does put him in elite company. He has won almost every college award there is to win, including the 2008 Heisman. Bradford was dominant when he was healthy, frequently outshining top draft prospects like Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow in a few of the games they played.
My thoughts on Bradford seem to match what a lot of other people are saying, as I believe he will be the best of the QBs taken in the 2010 draft class. He played in a pro-style offense, has a great throwing motion, and is turning into a beast at 236 pounds. Tim Tebow may have a “winning instinct,” but that means absolutely nothing when facing linebackers like Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, and Jon Beason, or corners like Darrelle Revis. You need the tools to play, and Bradford encompasses each and every one of them. His shoulder may present durability questions, but as we saw with former Sooner Adrian Peterson, injuries can be inconsequential coming out of the draft.
Upper Deck will make players like Sam Bradford a focus in the beginning of 2010, along with many of the other elite prospects for upcoming releases. 2010 Sweet Spot Football will be back with a new style and a new face, but will still feature elements collectors have loved for years. It will feature players like Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Colt McCoy and others, on hard signed custom helmet cards. Sweet Spot will also debut players like Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees in his Purdue garb, and Hall of Famer Dan Marino in his Pittsburgh uniform for all the collectors out there who follow their favorite schools.
Upper Deck Draft will also be back for its third year, with hard signed cards of all the top prospects and veteran stars. These cards have become immensely popular due to being some of the first cards and autographs of the 2010 season, and you can bet Bradford will be one of the top valued cards in the set.
Check back on the Upper Deck Blog for more draft profiles leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft on April 22!
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!)
Popularity: 19% [?]
2010 NFL Draft Preview: Ndamukong Suh
Posted by: | CommentsPlayer: Ndamukong Suh
Position: Defensive Line
College: Nebraska
Projected Draft Position: Top 3
It’s rare that a force as great as Ndamukong Suh arises in a college setting, even more so in the way he did. During his time at Nebraska, he solidified himself as one of the greatest defensive line prospects ever, and that has translated into some huge buzz for the upcoming NFL combine and draft. As of recent mock drafts, Suh is slated to go either to the Rams at number one, or to the Lions at number two, meaning that he will be terrorizing players from his first day in the league. Both teams are in desperate need of some defensive help, and Suh will be a great player to fill that hole.
After the 2009 NCAA season, Suh took many of the major awards, including the 2009 AP Player of the Year. Although he was a finalist for the Heisman, it’s generally understood that defensive players rarely have a shot at winning. He was also a first team All-American selection, and dominated the Big 12 all year with stellar play. Teams coming to Lincoln almost always had to adjust their game plan to account for Suh, as leaving him alone would almost guarantee a terrible game for the offense. He became known for his speed and strength in getting to the quarterback and ball carrier, even though the Cornhuskers did not have a season to match his accolades.
He is widely regarded as one of the best all around players in the draft, which stems mostly from his size and NFL caliber ability. I think the most impressive thing at this point is that he is known for his elite run stopping power, but racked up 12 sacks in a tough conference despite his dominance in other aspects of play. Mel Kiper Jr, draft guru extraordinaire for ESPN has hailed Suh as one of the best he has ever seen, while others are going even further and saying Suh may be one of the best modern era draft prospects. From what I have seen, I agree: the guy makes me scared for people who play against him.
Upper Deck will be making Suh a focus of upcoming products, along with many of the other elite prospects for upcoming releases. 2010 Sweet Spot Football will be back with a new style and a new face, but will still feature aspects that collectors have loved for years. It will feature players like Suh, Tim Tebow, Colt McCoy and others, on hard signed custom helmet cards. Sweet Spot will also debut players like Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees in his Purdue garb, and Hall of Famer Dan Marino in his Pittsburgh uniform for all the collectors out there who follow their favorite schools.
Upper Deck Draft will also be back for its third year, with hard signed cards of all the top prospects and veteran stars. These cards have become immensely popular due to being some of the first cards and autographs of the 2010 season, and you can bet Ndamukong Suh will be one of the top valued cards in the set.
Check back on the Upper Deck Blog for more draft profiles leading up to the NFL combine on 2/27/2010 and the NFL Draft on 4/22/2010!
