Football Playing Card Autographs
So a few years ago, I found these playing cardsin a local Ann Arbor store:
Naturally I had to have a couple packs. It has M greats from all era's; pre-Yost to Braylon. As they were sitting on my shelf, I thought about what to do with them, and decided I'd like to get the entire pack framed in a huge case someday, and that it would be really cool to get some autographed. So I found as much contact info as I could about guys who are alive, mostly in NFL, and mailed cards out. Here is what I got back:
The Harbaugh card is my most prized, as he was my hero as a little kid learning about Michigan Football......but the best response I got was from John Navarre, who actually wrote me a letter in return. At this time, he is in his first or second year with the Arizona Cardinals:
"could you send me some more of these cards or possibly the whole deck. my wife loves them"
I bought another pack and sent if off to him.
no response:
Desmond Howard, Jon Jansen, Charles Woodson, Chris Perry, Brian Griese, Braylon Edwards, Ty Law, Tom Brady(but their PR person sent a packet of Patriots stuff)
....I Know....
August 16th, 2012 at 9:35 PM ^
August 16th, 2012 at 9:38 PM ^
I think it's a cool story...
...bro.
August 16th, 2012 at 9:52 PM ^
Care to share the longest waite for a returned autograph? Thought it would be interesting to see if anyone sat on it, or just opened the letter, months/years down the road.
Thanks for sharing.
August 16th, 2012 at 10:19 PM ^
A-Train and Biakabatuka were really quick......within a week or two. Jamie Morris was the longest....8/9 months.
August 17th, 2012 at 6:26 AM ^
as Biakabatuka was known for his quick feet and Thomas for his speed. Morris, though, like me, has slowed down with age.
August 16th, 2012 at 10:36 PM ^
August 16th, 2012 at 10:50 PM ^
I've said this a few times before, but John Navarre is one of my all-time favorite Michigan Wolverines. That guy was so ballsy and cool with how he dealt with some awful, unfair criticism. As stupid as it is, seeing something like this from him made me happy.
August 16th, 2012 at 10:54 PM ^
Highly underrated. We didn't appreciate what we had.
August 16th, 2012 at 11:10 PM ^
Email me at [email protected].
August 16th, 2012 at 11:40 PM ^
So maybe Hugh Jass finally got an answer to his question.
August 17th, 2012 at 8:55 AM ^
So is it El Demonio, or really El Desmondio????
August 17th, 2012 at 2:33 PM ^
August 17th, 2012 at 6:00 PM ^
I've received no emails so far.
August 17th, 2012 at 12:45 AM ^
udually signed things like this are not worth squat, HOWEVA, with these being so unique and all I would guess there worth something. Very cool story, and cards.
August 17th, 2012 at 1:29 AM ^
August 17th, 2012 at 2:29 AM ^
I really love signed sports goods. I really love bizarre things like this that are signed. Its a reason I try and have players sign my ms paints. Just weird stuff. How did you come about the contact info? I have a few things I wouldn't mind sending out and giving it a chance.
August 17th, 2012 at 8:28 PM ^
Most of the guys were in the NFL that I sent to, so on team websites, just had to find some PR address, or some even had places to send fan-mail too. Harbaugh had just been hired at Stanford, so I sent it to their athletic department. Jaime Morris to the UM athletic department. I really wanted to send one to Gerald Ford, but he was in pretty poor health at the time, and his contact info basically said not to request autographs of any type.
The biggest detective work I had to do was for Biakabatuka, and I found out that he owned a couple of jewelry stores in the Charlotte area, so I sent the card to his store, and he got it back right away.
With each card I sent a letter, sharing a little about my life as an M fan, and a favorite memory I had of each player. I also tried to assure them each that these would be treasures of mine forever, and would NEVER show up for sale online anywhere.
August 18th, 2012 at 5:10 AM ^
Great info, thank you for sharing.
August 24th, 2012 at 10:34 AM ^
Varsity: Very cool idea and very cool that you got a bunch of responses. I'd like to copy your idea as I also own the playing cards. Could you email me some of your addresses to save me some time? My email is [email protected]. Thanks.
August 17th, 2012 at 10:08 AM ^
Awesome collection and pretty unique, very cool man!
August 17th, 2012 at 1:54 PM ^
I will be in Ann Arbor for the Air Force game - I would like to get a pack.
August 17th, 2012 at 2:10 PM ^
From the mfg website: http://www.herodecks.com/products/football-playing-cards-michigan-wolverine-fans
Not sure how long it will take to get them, though :)
August 17th, 2012 at 7:13 PM ^
August 18th, 2012 at 12:57 AM ^
August 18th, 2012 at 12:38 PM ^
August 19th, 2012 at 9:28 AM ^
The Steve Hutchinson (7 of spades) looks a lot like Chad Henne.
August 19th, 2012 at 11:17 AM ^
Very cool.
You should wait until next year's Greise/Hutchinson/Woodson event and get the rest signed. Most of the guys on your "still waiting" list have been to the last few of them. You could probably get them signed at Mott after the players visit patients there.
August 19th, 2012 at 5:39 PM ^
That's actually a very cool story...bro....
Had the cards for years, but yours are now, much cooler
August 22nd, 2012 at 9:36 AM ^
and jealous. well done, very cool collection.
August 24th, 2012 at 1:37 PM ^
I have those cards too, and I force my friends to learn some Michigan football history when they thought they were just coming over for game night.... They probably hate it, but I love it!
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