Interview With Hardcore Collector AND Kicker Remy Hamilton
August 07, 2008

No one in the 22-year history of the Arena Football League has kicked more field goals than Remy Hamilton. Of course, no one in the league has as many trading cards, either. The fact of the matter is this: Hamilton, the former University of Michigan All-American, two-time AFL Kicker of the Year and current Dallas Desperado is a sports card freak.

From turn-of-the-century tobacco cards to Michael Jordan Rookies to the hottest new Donruss Playoff products, Hamilton loves it all, including talking just talking about trading cards. In this exclusive interview, he does just that.

Q. Can you give us one story that people haven't read about your famous game-winning kick against Notre Dame in 1994?

Most people don't know that the Notre Dame game was my very first start as a kicker at Michigan. I started the year before as a kickoff specialist, but only had one field goal attempt prior to that game. Furthermore, the coaching staff didn't decide who was going to start the game until pre-game warm-ups!

Q. Is there any justifiable excuse to miss the Michigan/Ohio State game?

Wow... my first reaction would be, "there is none." However, being a father, son and a good husband, there would only be two excuses which would cause me to miss (but always TiVo) a Michigan/OSU game: Severe Family Emergency or death in my immediate family.

Q. Who was your favorite playing growing up?

I had two growing up and they were both quarterbacks. When I was little (4 years old) Terry Bradshaw was my man; and when I got a little older (7 through college) I was a huge Dan Marino fan.

Q. Have you ever had the chance to meet either?

I've never met Terry Bradshaw, but I did have a chance to meet Dan the Man, and he was great.

Q. Did you ask for an autograph?

NO (laughing) I didn't ask for an autograph; but I have some sweet Donruss cards of his which have his autograph on them. I don't have any Terry Bradshaw.

Q. What got you into collecting?

It started out with those sticker books in the early '80s. Everyday I would go under the Boardwalk (I grew up in Wildwood, N .J. right across the street from the Boardwalk) to find change so I could buy the packs of stickers to fill my book.

Q. What is your Favorite Card or set of all-time?

That is a tough question for me because I am torn between the history of 1909-11 T-206 cards and 1986-87 Fleer Basketball. My favorite card, to this day, is a Pete Rose Rookie Card. My parents got it for me for Christmas when I was 8 years old.

Q. What was your best pull?

I think I used up all my luck on my beautiful wife and two amazing kids because I can't pull anything these days.

Q. Where do you get most of your trading Cards (Stores)?

I buy from two shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area. One is Lone Star Sport Cards where Blake, the owner, is very nice to me and my family. The other is Nick's Sports Cards, where Nick and Debbie have been great, as well.

Q. What was it like seeing yourself on a trading card for the first time?

That was one of the most exciting times for me. As a diehard collector and a professional athlete, it was a dream come true for me. But more importantly, as a father, my children love my cards and that is an amazing feeling.

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