Archive for nfl rookies
Top NFL Rookie from Week 5: Jeremy Maclin
Posted by: | CommentsOne of the most exciting reasons to collect NFL rookie cards is that you get to watch their values spike if the players perform well on the field. To capture that excitement, Upper Deck launched a new website in September to help collectors track 2009 NFL rookie cards, but also make predictions on which rookie would have the best week at OwnTheRookies.com.
Collectors who can successfully guess the player who will be Upper Deck’s “Rookie of the Week” will be entered into a drawing to win a box of 2009 NFL cards. For posting an off-the-charts performance and a multi-touchdown game, Philadelphia Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin has earned top honors for Week 5. Congratulations to Daniel W. from Monroe, WA who entered codes from Maclin’s cards last week, and is this week’s winner!
In April, every team that was looking to draft a wide receiver had eyes for Maclin on their board due to his NFL-ready skill set. Most scouts were putting him at or around a top 10 pick, some even had him ahead of much-trumpeted standout, Michael Crabtree. Yet, as the first picks were selected and no receivers were chosen, teams in the lower half of the round got excited. When Oakland selected Darrius Heyward-Bey with No. 7, and then the Niners picked Crabtree at No. 10, there was a good chance Maclin would fall to one of the lower picks in the round. Philadelphia took him with the 19th pick overall, knowing that they could use him right away on special teams and as a second or third receiver behind rookie sensation DeSean Jackson.
Maclin had a quiet start to the season with very few catches and almost no yardage, but exploded with 142 yards receiving and two TDs against the Buccaneers this past Sunday. Maclin outplayed practically everyone on the field, and electrified the crowd with two long catches that put the Eagles up for good. Maclin was always thought to have amazing potential, and games like this make it all the more apparent to his coaches. He was touted as one of the best route runners in the draft, and as many veterans have noted, that talent is almost more important than speed. During Sunday’s game, this fact became pretty apparent, as well as Maclin’s burning speed to boot.
Luckily for collectors, Maclin will have some amazing cards this year, especially in the upcoming Upper Deck sets like SP Threads and Black due to be released in the coming weeks. When you factor in that he is doing a great job lifting existing value in cards as well, he represents a great investment for anyone. His autographed letter patches that will be released next week with SP Threads will be a fan favorite as usual, as collectors love to put together the nameplate of the player. They hold more value than normal cards for that reason, as there is a great sense of achievement in being able to display a player’s whole name on your display shelf.
Maclin was also featured in the “Same Day Signatures” insert set in 2009 Upper Deck Football, which features a hard-signed autograph of him in his Eagles uniform. This is something rarely seen this early in the season, as players are usually unable to sign during the actual season. Because of a lack of on-card NFL uniform signatures and the rarity of the cards (one per case), the Same Day Signatures collection is one of the most valuable released so far.
Lastly, I would check out his SPx “Rookie Material Signature” card inserted in Upper Deck’s recently released 2009 SPx set. In my opinion, it’s one of the better designed cards this year and is limited to just 50, depending on the parallel. Because the Eagles’ silver, green and black color scheme goes so well with the silver design of the card, it’s a great card to go after due to its simple beauty.
The fact of the matter is that Maclin will never have a hard time playing alongside a great QB in Donovan McNabb. This will be especially great news for the Eagles and Maclin collectors alike, as the Eagles have never been known for their prowess at wide receiver. Maclin should cement a young corps with Jackson and may turn out to be one of the better picks of the 2009 draft. He has some growing to do, as do most rookie receivers, but his potential and talent will trump any obstacle he runs into in terms of competition.
Check in next week for the newest rookie to win “Rookie of the Week” honors and don’t forget to enter in all your rookie card codes from the Upper Deck products you have collected so far. Not only can you win prizes, but the site has some great features that allow you to track rookies and their cards this season!
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: unranked [?]
Mark Sanchez Makes Special Delivery!
Posted by: | CommentsOn May 16, the cream of the NFL’s rookie crop got their first crack at donning their new teams’ uniforms at the annual NFL Rookie Premiere Photo Shoot. And the folks at Upper Deck are only too happy to share with you the company’s new, league-approved “Top 10 Touchdown Dance Challenge” video captured at this year’s event inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Out of the 34 position players invited to this year’s event on May 16, ten of the more creative ones made the final cut as part of Upper Deck’s just-released video. The competition was fierce as every player was vying for the overall grand prize: an autographed Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls red jersey, courtesy of Upper Deck Authenticated! Upper Deck officials spent countless hours compiling notes and reviewing the entries to see who would make the grade and ultimately be recognized as the overall TD Dance Challenge champion. And perhaps more importantly, which rookie for the Class of 2009 would earn bragging rights for having the best touchdown boogie!
As the players walked up to Upper Deck’s video crew at Station 6, they started to feel the excitement as they all seemed to be visualizing their first touchdown scores in the NFL. And once they crossed that chalked line and entered the L.A. Coliseum’s east end zone, it was do-or-die time as they strutted their best touchdown dance celebrations.
The day’s cameras captured the freshman players’ most interesting maneuvers, some more hair-raising than the next. Classic moves were caught on tape where some players paid homage to past stars and current veterans who helped pave the way to the art of the touchdown dance.
Featured in the video compilation are top up-and-comers like No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Stafford (QB, Detroit Lions), who blows up the goal post with his entry entitled “Dynamite.” Another can’t-miss performance is one turned in by newly acquainted New York Jets teammates Mark Sanchez (QB) and Shonn Green (RB), who get familiar with one another in their routine christened “A Star is Born.” A Tiger Woods impersonation is turned in by Indianapolis Colts rookie Donald Brown (RB), while Tyson Jackson (DE, Kansas City Chiefs) and LeSean McCoy (RB, Philadelphia Eagles) do some dancing, and Derrick Williams (WR, Detroit Lions) provides an eye-opening interpretation of a one-armed worm. What’s more, Mike Wallace (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers) provides a unique way to make it back to the sidelines after scoring six points, while Deon Butler (WR, Seattle Seahawks) takes everybody back in time with his rendition of duck, duck, goose.
But when the dust had settled, and all the votes were in, it was Knowshon Moreno (RB, Denver Broncos) who took top billing. Although he performed two different entries that both landed in the final cut, it was his innovative lumberjack routine that scored top honors. See for yourself if Moreno’s moves would have been good enough to make a dent on “Dancing with the Stars.”
Popularity: unranked [?]
Instant Impact 2009 NFL Rookies
Posted by: | CommentsRookies keep the NFL exciting. They inject new blood into the game and give fans new reasons for optimism.
Some of these new youngsters are in terrific situations to shine this fall. Here are five to watch that should make early impacts for their new teams.
Aaron Curry, OLB, Seahawks
Lost among all the focus on glamour boys such as Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, Michael Crabtree and Josh Freeman is possibly the most talented player in this rookie class who could create the most impact in 2009. Aaron Curry is in the mold of DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers—an athletic and fierce pass rusher who can get to the quarterback many different ways. The Seahawks ranked dead last in passing yards allowed in 2008, and Curry should make things much easier for the defensive backs. His presence should help to free up the aging Patrick Kerney.
Who’s Affected (+/-): Marcus Trufant (+), Patrick Kerney (+), Lofa Tatupu (+)
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos
Yes, Denver is loaded with running backs yet again, but many of them are injury prone or veterans who have been bouncing around the league. Moreno brings instant help to an offense that’s all of a sudden in question due to the trade of Jay Cutler. Moreno’s ability to cut and turn on the speed fits perfectly in the offense. Expect him to get most of the carries by October.
Who’s Affected (+/-): Selvin Young (-), Kyle Orton (+), Eddie Royal (+)
Josh Freeman, QB, Buccaneers
The early reports point to a Week 1 start for big Josh Freeman, but let’s face it: The Bucs don’t have many other choices. The addition of tight end Kellen Winslow will help Freeman immensely, as a young quarterback’s best friend is often a reliable tight end. Plus, Anonio Bryant is coming off of a 1,200-yard season. Don’t expect Freeman to make a big impact early, but if Tampa Bay uses him right, the team could throw a wrench into a tight NFC South division.
Who’s Affected (+/-): Byron Leftwich (-), Kellen Winslow (+), Antonio Bryant (+)
Chris Wells, RB, Cardinals
Edgerrin James was there when the Cardinals needed him most last season, but it was clear that he would not be back with the team for 2009. So the defending NFC champs picked up Chris Wells at the end of the first round. Wells instantly improves the NFL’s worst rushing offense that averaged just 73.6 yards per carry last season. His big frame will help in the red zone, and with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin drawing plenty of attention, lanes could open up nicely for Wells, who excels at downhill running. Now maybe Kurt Warner won’t get hit so much.
Who’s Affected (+/-): Tim Hightower (-), Kurt Warner (+), Larry Fitzgerald (+), Anquan Boldin (+)
Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Bears
Chicago’s top three pass catchers last year were a running back, a tight end and a receiver playing his first year at the position. The team needs help at receiver. They get it in Juaquin Iglesias. The third-round pick may prove to be one of the steals of the draft. He runs terrific routes and has great hands. He played in a record-setting Oklahoma offense and joins 4,500-yard passer Jay Cutler with the Bears. Expect Iglesias to be one of the most productive rookie receivers in 2009. His addition should help Devin Hester run freer and draw more single coverage, while tight end Greg Olsen and running back Matt Forte keeps defenders occupied in the middle.
Who’s Affected (+/-): Jay Cutler (+), Devin Hester (+)
David Lee is a Dallas-based writer, and the former editor of Beckett Football and Beckett Basketball. To see more of his work, visit his website at www.MrWriteMedia.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
More Pictures from Upper Deck’s NFL Rookie Premiere Photo Shoot
Posted by: | Comments
LeSean McCoy (Eagles) being interviewed by Terry Melia
Josh Freeman (Buccaneers) getting ready to do his touchdown celebration
Mike Wallace (Steelers) chatting with Gabriel Garcia
Stephen McGee (Cowboys) being taped doing his touchdown celebration
Josh Freeman (Buccaneers) doing his touchdown celebration.
Michael Crabtree being shot by John Grieshop at the Porta-Pit
Nate Davis & Kyle Tolle (waterboy) playing catch.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Behind the Upper Deck Scenes at this Year’s NFL Rookie Premiere Photo Shoot
Posted by: | CommentsThe event started promptly at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. Each of the 34 rookies participating in the 2009 NFL Rookie Premiere Photo Shoot at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was pumped and ready to get down to business. And hand-selected members of Upper Deck’s Creative and Marketing teams were poised and prepared to capture all of the first-year up-and-comers in print and video.
Seven photo/film stations were decorated across the western half of the coliseum’s football field, each created to deliver the players in various poses and moods that could be used in upcoming Upper Deck football card products. After all, this event represents the first time trading card companies can photograph the recently drafted players in their new professional team uniforms. Station No. 6 would quickly become the most anticipated station of them all, as players were asked to perform their very own “Touchdown Dance” celebrations on video. A vivacious touchdown dance/cheerleader instructor named Mary Riley was recruited by Upper Deck to provide inspiration and enthusiasm to get the players involved. And if all else failed, Upper Deck offered up a Michael Jordan-signed red Chicago Bulls jersey that would go to the winner (suggested retail price: $1,699.99)!
Nate Davie (49ers) at the touchdown video taping with Mary Riley
Appropriately enough, No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Stafford (QB, Georgia) batted leadoff at Station 6, sporting his brand new, baby blue Detroit Lions uniform. He was joined by his two new Lions rookie teammates: Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State) and Derrick Williams (WR, Penn State). A personable, congenial rookie, Stafford provided yours truly with a quick, six-minute interview while his teammates joked to see who would perform their touchdown dance celebration first. Williams got the nod and quickly impressed a small group of onlookers who started to converge. Pettigrew followed and even incorporated “the lawnmower pull” as part of his repertoire.
