Frank Reich

Sent: 9/16/11
Received: 2/11/12
Time: 148 Days
Address: c/o Indianapolis Colts
Item Sent: 1989 Score Supplemental, 1989 Topps Traded, 1991 Score
Item Received: 1989 Score Supplemental, 1989 Topps Traded, 1991 Score.  All signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
Frank Reich was one of the NFL's all-time great backup quarterbacks.  When I say that, I'm not talking about a Steve Young type (or even a Matt Schaub type) future star who was blocked by a star #1 quarterback.  I'm talking purely in terms of holding the clipboard, taking the reins for a few games when needed, and winning big ballgames.  His signature moment was his orchestration of the greatest comeback in NFL history.  Down 35-3 early in the third quarter against the Houston Oilers in the 1992 playoffs, Reich led the Bills on a 38-3 run to win the game in overtime, 41-38.  It was deja vu all over again for Reich, who in 1984 led his Maryland Terrapins to the biggest comeback in NCAA history.

This request was sent to the Colts, for whom he coached for the last several seasons.  He was let go after Indy's disastrous 2-14 season, but immediately found work as the new wide receivers coach (and possible Peyton Manning recruiter?) for the Arizona Cardinals.  The only bummer about this return are the smudges and thumbprints on each of the signatures.

Peyton Manning

Sent: 11/3/11
Received: 11/9/11
Time: 6 Days
Address: c/o PeyBack Foundation
Item Sent: 2006 Topps Heritage
Item Received: 2006 Topps Heritage, signed in blue Sharpie.

Notes:
All I can say is "Wow."  I hope it's real.  I'm pretty sure it's real.  The consensus in the forums on SCN is that returns through Manning's PeyBack Foundation are real.  In the past, it has reportedly been a crapshoot.  If you're extremely lucky, you'll get the item you sent in personally signed by Peyton.  If you're lucky, you'll get a genuinely autographed 5x7 photo, but the item you sent will be returned unsigned.  And, if you're unlucky, you get a pre-printed facsimile autographed photo.  However, with Manning's injury that has kept him out of action all season, he apparently has more time to answer fan mail.  If it is really his signature, he's easily the highest profile athlete on the planet who does this.  Amazing!

Jeff George

Sent: 10/19/11
Received: 10/28/11
Time: 9 Days
Address: Home
Item Sent: 1990 Fleer, 1990 Score Traded, 1999 Ultra
Item Received: 1990 Fleer, 1990 Score Traded, 1999 Ultra.  All signed and personalized in blue Sharpie.  His own Indianapolis Colts photo card, signed on back in black gel pen.

Notes:
I'm very excited and pleased about this return, even though it does leave a bit of a smirk on my face.  Journeyman Jeff George - the former #1 overall pick, whose attitude wore out its welcome for three different organizations before he arrived in Minnesota in 1999 to back up Randall Cunningham  - beautifully signed and personalized all three cards.  He also added his own Colts card and signed on the back "Be confident! Always give 110%!"  I'm a big Jeff George fan, but if that doesn't make you laugh a little bit, you were not really paying attention to the NFL in the nineties.

Pete Metzelaars

Sent: 9/24/11
Received: 10/5/11
Time: 11 Days
Address: c/o Indianapolis Colts
Item Sent: 1987 Topps, 1988 Topps, 1990 Pro Set, 1990 Topps
Item Received: 1987 Topps, 1988 Topps, 1990 Pro Set, 1990 Topps.  All signed in black Sharpie.

Notes:
Pete Metzelaars was a giant 6'7" tight end whose arrival in Buffalo coincided with the Bills ascendance to AFC dominance in the late 1980s and early 1990s.  Although he was primarily a blocker (and a damn good one), he still managed to retire as the Bills all-time leader in receptions by a tight end.  He is now the offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts.