The Return of Brian Bosworth – at least to collecting

It was 1988, children were flocking to the movies to see “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, Electronic Arts released its first version of “John Madden Football” for the Apple II, and football card collectors were after the 1988 Topps #144 Brian Bosworth rookie card. 

Bosworth is considered one of the best college football players to ever step foot on the field.  He is the only player ever to win the Dick Butkus Award two times.  While playing in college, Bosworth was used as one of their stongest players but when he got drafted by the Seahawks in 1987 they moved him more towards the weaker side.  He only played professional football from 1987 – 1989 with the Seattle Seahawks.  Although he played a short time in the NFL he did pretty well being the head of several defensive team categories and making the 1987 All-Rookie Team. 

Last year while I attended the 2007 National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, OH, one of the most popular products to open was 2007 Press Pass Legends football cards.  While opening my first of a few mini boxes I looked at the checklist and saw Brian Bosworth on it.  When I got home, while looking up some of the cards I pulled out I saw Brian Bosworth autographed cards with tons of bids on them.  I couldn’t believe some of the prices his autographs were bringing in.  Then this year I see that Press Pass brought him back for the 2008 set and Upper Deck has included him in their new Icons product.  Upper Deck Icons contains the very first Bosworth memorabilia cards.  Many people are buying his cards up left and right.  A lot of football fans, including ESPN, consider Bosworth to be one of the biggest flops in NFL history.  I guess collectors like him because he performed at his best in college, or maybe we’re seeing a new type of collector.  I never thought I would see the day where people collect NFL flops.  If this is all true, I can’t wait to see memorabilia cards of Ryan Leaf, Curtis Enis, and Heath Shuler.