1980 Topps Steve Grogan

Who is this? Former New England Patriots Quarterback Steve Grogan

What is this? An autograph card from 1980 Topps.
Where'd I get it? I got this card signed by Grogan at the 2011 Patriots' Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in September 2011.
How much did it cost? 5 or 10 cents for the card.

Why is this so special? Steve Grogan was (when healthy) the Patriots starting Quarterback from 1975 until 1990. After being drafted in the fifth-round of the 1975 NFL Draft out of Kansas State University, Grogan wasted no time and successfully overtook former Heisman Trophy Winner and Number-One Pick Jim Plunkett as New England's starting Quarterback.

In his second season, Grogan led the Patriots to an 11-3 record, the best season in franchise history and their first playoff appearance since 1963. In addition, Grogan set a NFL single-season record for Quarterbacks by rushing for 12 touchdowns. (The record stood for 35 years until Cam Newton rushed for 14 in 2011.)

Grogan went on to lead the Patriots to the playoffs again in 1978, 1982, and 1985. In 1985, Grogan completed 17 of 30 passes for 177 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions after relieving struggling starter Tony Eason in the Patriots' 46-10 loss to the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX in 1985.

When he retired in 1990, Grogan was the Patriots All-Time leader in passing yards (26,886) and passing touchdowns (182). Since then, Grogan has been honored as a member of the Patriots' 35th Anniversary Team in 1994, All-Decade Teams for the 1970s and 1980s, and elected to the Patriots' Hall-of-Fame in 1995. In addition, Grogan had his #11 retired and he was added to the Wildcats Football Ring of Honor at Kansas State

While his records have since been broked by Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady, Steve Grogan remains a fan favorite and Patriots' legend. He has returned that affection by being very friendly and generous to Patriots' fans and the community. Grogan brought his own sharpie to the Hall-of-Fame ceremony in September and seemed more than happy to sign autographs for fans of all ages.

Steve was nice enough to also sign a 1986 Topps card for my wife.