Hobby "Watters" Run Deep #TBT
30 is a big number when it comes to years (and kickers)
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Maybe it’s because another NFL season is winding down, but my gridiron collectibles radar seems to be on high alert this week. That’s especially true when something “vintage” and timely sprints across my field of vision.
To wit, take a look at the cover the January 1993 issue of Beckett Football Card Monthly:
When you get a chance to catch your breath after you realize that was THIRTY years ago this month, you might have a follow-on reaction along the lines of, “I forgot about Watters! Is he in the Hall of Fame yet?”.
He’s not. And, while Watters is probably not the BEST running back still outside of Canton, only four guys who rushed for more yards than his 10,643 and have been retired at least five years are also still waiting for the call: Fred Taylor, Steven Jackson, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn.
Back in early 1993, Watters was finishing up a 1000-yard “rookie” season that would help the 49ers to a 14-2 record and a first-round playoff win before dropping the NFC Championship Game to the Dallas Cowboys.
That helped set his 1991 rookie cards to “HOT” even though he was out of the running for Rookie-of-the-Year type awards. Watters was drafted in ‘91, not ‘92, but injuries kept him from ever appearing in a game for the 1991 Niners.
Today, the 1991 Stadium Club issue is probably the most popular of all Watters RCs, but even that one sells for under $50 in PSA 10 condition.
As for that old Beckett?
Well, besides “Running” doing what he did best, there’s the pure intimidation of Lawrence Taylor on the back cover, the usual Beckett staples like the hot/cold list and the price guide with up/down arrows, and a slew of player profiles, Watters included.
It’s a fun hobby time machine if you can get over the shock of just how long ago it all was. You can usually find plenty of copies for sale on eBay (affiliate link) for under $10 a pop (sometimes under $5).
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