TTM Stats
- Sent: 8/31/2021 | Received: 4/18/2022 | 228 Days
- ’91 Score, ’91 Fleer Ultra
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Jarrod Bunch is one of those rare athletes whose career transcended the football field, transitioning successfully into a second career as an actor. While he made his mark in the NFL as a talented fullback, Bunch’s story is not just about football but also about perseverance, adaptability, and following new passions.
Born on August 9, 1968, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Jarrod Bunch grew up with a passion for sports, excelling in both football and track events during his high school years. He became a standout athlete at Ashtabula’s Edgewood High School, where his talents on the football field earned him a scholarship to the University of Michigan—one of the most storied programs in college football history.
At Michigan, Bunch played under legendary head coach Bo Schembechler. He was known for his powerful running and blocking as a fullback, contributing to the Wolverines’ potent rushing attack. Bunch was a critical part of the Michigan offense, paving the way for tailbacks while also showcasing his own running and receiving abilities. His size and athleticism made him an ideal fullback for Michigan’s ground-heavy offense. In 1990, during his senior year, Bunch was named team captain, a testament to his leadership and dedication. He rushed for 474 yards that season and scored eight touchdowns, helping lead Michigan to a Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
Bunch’s strong college career caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft (27th overall). The Giants were looking for a fullback who could replace Maurice Carthon and help solidify their offense. Bunch’s size, strength, and versatility made him a perfect fit.
Bunch’s early years in the NFL showed promise. He became a key contributor to the Giants’ rushing attack, both as a blocker and a ball carrier. His best season came in 1992 when he rushed for 501 yards and three touchdowns. However, his career was marred by injuries, which limited his ability to reach his full potential. Despite his talent and work ethic, a knee injury in 1993 cut his season short and eventually led to a premature end to his NFL career. In 1994, Bunch signed with the Los Angeles Raiders, but injuries continued to plague him, and after just one season, he retired from football at the age of 27.
Like many athletes, Bunch faced the challenge of finding a new direction after his football career ended. Rather than staying connected to the sports world, Bunch pursued a completely different passion: acting. He moved to Los Angeles and began studying acting, determined to make a name for himself in Hollywood. Bunch’s hard work paid off, and he began landing roles in both television and film. He appeared in popular TV shows such as “The West Wing”, “ER”, and “NYPD Blue”, as well as movies like “The Mod Squad” and “Biker Boyz”.
His presence as a former athlete added a unique dimension to his roles, particularly in action-oriented parts. While Bunch didn’t become a household name in Hollywood, his ability to successfully transition from professional sports to acting is a notable achievement. Many athletes struggle to find their footing after retiring from their sport, but Bunch’s determination to reinvent himself has been inspiring.
The Score on Jarrod Bunch – 7.5
Jarrod has a really “airy” signature. You can see that especially in his first name. He definitely signs in a way where the marker skips a bit. That’s best seen on the loopy parts of his signature. But these cards gave him a great opportunity to who off his signature. It is odd to see the generic helmet on both of these, but interesting that they each went a different way.
Thanks Mr. Bunch! I’m giving this return a 7.5
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.