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!)
Popularity: 27% [?]
Five Reasons to Get Excited for SP Authentic Football
Posted by: | CommentsEvery year I love SP Authentic Football for a number of reasons. If you’ve been following my posts here, you know much I love the product. In fact, it’s been a constant in my collection since I first started buying cards, and this year is no exception. Many people have me why I look forward to it so much, so here you go: my top five for 2009.
These five items are why I think this product is a fine addition to the SP Authentic line, and when all is said and done, aspects from all five will be resting on my shelf come the beginning of the 2010 card season.
5. Inclusion of Players like Jared Allen, Mario Williams and Ray Lewis
Not every person can make a name for themselves running in touchdowns or catching passes, which is why many of them never get much love in the hobby. For SP Authentic, and many other Upper Deck products this year, these players are finally getting their due. I have a few of them on my radar already, especially those of mullet sheathed pass rusher Jared Allen. Despite having very little to do with the high powered, high scoring, hobby MVP filled Vikings offense, Allen is a menace on defense and has built a HUGE fan base in Minnesota.
The problem was, before 2009, he had had a total of one autographed card. Now, in SP Authentic he has more than five, including a coveted SP Authentic By The Letter and duals and triples with Mario Williams, Albert Haynesworth and rookie Tyson Jackson. Williams and Haynesworth have built similar reputations in Houston and Washington, so it’s only natural that they get some face time as well. In addition to the aforementioned people, fan favorites like Ray Lewis, Lance Briggs and other monsters of the gridiron are getting attention, which I think is awesome.
4. A Great Looking Set All Around
It’s rare that a set features a complete win in every subset, but with 2009 SPA, things are looking top notch. Each card is completely new in its appearance, and the smoky feel to the cards definitely reflects the hotness they bring to the hobby each year. Even the old favorites like the rookie authentics and the By the Letter autos look fresh and new, which makes me want to go wild on ten cases and hope that I can get a few sets together. There are also a few new additions to SPA that look great, including the new dynasties autos. These are cards with sewn patches and autographs that focus on the Niners, Steelers and Cowboys: teams that ruled their decades with multiple Super Bowl wins.
3. NEW Super Patch Rookie Autos
Collectors love signed memorabilia cards, and now SPA has a brand new subset that could be one of the best looking cards of the year. For each of the rookies that were a part of the 2009 NFL Rookie Premiere, there is a card that features a signed swatch of player worn jersey instead of the normal swatch and autographed card. These cards are so cool looking, that I actually planned months in advance to be able to try to get a few of the ones I wanted. To have a rookie patch auto is one thing, but to have the rookie sign a super swatch is even more awesome.
2. The Rookie Auto Patches Look Better Than Ever
I can’t even tell you how amazing I think the Rookie Auto Patches look this year, as the design has definitely taken the cards to a new level. Team color borders are making their debut for this set, and they visually add a lot to an already sought after card. People always say these cards are valuable because collectors can’t get enough of the hard signed autos and multi-colored patches, but I also think it’s because they always look so good. I did a retrospective a few months ago, and throughout the time I was writing, I was thinking about how there wasn’t one bad year. 2009 is no exception.
1. Hard Signed Signatures Abound!
Having a set with completely hard signed autographs is tough to find in this day and age. SPA takes the concept above and beyond with duals, triples and quad hard signed autos, something that is not found very often outside Exquisite collection. However, unlike Exquisite, SPA can be purchased at price that makes it affordable for every collector, which means they get a taste of the high end with every box. Not only that, but it adds a certain element to each card, knowing that your favorite players actually touched and signed the card you just pulled. Plus, who can deny how awesome on card sigs look when showing off your collection?
When it comes down to it, it can be difficult to live up to such a high standard each year; but over the last decade, SPA has never fallen short. It’s the reason why release day is always such an exciting time for me, and 2010 is no exception.
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!)
Popularity: 25% [?]
