Big Will

With my newest Ebay purchase, I now have all 2014 NFL rookies from MSU.  William Gholston of Tampa Bay.  This card has him in MSU uniform and is the Sign of Times autograph insert from SP Authentic.

Big Will is my 207th Spartan football player and is placed between Steve Garvey and Kirk Gibson in my binders.  Yes. Garvey and Gibson. They both lettered in football as well as baseball at MSU

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Current Michigan State Offensive Lineman Travis Jackson carved out a niche in Spartan lore with his "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chants.  If you don't know Jackson borrowed the chant from WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan and used it as a celebration after a touchdown against Michigan and part of the post game celebration in the locker room after each MSU victory this past season.
I had been procrastinating in picking up this card from the 2010 Big 33 Ohio set, but since his "Yes. Yes. Yes" dance has become so popular, I could wait any longer in acquiring it.
Spartan Nation agrees:

And as for my collection, Jackson is #205 for MSU football players and is placed between Sedrick Irvin and Carlos Jenkins in my binders.

Welcome to the NFL Edwin Baker

Former Spartan running back Edwin Baker made his NFL debut during week 15 against the Chicago Bears.  Baker who was originally drafted by San Diego in the 2012 NFL draft has bounced around a few practice squad teams prior to his debut.
For the game, Baker rushed for 38 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown.  He also caught four passes for another 46 yards. 

2009 Razor All Amercan #8

This card is from the 2009 USA Army All American game that showcases high school seniors.  This is the first year that a set was produced for the game and one has been done for each year since.

Big Ten Champs!

MSU became Big Ten Champs when they defeated Ohio State 34-24 in the conference championship game this past Saturday.
Here is a couple football cards that I own from two of the stars of the game.
Quarterback Connor Cook was named the MVP of the game.  Cook threw for 304 yards and three touchdowns while going for 24 of 40 passing.

2011 Big 33 Ohio

Linebacker Denicos Allen made the play of the game on defense when he stopped OSU quarterback Braxton Miller on a fourth and short run late in the fourth quarter.

2009 Big 33 Ohio

These cards came from the Big 33 sets.  The Big 33 game is a high school game each year and is dubbed as the "Super Bowl of high school football".   It features the best high school seniors out of Pennsylvania against for what was many years the best out of Ohio.  Although, recently Maryland has taken Ohio's place in the game.   The first game was played in 1957 and has had many future Spartans particpate in the games such as Javon Ringer, Herb Adderley, Jeff Smoker, Brian Hoyer and Jerel Worthy.

Some not so good news on a former Spartan

NFL and it's problems with concussions and brain trauma has been all over the news lately.  Rightfully so, as we all need to be fully aware of this issue and find some solutions.  One of the former NFL players who has recently discovered to have a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is former Spartan Joe DeLamielleure.

1974 Topps

DeLamielleure was an All American offensive lineman for Michigan State in 1972 and went to play in the NFL from 1973-1985.  He was named to Pro Bowl six times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of fame in 2003.
Above is his 1974 Topps rookie card.  During his time in Buffalo, he was the Buffalo offensive line that was dubbed the "Electric Company", as they were the ones that turned "The Juice" (O.J. Simpson) on.

In the NFL record books

During the week nine game against the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback tied the NFL record of throwing seven touchdown passes in one game.
If you are unaware, Foles is a one time Spartan.  He was a part of the MSU football team, but never made it as a starter.  Kirk Cousins won the job and the transfer of then quarterback, Keith Nichol into the program,  Foles was the odd man out.  He decided to transfer to University of Arizona and had a successful career there.
Before leaving MSU, Foles did manage to play in one game, going 5-8 passing for 57 yards.  With Foles playing well in the NFL, I think it gives another example of how Coach Dantonio has an eye for talent.
Here is Nick Foles 2012 Topps Chome rookie card:

Newest member to MSU's Ring of Honor

Lost in the middle of the demolition of University of Michigan by MSU is that former linebacker Percy Snow was honored.  He became the latest member of the Ring of Honor

1990 Proset

Percy Snow was a star linebacker from 1986-89.  He was the starting middle linebacker on the 1987 Big Ten Championship and 1988 Rose Bowl winning teams.  For the 1989 season, he won All-American honors and became the first player ever to win the Lombardi and Butkus awards in the same season.
Snow was a first round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs and played for them for a several seasons.  Of course, he is also the older brother of Eric Snow who later starred on the MSU baskeball team.