Okay, it’s the off-season, and BFTB may be hurting for a little content. Therefore, the Golden Jersey series returns to the Front Page! But also because #53 has a couple of familiar names. Plus, in honor of some current members of the Chargers, this edition could be subtitled "Those Who Have Run-ins With the Law."
Charlie Brueckman, LB
Jim Campbell, LB
Mike Douglass, OLB
Chuck Faucette, ILB
Mike Guendling, OLB
Michael Hamilton, LB
Deon Humphrey, LB
Bob Laraba, QB-LB
David Lewis, LB
Drew Mahalic, LB
Chip Myrtle, LB
Ralph Perretta, G
Stacey Price, LB
Mel Rogers, LB
Dan Sartin, C
The Runner Up
Steve Foley, LB
53 wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Steve Foley and his untimely demise as a football player. Foley was acquired at a time when Charger fans were dubious of new management and what they could accomplish in free agency. I don’t think I was alone when I said, upon hearing of his signing, "Steve who??" But the legend of AJ was soon solidified as Foley proved to be a beast and a force coming off the edge. He amassed 10 sacks his first season with the Chargers, intercepted two passes, and forced 5 fumbles. After a fall-off in 2005 – for him as well as the entire team – Foley was looking forward to a rejuvenated 2006.
That fateful night in 2006 is well documented, so I won’t say much other than to re-stress the adage that nothing good can come from being out on the street at 3am. Fortunately, Foley is still alive. But it certainly was a sad and bitter way to end a football career.
The Winner
Courtney Hall, C
Courtney Hall is one of those rare NFL birds: brains to match the brawn. He played every game as a four-year starter at Rice – and still managed to graduate at the age of 20. (I’m pretty sure I drove by a college at the age of 20. So me and Hall are tight, right?)
Hall was drafted in the second round by the Chargers and played for them – and only them (see "key criteria for Golden Jersey consideration" in #52) – until 1996.
Statistics? We don’t need no stinkin’ statistics! Hall was a Center, and no team wins an AFC Championship unless there’s somebody snapping the ball.