Saints Win the Super Bowl With Gutsy Plays
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2009 NFL season has been a wild joyride, and I am happy that I got to be in the passenger seat these past five months. It ended in historic fashion on Sunday, with the Saints winning handily, thus cementing the comeback of a disaster laden city. Not only have the Saints won the franchise’s first title, they did it as underdogs against one of the NFL’s most dominant teams from the regular season. Drew Brees has entered an exclusive club of Super Bowl winning QBs, adding to his growing and lengthy resume as one of the best around today. Congrats Saints fans, you guys deserve it!
Before the game started, I couldn’t help but notice that most of the pre-game buzz was focusing on the positive side of the Saints’ epic run and the negative side of the Colts’ lagging injuries. As if that weren’t a sign enough, many of the commentators were picking the Saints to win in a close game, something that I was not expecting to see. As the pre-game started ramping up, I started to think that this was going to be a tighter game than I had once predicted. Although I wasn’t rooting for either team, I believed the Colts had the better team on the field, though I was expecting the Saints to make it interesting.
After the Colts went up ten points in the first quarter, I couldn’t help but think that it wasn’t going to be a very good game. The Saints-happy crowd wasn’t feeling it either, and after a graphic was put on the screen showing that no team had come back from more than ten points in a Super Bowl, it became essential for the Saints to get back on their horse. That’s when Brees picked it up, driving the Saints to field goal and a 1st down inside the 10. When Pierre Thomas was stopped inside the 1 on third down, Coach Sean Payton had the biggest decision of his life, and the first half wasn’t even done. They called the same play again on fourth down, and the Colts defense held for a miracle stop. At that point, I didn’t think New Orleans had it in them to come back. I was wrong.
Coming out in the beginning of the second half, Payton made one of the gutsiest calls in Super Bowl history, going for a trick on-side kick to get the Saints back in the game. The Saints recovered the ball in a massive rugby scrum, saving New Orleans from giving the ball back to Indianapolis with amazing field position. From there, Brees took the team down with quick passes and scored on a screen to Thomas that looked eerily like the one he scored on the Vikings with.
Although the Colts marched right back and scored on a Joseph Addai rumble for six, Brees wasn’t done yet. He knew that a touchdown to answer would be demoralizing to the Colts’ defense, and with a short pass to Shockey, all was within reach. The problem is, because of field goals, the Saints needed a two point conversion to set them up ahead by 7 points, and again, it came down to a wonderful coaching decision made by Sean Payton on a Lance Moore catch. Payton successfully challenged and won, giving the Saints a lead by seven, sending the team’s fans into a craze.
Here is where it gets even more interesting.
For the second game in a row, the Saints defense needed a stop to put them in a good position to win, and just like the previous game, Tracy Porter played like a god. Against the Vikings in the NFC Championship, Porter had intercepted a Brett Favre pass to prevent a game ending field goal try late in the fourth (this time, he took a wayward Manning pass all the way for six). It put the Saints further ahead, and I could almost hear Bourbon Street erupt from my family room in Los Angeles. Manning tried his best for some late game heroics, but it was too far to come back, and the Saints were champs.
Even though the commercials were sub par, and the half time show was surprisingly bland, the game did not disappoint one bit. Collectors have already started jumping on Tracy Porter’s 2008 rookies, as well as MVP Drew Brees’ many autographs. Luckily for all of Who Dat Nation, Brees will be featured prominently in the final three sets of 2009, with unprecedented inscription cards in both Ultimate Collection and Exquisite. Brees has solidified his reputation as a premiere elite quarterback, although Saints fans have been on board since 2006. Brees’ 2001 SPX rookies have been going nuts over the last few weeks, and I would expect that to continue from now on.
On that note, be sure to check out some of the great cards coming up in SP Authentic, Ultimate Collection, and Exquisite, even if you are not on the New Orleans party train. These sets will be filled with all sorts of amazing cards that highlight the run of the 2009 NFL season, including those of both the Champs and the Colts. This is also a great opportunity to start your collections if you haven’t already, because I have a feeling that there won’t be many teams who can beat ‘dem Saints next year either.
Adam Gellman runs the collecting blog Sports Cards Uncensored, and has been a collector of all things sports for over 15 years. To see more of his work, visit www.sportscardsuncensored.com (warning: strong language!)
Popularity: 24% [?]