Stafford, meanwhile, was discussing everything from the thrill of being featured on his first Upper Deck NFL rookie card to his excitement to sign for adoring fans. “I consider it an honor to sign an autograph for somebody who asks for it,” he said. “Without the fans, where would we be?”
He then obliged Upper Deck’s video team and offered up his own interpretation of a touchdown dance. An original execution for sure, but probably not good enough to take top honors.
“I gave it my best shot,” he said with a smile, before venturing off Station 7 to sign Upper Deck Authenticated memorabilia and dozens of autographs on various Upper Deck football cards to be used as inserts inside fast-approaching football products.
Williams and Pettigrew also provided one-on-one interviews and gave their individual perspectives on being asked to sign some rather unusual items during their college careers. “Yeah, I’ve been asked to sign some strange things,” said Pettigrew. “Arms, legs, even women’s chests. You try to oblige the fans, but you’ve got to be careful. As long as it’s in good taste, I’m okay with it.”
A total of seven groups of players would pass through Upper Deck’s gauntlet of photo stations during the morning session (8 a.m. to 12 noon). Station 1 was positioned inside the Trojans locker room and had players posing against a white, seamless portrait-style background. Station 2 had the players posing inside the Coliseum’s lower tunnel; Station 3 would have the rookies standing with the upper tunnel feeding into the stands serving as the backdrop. Station 4 was a real sweat-buster for the players as they were instructed to get running starts and then fly through the air and land top of a port-a-pit, providing the photographer with the chanceto capture the player(s) in mid-air. Station 5 represented the “action photos on field” area where players would show off their pass-catching, pass-throwing and running capabilities. And then it was on to Station 6 and the touchdown-dance challenge.
Andre Brown (Giants) being shot by John Grieshop at the Porta-Pit
Station 1 would also be the location where players participated in Upper Deck’s newly unveiled virtual world for kids: UpperDeckU.com. When they weren’t being photographed, the players actually sat down and answered questions in real-time posed to them by kids across the county who had logged on.
Jeremy Maclin (Eagles) getting suggestions from Mary Riley for his touchdown celebration
But it was the touchdown dance competition that kept people talking. When I informed USC QB Mark Sanchez the night before about Upper Deck’s TD Dance competition, he just looked at me and said, “I don’t dance. What am I gonna do?” I told him he’d dance on Saturday and that a Michael Jordan signed jersey was at stake. “Hmmm, maybe,” he said.
When Sanchez’s two-man group came around on Saturday, which included New York Jets teammate Shonn Greene (RB, Iowa), he remembered our conversation and seemed genuinely excited. When he finished his interview, where he mentioned former Jets QB Brett Favre has always been one of his idols, he hurried over to the end zone and went right to work. He even incorporated Greene to help him perform an end zone “football birth” for the competition. With Greene lying flat on his back with a towel strewn over his legs, Sanchez served as delivery doctor and – calling out QB-like signals – pulled a football from between Greene’s legs. The crowd went wild, right up until Sachez spiked the newly born baby football!
“At least it was original,” said Sanchez.
Mark Sanchez (Jets) getting ready to sign his UDC memorabilia
The remainder of the two sessions (morning and afternoon groups) would hold lots of laughs, original renditions and well-thought-out answers to questions about idols, goals and memories from their college careers. But once all the dust (and grass) had settled, it was Denver Broncos gregarious new recruit Knowshown Moreno (RB, Georgia) who walked away as Upper Deck’s first-ever Touchdown Dance Champion. Utilizing bits and pieces of what could have been four separate videos, Moreno was awarded top honors, which included a beautiful, laser-engraved crystallized trophy along with the coveted MJ-signed jersey.
The film has been recorded. The shots are being screened. Now wait for Upper Deck’s newest football releases to find their way onto store shelves in mid July to see what I’ve described here. You won’t be disappointed. Fortunately, the video compilations should be done this week. Keep your eyes peeled for soon-to-be-uploaded links to see how much fun everybody had on May 16. It will be worth the wait. I promise.
Click here for more photos!
Popularity: unranked [?]
