2003 Topps All-American Fabric of the Game Ty Warren

Who is this? Former New England Patriots Defensive Lineman Ty Warren
What is this? An autograph card from 2003 Topps All-American Fabric of America.
Where'd I get it? I got this card signed by Ty Warren at Patriots' Training Camp in 2003.
How much did it cost? I pulled this card from a blaster box of 2003 Topps All-American in 2003.

Why is this so special? Ty Warren was the Patriots first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Warren made an immediate impact, playing in every game his rookie season, including the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII. The next year, Warren became a starting defensive end on the Patriots' team that won Super Bowl XXXIX.

Although he did not become as popular as his fellow Patriots' defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork, Warren was a team leader and key piece of the Patriots' potent defenses. Warren was elected a team captain in 2007, earned All-Pro honors in 2007, and was named to the Patriots All-2000s Decade Team.

Regarded by coaches and teammates as a hard worker and a dedicated member of the community, Warren's career suffered a steep decline due to injuries beginning in 2009, when he missed most of five games because of injuries. The injury bug found Warren again in 2010, when a hip injury during training camp forced him to miss the entire season. After being released by the Patriots on July 29, 2011, Warren signed with the Denver Broncos, but missed his second consecutive season, this time with a tricepts injury.

Given his recent injury history, I think that it is fair to question whether or not Warren will ever again play in an NFL game. But, regardless of what happens in the future, Warren will always have a place as a fan favorite and productive member of the Patriots' 2000s Dynasty.

I was lucky enough to get Ty to sign at least one card almost every summer at Patriots Training Camp, but the signed 2003 Topps All-American Fabric of the America card is my favorite. Unlike some of the other cards that he signed, his signature is clear, easy to see, and well-placed on the Fabric of America card. In addition, I really like that the game-used jersey piece is from a painted part of the jersey and that you can see the white paint. Here are three more cards that Ty signed for me over the years: